[CottageWitch]

So a few of you may have seen my "Right, so I'm going to lose weight" thread in here.

I've hit an issue that has left me uncertian as to where to from here. The general plan I was following was Eat whatever I want but only when i'm hungry. And, truth be told, its working. Lost about three kilos so far, though hovering at the moment.

The problem is, if left to choose what I really want, I'll always, without a doubt, choose sugary, floury carby deliciousness. So while my weight is slowly coming down, I'm feeling sicker, more sluggish and look terrible.

So what do I do? Try to make myself realise the importance of feeling great, not just thin, involves going against what my 'food heart' really desires.

If I were to say, follow a food plan that excludes sugary/floury will my longing for those foods and sadness that i'm not eating them pass do you think? Which brings me to another issue, my depression has flared up again since I've been eating this way, even though I'm losing weight, which I thought would make me happier??

What do you guys think? What should I do? Persist or try a different approach?

[Saecularis Angel...]

On the rest I can't really help you, but on this...

my depression has flared up again since I've been eating this way, even though I'm losing weight, which I thought would make me happier??

When I was learning to manage my depression, one thing I found was that eating healthily - a good range of fruit and veg in particular - made a huge difference to keeping my mood reasonable and stable. I never managed to give up the junk, but if I could make it an extra over a healthy foundation it made a really big difference.

I don't know all the theory as to why exactly that should be, but I saw it over and over in the reading I did and found it true for me.

[Neko NoNo]

it's hard work isn't it! One thing that works for me is telling myself I can eat anything I want... as long as I have had my recommended fruit and veg for the day. I find that eating 5 serves of veg is really quite filling and if I mix it with some sensible proteins there isn't any room left for many treats!

just my 2c. good luck!

[CottageWitch]

Thanks Ange, it makes sense to me. I was only mildly depressed before but since eating a crappy diet its really flared up. So I think I should go healthier, but then I get confused cause that goes against the intuitive eating aproach?? GAAAHHH, Why does it have to be so hard??

[cardamom]

I'm in a similar boat to you OP; trying to lose weight by listening to my body. Problem is, my body seems to prefer cake!

In my experience, excluding the things you really love only leads to misery. What I try to do, is to eat nutritious foods most of the time, while deliberately allowing myself regular indulgences that I really enjoy (I'm talking daily, whether it's a Freddo, piece of slice or cake, a small ice cream, etc.)

Could you try thinking of ways to make healthy foods taste really delicious? For example, what are your favourite fruits and vegetables? How do you like them prepared?

I love roasted veges, so throwing some roasted pumpkin into salad or pasta feels like a healthy treat. A few nights ago I had green beans, lightly steamed, and dressed with olive oil and sesame seeds - healthy, without feeling like I was forcing myself to eat rabbit food. For lunch the last couple of days, I've had a big mixed salad with a heap of delicious tzatziki on the side. Normally I would force myself to eat it plain, and loathe it; this, I actually enjoy!

Well done on your loss so far

[CottageWitch]

it's hard work isn't it! One thing that works for me is telling myself I can eat anything I want... as long as I have had my recommended fruit and veg for the day. I find that eating 5 serves of veg is really quite filling and if I mix it with some sensible proteins there isn't any room left for many treats!

just my 2c. good luck!

This is a good idea, I just dunno if I'd stick to it. I'm thinking its the way to go though. Though the chances of me overeating when I do have the treats are massive, which is what i'm trying to avoid.

[Elemenopee]

I have no qualifications in this field, I can only tell you my experience.
Last year, I lost 20 kgs eating Low Carb/High protien. I felt good. My skin looked good, my nails were stronger. Then, I was asked to do baking for a couple of events, including afternoon tea for a wedding. Of course, I needed to sample everything to make sure it was up to scratch. Once I got the taste for sugary, carby foods again, it was hard to stop. Before I knew it, 6 months had passed and I had put 10kgs back on. The idea of eating healthy was too hard. The idea of exercise was too hard. Only the prospect of my brothers wedding in Hong Kong this December and the thought of going to HK Disneyland and not fitting into rides was enough to motivate me again.
As soon as I started eating low carb again, I was back into exercising (an hour walk a night), and I stopped feeling hungry and thinking about food all the time. After a breakfast or sauteed onino, tomato and 3 scrambled egg I am satisied until lunch. I eat loads more veges now, so I think nutritionally I am getting a lot more nutrients and vitamins.
I've lost 9gs in about 6 weeks, and have about 20kgs to go. I know that as soon as I eat carby, sugary foods again I will put it back on, as it makes me feel hungry, lethargic and I stop caring about losing weight.
I found the book 'Why we get fat and what to do about it' particularly good.

[CottageWitch]

I'm in a similar boat to you OP; trying to lose weight by listening to my body. Problem is, my body seems to prefer cake!

Could you try thinking of ways to make healthy foods taste really delicious? For example, what are your favourite fruits and vegetables? How do you like them prepared?

Well done on your loss so far

Mine too

I don't do fruit actually. But veggies I like. Any kind too which helps.

Thanks

[mavisandjack]

You might be interested in Dr John McDougall, you can eat starchy carbs. But you will have to make other changes.

[Apageintime]

I have this problem too.

I always try and eat healthy first. So I wait til I'm hungry and then eat carrot sticks. Then I tell myself if 20 mins after that I'm still hungry I can have something sugary. I usually am not hungry after waiting though.

I've also found by trying to eat more fruit and veg I'm actually starting to enjoy it more. I'll actually take celary sticks over cookies most days now. You've got to get your tastes used to the healthy. Well thats at least what worked for me.