As I've mentioned a million gazillion times on here, I joined Sparkpeople.com in January.
Since joining, I've lost about four pounds simply by consciously deciding whether I'm hungry or not. When I quit going out to eat with my co-workers every day, I half expected the pounds to fall off. But they didn't, and that's fair. When I joined SP and started tracking what I eat, I realized it was never really what I ate, but more the portions that packed the pounds on.
I think part of America's issue with obesity is that we dine together as a social outing versus throwing a frisbee in the local park or going to the beach, or even a museum.
When I started eating predominantly for purpose rather than pleasure, I realized not only was I beginning to feel more satisfied with my meals, they were more savory, and they resulted in an uplifted energy level when looked at in comparison to my old ways.
It's amazing how a simple change like listening to your body and knowing the difference between feeling hungry and feeling thirsty. . . or worse, the difference between feeling hungry and feeling bored.
I haven't cut any foods out of my eating style. In fact, I had Moe's and Zaxby's in one day. Granted, that's obscene regardless of dieting, but I had been working all day long (and had a salad at Zaxby's).
I eat ice cream, but just half a cup.
I eat Hershey Kisses, but only a couple.
Nothing is suffering, especially myself. I've never been happier. I've found a way to consciously maintain a healthy eating style and not miss out on anything. It's fantastic.
I think it has a lot to do with actually considering my meals before I eat them. I get the impression that is something a lot of Americans (people in general), including my old self, do. We don't consider what we're eating. And how much. And that, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, is precisely leads to overweightness.
And starting soon, I'll be hitting the gym again on a regular basis. I'm happy with the way and rate at which I've already started losing weight, but I honestly can't wait to kick start a serious exercise regimen to see the inches come off too!
Since joining, I've lost about four pounds simply by consciously deciding whether I'm hungry or not. When I quit going out to eat with my co-workers every day, I half expected the pounds to fall off. But they didn't, and that's fair. When I joined SP and started tracking what I eat, I realized it was never really what I ate, but more the portions that packed the pounds on.
I think part of America's issue with obesity is that we dine together as a social outing versus throwing a frisbee in the local park or going to the beach, or even a museum.
When I started eating predominantly for purpose rather than pleasure, I realized not only was I beginning to feel more satisfied with my meals, they were more savory, and they resulted in an uplifted energy level when looked at in comparison to my old ways.
It's amazing how a simple change like listening to your body and knowing the difference between feeling hungry and feeling thirsty. . . or worse, the difference between feeling hungry and feeling bored.
I haven't cut any foods out of my eating style. In fact, I had Moe's and Zaxby's in one day. Granted, that's obscene regardless of dieting, but I had been working all day long (and had a salad at Zaxby's).
I eat ice cream, but just half a cup.
I eat Hershey Kisses, but only a couple.
Nothing is suffering, especially myself. I've never been happier. I've found a way to consciously maintain a healthy eating style and not miss out on anything. It's fantastic.
I think it has a lot to do with actually considering my meals before I eat them. I get the impression that is something a lot of Americans (people in general), including my old self, do. We don't consider what we're eating. And how much. And that, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, is precisely leads to overweightness.
And starting soon, I'll be hitting the gym again on a regular basis. I'm happy with the way and rate at which I've already started losing weight, but I honestly can't wait to kick start a serious exercise regimen to see the inches come off too!
Comments
After I had my first baby, I stayed home and suddenly got skinny. Had no clue at first why, but then I realized that I wasn't snacking all day long, like I used to.
I also stopped taking birth control, which made my metabolism speed up.
Anyways, good for you! I can't stand dieting and feel bad for people who do it. People, we NEED chocolate. LOL :-)
Have fun at the gym! And go you for eating smart, instead of starving of yourself. :-)