HELP ME !!! I'm suffering through my diet of now 3 weeks.?

Question

I'm overweight, hign end of 270lbs, and recently I had a small yet considerable medical concern regarding my heart. It was strongly suggested I lose weight, so I engaged in a the South Beach Diet. Happily I lost almost 15 lbs over the first 3 weeks but I have my struggles.

I love cheeseburgers, pizza, and many other not so good for you foods (major problem..I know) At times I wish I could have a small sampling of my old favorites then "get back to work on my diet" .
Some may call that a setback, others may say small allowances may kill the crave and actually help my overall goals.

I'm not miserable in my efforts, but boy do I really have a craving for a lunch a McDonalds, or two slices of my favorite pizza.

Is going cold turkey against my cravings eventually gonna cause me to quit my diet (a past trend of mine)?

Answer 1

I believe the "going cold turkey" approach is not the sanest one to undertake. I have lost over 40 pounds since Easter Sunday this year. I did it because I was beginning to have several health related issues cropping up (hypertension, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes) and I am only 50 years old. I decided that I would NOT diet, rather make a lifestyle change that I would keep for the rest of my life. Therefore, I had to build in things that would make it maintainable for quite some time (hopefully!). That means that I DO have an occasional slice of pizza. I have also had a kids meal from McDonalds. All of this is manageable as long as you don't do it every day or every week. And if you STOP before it gets out of control. I truly believe that if this is to be a long term solution then these "allowances" need to be built in.

Answer 2

Any diet that is so strict that you will not be able to maintain it indefinitely is unsound. You should choose a diet that you are comfortable with, because you will need to keep it forever (or else you will only gain back to the weight and then some). However, I wouldn't recommend satiating your hunger with McDonalds, since that food is unhealthy for you in numerous ways (not only for weight). Two slices of your favorite pizza, as a reward for training hard and keeping your diet healthy most of the time, is perfectly acceptable. Again, when you think diet, you have to think long-term. Changes have to be permanent, not temporary until you lose the weight you want. Cheating, though, should be minimal and portions should be kept well under control.

If you're still craving McDonalds, watch the documentary "Supersize Me" and see if you still want those french fries.

Answer 3

First off, congratulations on seriously taking a step in the right direction; it sounds like you have really made a commitment to your health and that is awesome.

Now, concerning your question, absolutely man, have that lunch, eat that pizza, give in! Just, you know...not too much.

The thing is, you have to think about your new way of eating as not simply a diet, but a lifestyle...Do you really not want pizza and certain foods to be a part of your new life? Of course not! You would go nuts.

So have your favorite foods every once in a while; its all relative anyway, I mean, say you eat 2600 calories one day, but only wanted to eat 2200...well, eat 2100 the next day, 2000 the day after that, and 2100 the third day...Now you have consumed the exact same amount of calories, just over a four-day period. Does that make sense?

Anyway, I probably could have just said "Yeah man, go for it," but I felt like rambling on...

Good luck!

Answer 4

Well I personally dont believe in diets like the South Beach Diet for example....those are fad diets...you will not stay on it forever and once you go off of it and go back to carbs you will gain a lot more than you started with....those no carb and low carb diets are for quick weight loss. I have tried several diets....I will tell you to be quite honest the only thing that has ever worked for me is excercise....when you excercise you find yourself feeling guilty for eating certain foods....you dont want to spoil all that hard work. Even if it is just walking 30 min-an hr a day! In a few days you will notice you dont want to eat fatty foods and you will also see that you dont want to miss a day of walking or working out. It will work!!! Just take it slow...and I do believe you should give in to your cravings once in a while its all about portion and moderation! Good Luck and just dont be suprised or upset if you gain all of your weight back when you are off of that diet. Go the natural and healthy route!

Answer 5

Why not just eat whatever you want as long as you stay under your calorie limit. at 270 you should consume about 2500 calories a day and just eat whatever you want as long as you stay under 2500 calories. like a double cheeseburger from mcdonalds is 440 so take that away from 2500 then you have 2060 for the rest of the day. two normal slices of pepperoni pizza is 300 calories a slice which will be 600 calories. take 2060 minus 600 you get 1460 left for the day. i have been doing this for about a month now and i have lost about 21 pounds so far.

Answer 6

I appplaud your efforts because losing weight is diccicult. that being said, when you have sworn to make a life change, it should be just that. one of my friends once told me, dont go on a diet, go on a live it. you have chosen to change your life by the way you eat and exercise: good for you! just remember that promise you have made to yourself and you will persever. but just so you know, simply because you are on a diet does not mean you have to give up the foods you love. there are plenty of healthy remakes of your favorite foods, which i reccomend you employ. if you deny a craving entirely for too long, a binge will result. indulge in a healthful way and prove that you are making a change.
PS, Watch "Supersize Me" for added help. I have not eaten in ANY fast food place in over two years. Good luck and god speed.