I'm eating an average of 3800 calories a day - Page 2

[amma_mama]

I recently started using the Lose It! app on my iPhone. It is pretty accurate at tracking calories but also tracks basic nutrients to help keep the composition of my diet in check so that I maintain a healthy balance at the same time that I reduce my calorie intake. I have become much more conscious about eating enough protein in place of empty fats and carbs, which helps me to feel satisfied without eating more calories than my body needs. I did need to change my "plans" about losing weight to take it more slowly, as I found that cutting out too many calories was making me crazy (thinking about food ALL DAY LONG), so I reached a happy medium where I am able to cut back without feeling deprived and still lose weight. As a PP noted, a modest reduction of 500 calories a day will help you drop one pound per week. You seem to eat a very healthy diet, generally (except those chocolate covered almonds ), so you just need to start tweaking it to shave off a modest number of calories and reach a balance that delivers adequate protein intake with a bit less fat and carbs. I do not envision using this app forever, as it is tedious to use, but it is helping me to better guesstimate both calories and nutrient balance, so I will be a better judge when I am on my own.

[rootzdawta]

Indeed, I didn't have to cut that much in the way of calories to lose the weight (since I had a pretty high activity level) but I had to be really conscious about what I put into my mouth.  If two slices of (organic, vegan, whole wheat, high-fiber, home-baked) bread and two tablespoons of peanut butter have the same amount of calories (which incidentally they do), I'm better off with the two tablespoons of peanut butter and some carrots sticks because the peanut butter is high in protein and would keep me feeling satisfied for longer.  Just naturally, I ended up eating less but not feeling like I was starving.  And I lost the weight.  

[phathui5]

There are plenty of mamas here (and in real life) who eat really healthy, organic whole food diets and are still overweight, many even obese (I was one of them for many, many years).

 

I was 30 pounds over my goal weight and eating "healthy" foods. The problem was the amount that I was consuming. After reigning in the amount I was eating, I'm down 25 pounds.

[Spring Lily]

I wonder if your thoughts are getting stuck in a few traps here.  First, it kind of sounds like you're thinking it's all or nothing, like a lot of delicious food vs. some yucky food.  Why would changing what you eat mean making you eat things that aren't as delicious?  Maybe it's more to do with limiting how much of those things you eat.  Portion sizes.

Second, having your thoughts so focused on food all day is not healthy.  It also makes snacking irresistible.  Have you asked yourself what need you may be using food to try to fulfill in your life?

Third, are you a SAHM?  I have found from my own experience that the more I'm home, the more lonely and isolated I feel.  I ended up needing a pick me up, and end up snacking on something good to cheer me up.  Not good.  The snacks can really get you. 

I found that the only way to break the cycle was to get OUT of the house, daily, and socialize more with other moms.  Plus, that can give you exercise.  If I really wanted a snack, didn't feel like meeting up or going to the park, I'd take the kids out for a walk.   Raining?  Do something interactive with the kids.  Pick up the phone and talk to a friend while cleaning the house.  Work on a hobby.  Read a book while the kids nap.  Whatever gets your mind out of the cycle of thinking about food!  I'm really good about not snacking now.  Plus we keep more fruit around now, so if I want snacks, the kids and I will share apples or bananas or something.