How can I cange my lifestyle so that I do not eat as much?

Question

I'm trying to loose weight and haven't been able to make much progress but can't seem to eat less. I've changed my eating habits a bit but not good enough. How can I change them to the rightg way for good?

Answer 1

In order to make any of those changes permanent, you need to continually work at it. It gets easier to do, but it always takes some degree of self control to prevent yourself from sliding back into you old eating habits.

While you are dieting, make sure that you continue to eat the foods you love. Just make sure that high calorie/fat/etc. foods are eaten in small doses. If you are the kind of person who simply *must* have chocolate every day, make sure that you allow room in your diet for you to have a couple piece of a hershey bar each day.

The key to overcoming hunger is to snack on foods that are high in volume but low in calories. Rice patties and popcorn (no butter!) are excellent snack choices, as are fruits and veggies. Make sure that you always have these snacks available and ready to eat. Have some baby carrots or some other raw veggie or fruit that you like in the refrigerator washed, cut and ready to be eaten.

The reason most people eat unhealthily is because unhealthy foods are easier to eat. A bag of chips or a box of cookies are easier to open and eat than preparing a salad. If you can mitigate this fact by having healthy alternatives already prepared, it makes it easier to stick to your diet.

It is entirely natural at the start of a diet for you to prefer unhealthy foods to more healthy foods. Just stick with it! After about 8 weeks, a person's tastes usually change sufficiently so that the more healthy alternatives begin to be as preferable as the unhealthy ones.

Answer 2

I don't think there is any way you can be successful over the long term unless you get in some regular exercise. I favor the elliptical units (like Nordic Track), as they cause less wear and tear on the ankles and knees. You want to make sure you don't have any heart problems and get your heart rate up for about 20 minutes a day. Drink a lot of water, stay well hydrated and don't eat just before bed.

Answer 3

First of all, make sure that you are also incorporating exercise into your lifestyle change, not just dieting.

Also, try stopping eating when you're full, not just to finish your plate. I often eat half of what I get in a restaurant and save the other half for another meal. (Restaurant portions are WAY too big). Also, remember it's okay to allow yourself the special treats you like, as long as you keep them as "special treats". If you try to prohibit yourself from the tasty things, you'll only give in and binge on them later, and that's what's bad for you.

Remember, anything is okay in small doses, but it's the overindulgence of anything, no matter what it is, that hurts you.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Different methods suit different people. Everyone's on about exercise (which IS a big factor!), but there are simpler things you can do. Drink plenty water (if that doesn't appeal, stick some lo sugar fruit juice in), especially before you eat - not only does it make you feel less hungry, it flushes out some of the toxins (that'll help your skin too!). And did you know that the 'thirst' mechanism in our bodies is so compromised by modern diets that we often mistake it for hunger? Don't know where I read that, but it sounds about right to me!

Answer 5

More fruits and vegetables,less candy and soda(sweet drinks including juice) moderate carbs and 6 oz of meat per meat serving. You may also try walking and some exercise as dieting alone will not have results as quickly nor last as long.20-30 Min. 3 times a week are considered appropriate exercise.

Answer 6

One thing that has helped me eat less, but feel full is to chew each mouthful longer. Also, put my fork down and drink water between bites. It feels unnatural when you first do it, but after a while it becomes second nature. Also, at restaurants, I get a to go box when the food comes and put half of it in there before I start eating. Good luck!

Answer 7

try buying only the things that are good for you when you go shopping, cut down on the time you spend doing things that make you want to eat like watching tv, sitting at the pc, etc. try to stay busy cleaning or etc. decrease your portions gradually rather than drastically as it will make you feel more hungry and you will tend to eat more. drink lots of water to fill you up before you eat, good luck

Answer 8

Try having small healthy meals/snacks every 2-3 hours. You're body will feel fuller faster and your metabolism will work harder which will equal weight loss.

Answer 9

I would eat more fibrous foods - like fresh fruit and vege's, also whole grain - it really does fill you up! Don't forget the water before a meal...

Answer 10

Try getting people to help you and when they see you eating the wrong food they would tell you to stop