How I did it:

1. I made the choice and thought it through so that I was mentally prepared to accept the change.
2. I looked up as much information as I could about healthy eating on the internet.
3. I got my husband on board for support and encouragement.
4. We looked up new tasty recipes.
5. We made a shopping list that focuses on eating healthy meals
6. We put a little more effort into cooking.  Last minute meals are usually the least healthy ones.
7. Every now and then, I have some chocolate, ice cream or another tasty treat.  That way I don't feel like eating healthy is punishment.  It can still include a couple goodies.

Lessons & tips:

1. You need to do a little research on what portion sizes really are, and how much of each food group you are supposed to be eating a day. When you realize that one chicken breast has almost 4 servings of meat in it, you'll think twice about how much meat you eat. Consider becoming vegetarian, or if you love steak as much as I do, consider cutting back on how many of your meas contain meat.  My husband and I are substituting beans and lentils for some of our protein servings, as they contain way less fat, and are still easy to make and very tasty. We try to use smaller plates so that we take smaller servings at meal times, and we eat more slowly to so that we realize we are full before we have started a second helping. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

1. It is true that your body takes 20 minutes to figure out that it's full, so take your time eating. I also highly suggest putting your veggies on your plate first and eating your carbs and meat after that, so that you aren't full before you've had your vegetables.

1. Set aside a day where you're allowed to eat some goodies, so that you don't get frustrated with never being allowed any treats. That way you're eating healthy most of the time without feeling as if you are suffering. Don't use this as an excuse to eat all junk, but having a little bit of chocolate for dessert or a soda while you watch a movie isn't going to ruin your new eating plan.  It will just help you stick with it better.

1. I find the fact that my husband is doing this with me a huge encouragement.  If your spouse isn't willing to do this with you, find a friend who wants to be more healthy.  Having someone to do this with makes the choice easier.  It's hard to be the only one trying to eat better.

1. Crash diets are stupid.  Make a long-term change to your diet and not only will the weight come off, you'll be able to keep it off.  Starving yourself short-term not only leads to binging when it's all over and gaining the weight back, it also means that your body has been trained to pack on fat so that next time you cut off your food supply, it will be able to survive. 

1. Plan meals in advance.  If you know what you're going to be cooking, it takes half of the work and stress out of getting it done.  And probably more than half the calories.

Jan 16, 2010, 11:07AM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer