The one millionth please help with my eating habits thread!

Hannah_

I know that there are probably hundreds of these threads but here's another one (sorry!).

I havn't got a lot of weight to lose compared to a lot of people, 10lbs give or take a few... basically I just want to get healthy. I am 19, 5ft2 and 121lbs and although this puts me into the healthy weight category on the BMI scale I feel, look and eat far from healthy! And I know that if I keep going like this I will cease to be in that category..
I've tried losing weight several times but I just keep reverting back to my old ways: bread bread and more bread. I KNOW that this isn't healthy in the slightest but I just can't seem to control my eating habits.

I was just wondering if anyone give me any advice on what to do... I know what is healthy and that I should be eating whole foods but I can't seem to find the right balance between starving myself and going way overboard

Advice would be hugely appreciated!

El_Dangeroso

Where do you fall down? Describe me the experience of falling headlong into bad food.

Are you starving? Did you eat enough that day? Did something upset you? Do you eat the same boring healthy foods over and over? Do you feel deprived?

Is it just bread that you specifically crave? If so it could be a need for B vitamins, betaine or just carbs. Or is it the texture?

Hannah_

Thanks so much for the reply

I think it's a combination of a few of those, but probably the biggest factor is that I can't think of many different healthy meals to eat And I'm getting bored of eating the same things again and again.
Just after christmas I changed my eating habits completely and stayed healthy for about 2 months and lost about 8 lbs and then I don't know what happened I just piled all the weight back on plus a couple of extra pounds... now I just seem to have in my head that I can't do it and nothing will work. I know that that attitude won't help me but it's just so hard to get rid of it!

Normally it would be just bread but if there is chocolate in the cuboards I would crave then eat that definitely... I just make a point not to have it there in the first place!

Another problem would be if I'm at a friends house or visiting someone and they've baked something and they offer me it I feel AWFUL saying no as if I don't like it or something... so I just end up eating it and then the day goes downward from there cause I think I've messed up once so I may as well just binge. Is there anyway I can just say no without looking rude? Also if I'm with a group of people and they're all buying chocolate or something they'll say something like 'Are you not going to have anything?' or they would point out that my lunch is really small and ask is that all I'm going to eat.. and on that point, how big should a salad be!? I really have no idea when it comes to portions of a salad but I'd be fine knowing how much to eat of a cooked meal..

El_Dangeroso

I have the same problems from time to time so I wish I could offer you a magic bullet!

The biggest tip I can give you is try and rid yourself of the 'all or nothing' attitude. It's not one bit of unhealthy food that derails your progress, it's the 'feck it' attitude that ensues. Go easy on yourself, aim for healthy but be really happy if you stick to it 80% of the time.

If you do know you're gonna be in a situation that you're tempted, eat a big healthy meal beforehand.

Know what your stand-by meals are eating out. Plan plan plan. Write down what you're going to eat a few days in advance, even if you don't follow it exactly you'll do better than just hoping things will go well.

As for variety, I get around this by cycling protein heavy days with carb heavy days, you get sick of one and then are happy to have the other for a while.

Write down a list of reasons you want to lose weight and stick it on the fridge.

As for friends, they feel bad when they see you eating healthy as it makes them feel guilty that you are not. Just take a bit on your plate and sneak it in the bin when they're not looking if you have to! You'll feel sooo much better afterwards when you've stuck to healthy food.

We live in a very fattening food environment so don't feel bad to feel 'abnormal' about eating what makes you feel best. 'Normal' nowadays isn't very healthy.

Best of luck!

kc83

Hi Hannah, I think Im in the same boat as you.....I had a bad weekend eating everythin around me, and Im still binging cuz I dont go to weight watchers til Thurs, I said I might aswell have one bad week rather than one bad weekend!!!
I know it sounds boring, but I find snacking on carrots Great, their sweet. Also if you love crisps like me, I find salt and Vin rice cakes brill. Also, after dinner, its good to have something sweet so I eat Sugar free Jelly, low fat custard and merigue nest, with some pineapple and peach. Its yummy and it keeps you full for the night!!!
My down fall is quick and easy recipies as Im not great cook and I LOVE pasta and bread like you!!! Weight watchers bread is good too...one slice is one point so maybe you could make a switch to this??Its the little things really, like instead of sugar, use sweetner!! Im babbling!!! I should use more of my own advice!!! I just feel as though I know where your coming from as I can be really good for a month and get one week of binge!!!

metamorphosis

One thing to do that i think is a good step is that if you slip up, for example, on a friday afternoon, don't go and say - 'feck it, il start afresh on Monday' : just eat normally from your next meal onwards. You will be happy you did on the Saturday and delighted on the Monday.

Like El D said; it's not the slip up on the friday like i used in the above example, its the ensuing mess over the weekend that dents progress, and the weekend after that, and the weekend after that etc.

Hannah_

Thanks everyone so much for the help.

I think my main problem is the 'I've had one slip up so I may as well just eat whatever I want now' attitude which I'm now going to make a serious effort to get rid of. Also a lot of it's probably due to me getting bored with what I'm eating so I'm going to research a whole lot of new recipes, but any suggestions on what I could eat to change things up a little (at lunch) would be really appreciated

El_Dangeroso

Hannah_ wrote: »

Thanks everyone so much for the help.

I think my main problem is the 'I've had one slip up so I may as well just eat whatever I want now' attitude which I'm now going to make a serious effort to get rid of. Also a lot of it's probably due to me getting bored with what I'm eating so I'm going to research a whole lot of new recipes, but any suggestions on what I could eat to change things up a little (at lunch) would be really appreciated

Preparation is key. Do you have access to a fridge? Microwave?

I have access to neither

I bring in cold meat and potato salad, or I make egg muffins (My favourite combo at the moment is potato, tomato and chives). Or I get carvery with meat and veg (I have no idea what they put in the potato but I always feel dodgy if I eat it)

Glowing

Mmmmm those egg muffins look great! Would be very handy for work lunches

wannabethin

hi hannah im the same as u i just cant get into the frame of mind to stick with it i hav 6 stone to loose and my health is suffering because of it !!i am good with the exercise but when i dont see a loss i just loose all will power .......and if i break the diet i just say ill start again tomorrow :mad:then i go through guilt and mad with myself and continue downhill help.........anyone?

aspie mum

Hannah,

Stick with the healthy and try to get rid of the f**k it i serewed up routine ( easier said then done) if you eat well most of the time and have the occasional treat you will do fine,
Also i find sometimes like you I go on a bread binge but I have realised that I am not actually hungry but thirsty so I have upped my water intake and this helps loads also i make sure I have plenty of fruit in the house.

I am doing WW but at your height and weight you probably dont need it but may need to tidy things up in a few areas check portions etc and ensure you have plenty of lean proteins and and lots of fruit and veg make sure also you have your oils your body needs them and maybe do a little exercise if you are not doing any you may find that you just need to tone.

Good luck with it and dont lose more than 10Lbs or it would not be 2 good for you

Enjoy Life You should find the 80/20 balance really good for staying the same:):) or as some people call it the 5 out of 7 day plan