Changing your food lifestyle

How did you get the willpower?

I would love to give up carbs and junk food forever but I feel like they are ALL around me.

At work, at home, when we visit friends and family. (DH side of the family is Italian).

I really think if I could stop eating these foods, I would drop a lot of weight easily.

Any suggestions?

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

Nothing tastes as good as you look when you cut it out.

It’s HARD!! SO SO SO HARD!! But it’s a choice. I want abs 10000x more than I want chips. It’s really just that simple. When I see my favorite things I just consciously say to myself “what do you want more?”. I guess I’m vain I just really love having abs.

Being hungry is a different story, I eat the protein bars (recipe I got from Mark’s Daily Apple) and they are so satisfying & kill the hunger immediately rather than making a poor food choice, I really feel like a lot of poor choices are just hunger so be prepared & you can make a healthier choice.

I also still splurge but it’s in moderation. It also helped when my boyfriend really got into the no processed foods/only fruit veggie carbs thing too, so that support is awesome.

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

Dh needed to loose weight and while I was going to the gym I hit a plate. Then DH ended up in the hospital because of really bad abdominal pain. He is going for an endoscopy in April but it is possible he has an ulcer (stress induced) and maybe gastritis. My MIL also has a multitude of stomach issues and she is gluten and dairy free. He came home from the hospital and I overhauled our pantry.
I never really cooked bad and we are not big pasta eaters we just really cut out a lot of processed foods, especially him.
I made green smooties every morning and he has that along with 1 gluten free waffle and some PB, he has either left overs or spinach salad with goat cheese and grilled chicken (I make 2lbs at a time for us), his snacks are lara bars, almonds, carrots or pretzels with hummus and then dinner. Since Feb. 17th he has lost 12lbs. and he doesn't go to the gym and I lost 5. We both feel really a lot better and we are never hungry.
I make gluten free treats because I need it more than he does it, but you can do it. Like Kitty, for me I want to look great and feel great. I have 3 kids and am 31. I know if I don't take care of myself now, it will only be harder later.

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

It's really, really hard.

I think the key is to force yourself to do it for 21-30 days and adhere to it to the tee.

For me, that's the magic timeframe where the cravings stop, and you realize that you do, in fact, have the self-control to keep going.

Also, at that point you will have seen some weight loss.

It's the gratification of it working coupled with the knowledge that you already did it for x weeks, you should be able to keep going.

That's also when the guilt sets in, when you realize that you will feel bad if you cheat and slip.

If you can get past the 3-4 week hurdle, it gets much easier.

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

Thanks ladies. You are all right.

I also agree about the 3-4 week time frame.

There's that old saying that it takes at least that much time to form a new habit.

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

I always thought I ate relatively healthfully until i watched Hungry for Change and Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. Those documentaries changed my life. I watched them both 1 month ago and have juiced and eaten organic ever since. I am scanning all barcodes checking for gmos and making better choices for my family now that I know what some of the ingredients are. The upside to it, is that I have lost some weight - even though that wasn't the reason for me making the switch. But when you are eating whole foods, not food like products, your body responds immediately. :)

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

I don't remember how long it took me to retrain my mind, but I focused on two things:

1. Always always always have healthy pre-planned choices to reach for instead of the crap you might normally eat.

2. Pay close attention to how your body changes when you are getting fit. Look in the mirror, count belt loops, take pictures from every angle.


Like most things that are worth it, it takes consistent effort and time. And planning as well, that way you're not given any excuse that all you have is "bad" food to eat.

Good luck with it

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

becoming vegan made it very easy for me

now it's I don't eat that- instead of I can't- it makes a huge difference

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

I'm vegetarian, eating very little processed foods. For me, what changed things in terms of becoming a vegetarian is seeing videos of slaughterhouses many, many years ago. I vent vegetarian at the moment I saw the videos.

With processed foods, I started cutting them out years ago after reading about the food industry in this country, and about the preservatives and chemicals and additives used.

For me, educating myself about the industry (and in turn, getting disgusted) was what caused a change.

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

I agree with allowing time to develop new habits. I re-committed to healthy eating (and rejoined WW to drop a few lbs) in January, and while the first couple of weeks were tough, after that, it became MUCH easier. I think eating a lot of processed or high fat/high sugar foods leads to craving more of those foods. Once I got back to eating healthier, I didn't really want the junk.

I also think you have to not be a perfectionist about it. If you have an off meal or an off day, don't let it de-rail your commitment to eating healthy. One meal or one day of eating some indulgences never made anyone unhealthy or overweight. I think it matters what you do the majority of the time. So don't use an upcoming holiday or birthday party as an excuse to delay starting a healthy eating plan or as a reason to stop your efforts.

I try not to demonize any foods or food groups, but rather think of certain foods as "everyday foods" -- fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein -- and certain foods as occasional indulgences (desserts, burgers, pizza, great cheese, wine, fun cocktails). To me, life would be pretty blah without these treats. I don't think of having these things as cheating, I think of them as part of my healthy eating plan. But when I am not out or socializing, I try to cook at home and stick to my everyday foods.

But for me, portion control is key. My family is also big into food, and my DH and I really enjoy food and wine. So when I am out or with family, I try to be mindful of what I really want (and what I don't), and eat a small portion of anything that is truly a splurge, but I can't resist. I don't think it's worth going out to eat to have a grilled plain chicken breast and a dry salad. But I don't have everything -- if I am out to eat and want wine and an appetizer, then I skip the bread basket and don't have dessert. It's all about feeling in control and making choices.

I also think you need to like what you are eating, even if you are eating healthy. If you aren't enjoying your food, you will go back to old habits before long. So I am always buying different fruits (pineapple, new types of apples and oranges, etc.). And while eating a bland bowl of boiled veggies could be uninspiring, roasted veggies with good olive oil are delicious! If you love pasta, keep eating it, but measure out a cup and then have a big salad with it. For me, I love to cook and try out new recipes, so I don't get bored!

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

Like many others, I changed my eating habits once I learned how corrupt and tainted our food system is. Once you learn about it, you can't unlearn it and eat the same way again. It's no coincidence that we are seeing a rise in so many diseases and disorders like eczema, sensory processing disorders, ADHD, autism and learning disabilities in children and autoimmune disorders, early arthritis, infertility, cancer, Alzheimer's, etc. In adults.

I highly recommend watching food Inc and fat, sick and nearly dead.

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

I got there by making one small change at a time.... Firstby giving up a daily or weekly thing that wasn't healthy. Then after that I started making changes here and there.... Eating more protein, less sugar, etc. I would say my lifestyle took years to evolve into. Small changes add up!

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

Don't cut it out - that will make things harder. Crowd it out. Meaning, you want a piece of cake - no problem. Eat some fruit first. IF you still want that piece of cake you're likely gonna eat less.

All that said, if you want to kick your need for sugar. I'll tell you more about what I'm learning in nutrition school about it. FM me :)

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

Changing your food lifestyle

For all of you that made these changes based on watching some movies - what about your families? Your DH, your DC?

I eat good for the most part (veggies, fruits, quinoa, ww etc, but I know there is a lot more improvement that can be made (I have a terrible sweet tooth).

DH is a terrible eater - he thinks just because he doesn't gain weight that he's good to go. He rarely drinks water, eats fruit or veggies, is a meat and potato guy to the bone.

DS - who is 2.5 is somewhat like him, anything green is an automatic yuck, he loves his fruit but will go crazy if he sees his father eating chips or sweets and demand that instead.

I know DS is still young and his eating habits change daily, so I may have a chance with him. DH is a different story - I have to cook seperate dinners everynight because he won't eat what I make for myself. Anything that is remotely healthy for you he turns his nose at...aghhhhh

I haven't watched some of the movies mentioned on here but I think I want to - I'm hoping to have DH watch with me and hopefully be motivated to make SOME changes because of it.

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

Posted by blue11

Posted by stinger

Posted by BriBri2u

For all of you that made these changes based on watching some movies - what about your families? Your DH, your DC?

I eat good for the most part (veggies, fruits, quinoa, ww etc, but I know there is a lot more improvement that can be made (I have a terrible sweet tooth).

DH is a terrible eater - he thinks just because he doesn't gain weight that he's good to go. He rarely drinks water, eats fruit or veggies, is a meat and potato guy to the bone.

DS - who is 2.5 is somewhat like him, anything green is an automatic yuck, he loves his fruit but will go crazy if he sees his father eating chips or sweets and demand that instead.

I know DS is still young and his eating habits change daily, so I may have a chance with him. DH is a different story - I have to cook seperate dinners everynight because he won't eat what I make for myself. Anything that is remotely healthy for you he turns his nose at...aghhhhh

I haven't watched some of the movies mentioned on here but I think I want to - I'm hoping to have DH watch with me and hopefully be motivated to make SOME changes because of it.

Great point. I eat as clean and healthy as possible but IMO the extreme diets that I read about are for single people or those without kids or those that SAH and have time to devote to being so careful of what they and their family eats.

i don't think thats true...I am a FTWM and have changed our food lifestyle. To me that's exactly what it is - it's not a diet or a temporary thing, it's a lifestyle. And it all comes down to planning- i plan my meals, i plan my food shopping and i plan backups. It takes time, but i figure out a way to get it done because i think its important. I also think it is a heavy lift only in the beginning - once you start doing it and sticking to it, it becomes routine and isn't as difficult.

MY DH and DS are participants (even if unwilling ) because I do the cooking and shopping. I won't buy or cook meals and food i no longer believe are ok. I won't make a separate meal for them..if they don't like what i make they are on their own! i can't control what DH does outside of home but i can control what we eat at home. I have to say DH has been great and accepting of the changes even if he complains!!

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

Posted by stinger

Posted by blue11

Posted by stinger

Posted by BriBri2u

For all of you that made these changes based on watching some movies - what about your families? Your DH, your DC?

I eat good for the most part (veggies, fruits, quinoa, ww etc, but I know there is a lot more improvement that can be made (I have a terrible sweet tooth).

DH is a terrible eater - he thinks just because he doesn't gain weight that he's good to go. He rarely drinks water, eats fruit or veggies, is a meat and potato guy to the bone.

DS - who is 2.5 is somewhat like him, anything green is an automatic yuck, he loves his fruit but will go crazy if he sees his father eating chips or sweets and demand that instead.

I know DS is still young and his eating habits change daily, so I may have a chance with him. DH is a different story - I have to cook seperate dinners everynight because he won't eat what I make for myself. Anything that is remotely healthy for you he turns his nose at...aghhhhh

I haven't watched some of the movies mentioned on here but I think I want to - I'm hoping to have DH watch with me and hopefully be motivated to make SOME changes because of it.

Great point. I eat as clean and healthy as possible but IMO the extreme diets that I read about are for single people or those without kids or those that SAH and have time to devote to being so careful of what they and their family eats.

i don't think thats true...I am a FTWM and have changed our food lifestyle. To me that's exactly what it is - it's not a diet or a temporary thing, it's a lifestyle. And it all comes down to planning- i plan my meals, i plan my food shopping and i plan backups. It takes time, but i figure out a way to get it done because i think its important. I also think it is a heavy lift only in the beginning - once you start doing it and sticking to it, it becomes routine and isn't as difficult.

MY DH and DS are participants (even if unwilling ) because I do the cooking and shopping. I won't buy or cook meals and food i no longer believe are ok. I won't make a separate meal for them..if they don't like what i make they are on their own! i can't control what DH does outside of home but i can control what we eat at home. I have to say DH has been great and accepting of the changes even if he complains!!

I specifically said "extreme" diets so I didn't mean just feeding your family healthy foods. Can you give examples of where you compromise to cut corners and what you think are no longer okay foods? I am a single working mom so doing something like Paleo or no processed foods whatsoever is unrealistic.

Re: Changing your food lifestyle

Message edited 3/20/2013 2:21:12 PM.

Re: Changing your food lifestyle