eating program(newbie)

[webcrawlette]

i am trying to find a workable eating program. i have just started a great exercise program and i am loving it. but i need to get the eating thing in order. i have tried the atkins, etc.... does anyone have any other suggestions?

[lindrusso]

Welcome webcrawlette!

I encourage you to sift through many of the "HLSG" threads (it's a little support group we have going on this board for those of us trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle) - you will find many conversations about healthy eating.

I think it's safe to say that many of us do not subscribe to "diets" per se, but to a lifestyle change that includes healthy eating and exercise. The word "diet" to me means something temporary. To succeed in the long term (a diet may take the weight off, but once you go off the diet, it will just come back), I belive you need to change how you eat - forever.

Personally, I try to cook low-fat for every day cooking, watch what I eat, etc. However, I do not believe in totally depriving myself and will cook without regard to fat grams and calories for special occasions as well as indulge my cravings (but not too often http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif ).

I also do not believe in eating habits that involve cutting out a food groups entirely - such as the low-carb or no-carb diets. A well-rounded, low-fat diet is what works for me. I also find that "diets" that are too restrictive (no sweets, no alcohol, etc.) do not work for me because it's just NOT realistic that I will NOT eat sweets - if I tried I'd just end up bingeing! So, I think it's a matter of educating yourself about the foods you eat (caloric and fat contents), learning how to cook low-fat (Cooking Light is GREAT for that) and everything in moderation.

This is a topic that could take up many, many pages, but those are the basics that I have come to believe are best.

[LGBurns]

So well put lindrusso. Just wanted to add that one of the easiest ways I've found to keep on a low-fat diet is to be conscious of eating only 30% calories from fat. It's so easy to just look at an item I am about to eat (for example, gulp, an Eskimo Pie) and see how many total calories there are and then how many calories from fat (in the above case probably something like 80%!) and then judge whether I should eat it. If you only have the total fat grams and not the actual number of calories from fat, just multiply the grams by 10 and you'll have a rough estimate of the amount of calories from fat. You probably already know all this but just in case you didn't wanted to share. And obviously, I sometimes will have something (like Java Chip ice cream) that is more than 30% calories from fat but then I'll try to make up for it in other things I eat. As lindrusso said: "everything in moderation."

[kwormann]

I would also recommend Weight Watchers...their program encourages you to eat what you want, eat healthy food and count points to help you stay within the recommended fat and calories for healthy weight loss. There is no diet program.

[mightyh]

I've had success in journaling my eating habits (fat and calories) for a few "normal" days then cutting back on both reasonably... I also have learned I need to watch portion sizes.

I was eating way too much fat and too big portions. Now I still journal my eating habits and have a target calorie zone (about 1500) and a target fat zone (between 25 and 35) for each day and I've really seen some results.

I also think the "under 30% of calories from fat" is a good way to look at your food usually.

[SusieO]

I am a Lifetime Member, devotee and huge fan of Weight Watchers. I think it's a great program because it's easy to follow and allows a great deal of flexibility. Also, it's a plan you can follow for a very long time as you maintain your weight.

[pammy]

I also would recommend WW for someone who is learning how to eat in a healthy way. It is an investment in time and money, but if you commit yourself to following their recommendations, it is worth it. It places an emphasis on portion sizes (my big problem area) and the content of what you are eating. You can eat anything as long as you eat it in moderation and save enough points to do it. Once you learn how to use their program, counting points and being aware of what you eat becomes second nature. You can learn more about it at their website, not sure of the address, but just type in "weightwatchers" into a search engine. And congratulations on your exercise program!!!