What do you find most successful when you want to lose weight?

[LillianRose]

All of my life I have been skinny. You know the one everyone hates because you can eat a whole pizza, have a sundae for dessert and never gain an ounce. Gained 20 lbs with each pregnancy had 7 lb babies and got right back in my clothes. Hate me yet?

Well, my eat anything, love good food lifestyle is now catching up to me...menopause, middle age, call it what you will but I can't eat whatever I want anymore and as a result of 45 years of no portion control needed, I never know when to stop.

As a result, I have found meal replacement the way to go. If I have a shake for breakfast (and my shakes fill me up) that's breakfast and I go on with my day. Shake for lunch or dinner and the one meal I do have tends to just be smaller. The nutritional density tends to keep me from craving too much food and the fiber makes sure everything "moves along"

I have to say it is the only thing that works for me. I'd like to know if others out there have similar experiences...what works and what doesn't...comments?

[Amy Jacobs]

The only thing that works for me its daily exercise. I eat what I want (watch portion size) no red meats either and work out I love sweets! Those are my down fall I love to bake also. Breads, cookies, brownies, cheesecakes, cakes I love it all!

~Amy

[LorettaA]

I prefer the shakes as well. I have always been bad about skipping meals and then not eating healthy. Often I don't want to take the time to eat, much less fix something. The shakes give me nutrition and help keep me feeling full. Then, when I have time, I can make a healthier food choice as far as snacks and meals since I don't have that "I'm starving" feeling.

It's funny because some people think they can't possibly feel full drinking shakes, but I find when I'm out of shakes I eat way more food and I'm always feeling hungry.

I also have to exercise, but I don't mind exercising. Love Zumba! It's getting my eating straight that has always been the most challenging.

I gained a lot of weight when I was pregnant. I haven't gotten back to my original weight in 10 years. I don't know if I ever will but I'd be happy just to lose 40 more pounds.

[LillianRose]

You are right Loretta,

People may not believe it but a good quality meal replacement shake with plenty of protein and fiber will fill you up. And keep you from having that "I need to stuff something in my mouth because I'm starving" feeling.

If anyone take time to think about it, how much protein and fiber are they getting from the average "solid" meal. They may be shocked to see how little!

[SassyMommy]

I do hate you..Just kidding I have had issues with my weight since after my first was born. The only thing I have found that worked is eating low carb. I eat lots of veggies and beef/chicken/pork. I don't have cravings any more. I cook for my family, bake, and eat out. I just make different choices. I have lost 44 pounds since July 5th and feel better with more energy then I have had in the last 10 years. Of course I think alot of it is also my mindset. I just see food now as something to fuel my body and don't give it much else thought.

[LorettaA]

Originally Posted by SassyMommy

I do hate you..Just kidding I have had issues with my weight since after my first was born. The only thing I have found that worked is eating low carb. I eat lots of veggies and beef/chicken/pork. I don't have cravings any more. I cook for my family, bake, and eat out. I just make different choices. I have lost 44 pounds since July 5th and feel better with more energy then I have had in the last 10 years. Of course I think alot of it is also my mindset. I just see food now as something to fuel my body and don't give it much else thought.

That's great Lee Ann. Congrats on your weight loss. I'm sure you do feel so much healthier.

I also understand the mindset thing. I grew up in the "clean your plate" generation. You don't waste food. Now I just make sure my plate doesn't have as much on it. It's hard with restaurants sometimes because they give outrageous proportions. I've had to leave my food on the table before and I felt guilty. I remember hearing, don't waste your food there are people out there starving who would appreciate your food. Now I order double veggies or take a portion home, but salads tend to get soggy by the next day. I'm learning to request smaller versions of meals.

[LorettaA]

Originally Posted by LillianRose

You are right Loretta,

People may not believe it but a good quality meal replacement shake with plenty of protein and fiber will fill you up. And keep you from having that "I need to stuff something in my mouth because I'm starving" feeling.

If anyone take time to think about it, how much protein and fiber are they getting from the average "solid" meal. They may be shocked to see how little!

I hate that feeling! I know I don't get what I need in my solid meals because that feeling comes right back if I skip the protein/fiber.

[andr117]

Honestly the most amazing thing in the question of loosing weight is why you want to do this for yourself. Such question should be asked before joining that loosing weight arrangement and if you don't know the answer it would be better to quit. So I'm sure that raw eating is the most successful thing in it.

[badenglishmajor]

I try to eat things that have lots of protein. I'll eat eggs for breakfast and a piece of chicken for lunch. Protein fills me up and helps me eat less. I haven't had much success with diet shakes because an hour after I drink it, I feel hungry again.

Also, I drink water every 2-3 hours to help keep me full and hydrated.

[Healthymom33]

Watching my sugar intake and moving more than I am consuming that always shifts any few pounds I may have needed to lose.