The Highs and Lows of Dieting

[veejer]

I have a 60+ yo friend who is never weighed at the doctor's office. When the nurse is escorting her in and says "We're going to room such-and-such, but first stop here and we'll get your weight", she replies in her sweet southern accent (here in NW Ohio), "You go right ahead and weigh yourself honey. I'll be waiting for you in the room. I know how much I weigh and how much I should weigh and being lectured about it won't make any difference."

One of these days she is going to meet a nurse (or doctor) who stands up to her, but not yet!!!!

[tbamom]

I have been using myfitnesspal.com for a few months to track my eating. I always start my day off with good intentions and a good breakfast. Mid afternoon I tend to go off the rails with tea and baking.

[Debb70]

I'm having trouble with being more hungry than normal. I've recently cut out snacking at night.....again. I eat well balanced meals and in moderation. I'm not depriving myself. I will sometimes have a piece of fruit early in the evening as a snack, but no other snacks. I had a bad habit of snacking at night. I've stopped that. But, I'm so hungry most of the time, both during the day and in the evenings. I'm not sure why. I'm drinking lots of water, but still......any suggestions? (Oh, I haven't cut out carbs.) I'm just keeping these hunger pains.

[Ellen]

I'm having trouble with being more hungry than normal. I've recently cut out snacking at night.....again. I eat well balanced meals and in moderation. I'm not depriving myself. I will sometimes have a piece of fruit early in the evening as a snack, but no other snacks. I had a bad habit of snacking at night. I've stopped that. But, I'm so hungry most of the time, both during the day and in the evenings. I'm not sure why. I'm drinking lots of water, but still......any suggestions? (Oh, I haven't cut out carbs.) I'm just keeping these hunger pains.

Maybe you just need a little more time (and patience with yourself) in breaking a habit? Maybe a little healthy "nibble" will help while weaning yourself off nighttime snacks (but work it into your daily calorie count/plan)? At the same time, swap a pleasant not-food nighttime routine: candlelight bubble bath, just-for-fun reading, massage and/or make-out session (if you live with an S.O.).

[Gutmutter]

When I was researching how to lower my cholesterol, I discovered Metamucil. It not only keeps you regular, which is what most people think it's for, but it forms a kind of gel which I find filling. No calories or nutrients, but perfect for those late evening hunger pangs. It even comes in a "cookie" form if you like something to crunch. Just make sure you're taking it with water or tea and not within 2 hours of any medication.

[Debb70]

Good ideas. Thanks. I've also heard I have to wait for my stomach to skrink before the hunger dies down.

I also decided to try this Bolthouse Greek Yogert Ranch Dip with some celery and tomato slices. Has anyone heard of this dip? I'm going to check it out and make sure it's good fat and calorie wise.

[Gutmutter]

Let me know what you find out - Bolthouse is a good brand.
I found that one of the best diet tips that ever worked for me was eating a big salad before (or instead of) your evening meal. As long as you don't cheat with things like cheese, bacon, or fatty dressings, it is really filling and that was always one of my problems.

[Eastcoastmom]

Debb, it's the carbs that are making you hungry. If you eat a low-carb, high protein diet you will find you will not be as hungry. Plus, drink lots of water. I also take a glass of Metamucil mixed with water in the evening. It does keep you regular and fills you up.

[candor]

I agree with the carbs point. Protein keeps you fuller longer. But you don't want to walk around hungry because if your body thinks it's starving it slows your metabolism. My nutritionist suggests snacking between meals. A few nuts, or peanut butter on celery.

[Debb70]

I have to start using the healthy snacks. I'm not much on snacks in the day, but just night. I'm trying to reverse that. In fact, when I'm hungry in the daytime, I can tolerate it better, but at night, not so much.

I did find this good Greek Yogert Dip that is low fat and low carb. It's Vegetable and Herb flavor. I looked for ranch, it was out. It's not super favorful, but not bad. They had French Onion and Roasted Red Pepper too.