New in Idaho

I appreciate your questions because they make me think through things.

My biggest problem is cheese. So I've warned the kids that I'm going to stop buying that as much. I'm fine with a little bit in a menu here and there, but it's too easy for me to grab it when I want a snack. So that will be more limited in my kitchen. The storage freezer is a good place to put things, too. I forget they are there or don't want to go find them. It really is a matter of habit. My fridge is full of good, healthy food. I just need to keep building the habits of eating that instead of the other. I've come along ways, but there's still work to do.

One thing too is to not let myself get too hungry before I eat. It's harder to stick with it when I'm hungry. The good foods are keeping me full better so that's helping. Just last week I had one day when I was out and about around lunch time and didn't want what I knew was in my fridge. What I was tempted to do was get a burger, but it was furthest away. So as I drove I talked to myself and tried to find a better choice. I almost got a veggie delite at subway, but remembered that I've been wanting to try Great harvest sandwiches. So I got a hummus and veggie sandwich there instead. They do put cheese on it and I decided the cheese was too over powering so next time I'll tell them to leave the cheese off.

And let's face it...the family is a huge problem. It's better now that hubby is onboard, although he still will slip up over the weekends and bring stuff home. The kids do that too... more often than just weekends. Son #3 brought home ice cream tonight, but I'm proud of myself. I had eaten dinner and wasn't hungry so I tasted one bite and that was it. Soon I'm going to try some homemade sorbet.

I think once I get past the craving stage for cheese I will do better. I tried eating a very restrictive diet a few years ago and found there were two things I really really missed. Beans (I can eat all of them I want and I LOVE them) and cheese. I can tell differences in my body when I eat too much cheese so I'm really trying to watch it. I grew up being a huge milk drinker, but over the years I've cut back on that so much that it isn't a problem to give that up. And meat of any kind never thrilled me. Fish least of all. I grew up eating about 2 ounces of meat per day. I realized quite a while ago that I eat the meat more for the seasoning than anything else.

Edited by: AJHONDRNGAL at: 7/30/2012 (23:38)

So what is it that you find so appealing about animal products -- can you make meal plans that are tempting and so you don't go off of them because you already have the foods in the house or are you living with others with temptation all around or often eating out? What are the situations where you find yourself grabbing animal products? We need to find ways to avoid these tempting situations -- I have a friend who will complain about her weight until the cows come home but as soon as we are out having a drink will try to talk me into french fries. Thankfully they don't usually tempt me and I can talk her out of them but have you identified weak times and foods that tempt you more than others? Maybe with some facts on where it is hard for you I can offer some strategies (which you can take with a grain of salt because I have my own weight loss goal but I am a pound closer this week than I was last...)

I wrote a blog on the subject called Lessons from Running.

As for sticking with this way of eating...

Back then I had never been overweight although I thought I was. My profile photo is from that time of my life. I didn't realize at that time that eating the native Honduran diet was so good for me. That didn't come until I saw the naturopath for the first time and he told me that rice and corn are two of the best foods for me to eat. Then I realized why the Honduran diet had been so good. So, now I just need to change my habits and get the job done. And now I know I need to keep eating this way.


Edited by: AJHONDRNGAL at: 7/30/2012 (21:03)

Welcome!
Good for you for getting back on the horse. I've read some Dr. Mac, but not that one, although I do have a friend for whom it has been a blessing. What do you think you'll do differently this time to make it "stick?"

-Rheyn

Total SparkPoints: 75,552

	60,000 64,999 69,999 74,999	79,999
SparkPoints Level 18

He teaches a vegan diet. I feel I need to get back to eating mostly vegan with just a tiny bit of dairy occasionally. I ate that way for 16 months while living in Honduras (in my 20's) and came home healthier than I've ever been.

I seem to get off track when I start seeing success. I'll lose 3 pounds and then loosen up and lose focus. I'm not sure if it's a fear of something or what. Maybe just doubts that I can really do it since all my previous attempts failed.

Edited by: AJHONDRNGAL at: 7/29/2012 (19:00)

I am not familiar with the book but if it is not the food what is it? Does it have you eliminate starch?

Edited by: JAZZYJAS at: 7/29/2012 (17:15)

Hi all. I have recently been reading John McDougall's book "The Starch Solution" and I know it's what I need to do for my health and weight loss, but I'm having a hard time sticking with it. It's not because of the food. I love the food. I'll be pondering the issue, but sure could use some help staying motivated.