Weight loss and will power

Peaches McPhee · ‎04-19-2010

I need a mental overhaul regarding weight loss. I know all about calories, exercise, fats, carbs, etc., but I have zero will power. I cannot say no to a donut, a french fry, or a starch.

Does anyone have any experience or tips or suggestions on how to improve will power, so I can make the choices that I know are correct? I know it is all in my head, but it is really real, and does affect my body.

-- pro-aging --

Rochester, New York

deepwaterdotter · ‎03-09-2010

I find that keeping a daily food diary of everything I eat keeps me 'on the straight and narrow.' I allot myself a certain number of calories each day, when the limit is reached, I'm done eating that day. I also try to include choices that are high in protein, they make me feel full longer. Hot liquids also give me that full feeling. After a few weeks of limiting my intake of carbohydrates (due to diabetes), I found I didn't crave them very often. Best of luck with your weight loss.

hopi · ‎03-09-2010

@Peaches McPhee

deepwater has offered some great advice but dieting is a lifetime battle as you know.

Don't be so hard on yourself about will power - it' not you. The are lots of things that cause the problem but everyday is a struggle and all you can do is try your best. You could have a high yeast count and that just makes your body scream hungry taking oregano oil capsules a couple of times of day to help with yeast. I do believe you probably know everything about dieting like so many of us do but joining a group like Weight Watchers makes you accountable to yourself and the group. They have multiple easy ways to track and a point system that allows you to eat anything and stay on task. Good luck your continuing journey it's not an easy one. But being in a group lets you know you are not alone.

RetRN · ‎10-01-2013

Sorry I can't be of any help, weight loss is incredibly difficult to achieve IMHO.

beckyb1012 · ‎03-09-2010

My son cooks me a huge lunch and I bring dessert every month. His meals are heavy and high calorie and my sweets are as well. We all spend that day eating and visiting all day long, so that is my free day I do not hold back or count anything in calories. The rest of the month I just work "daily" for those monthly days and any big family holidays that come up. Thanksgiving, Christmas, SuperBowl ect......

I indulge only on special occasions because my mind has learned to not want to squander the hard work I put into my work-out for just any old thing I see in passing.

I like to work out and eat good toward a goal in mind and NOT make-up for over eating or indulging after the fact.

This is a daily battle with all the fast food ect...... on the way home. Good Luck. Do not exercise for the doughnut but for the joy to have one if you so desire.

"Live frugally, but love extravagantly."

ID2 · ‎06-25-2012

Eat less, exercise more, weigh yourself every single morning....guaranteed weight loss.

"Pure Michigan"

straykatz · ‎03-09-2010

@Peaches McPhee wrote:
I need a mental overhaul regarding weight loss. I know all about calories, exercise, fats, carbs, etc., but I have zero will power. I cannot say no to a donut, a french fry, or a starch.

Does anyone have any experience or tips or suggestions on how to improve will power, so I can make the choices that I know are correct? I know it is all in my head, but it is really real, and does affect my body.

It's becoming common knowledge that the more bad carbs/sweets you eat the more you crave them. The 1st step is to eliminate refined sugars and carbs....after a while you will stop wanting them and be satisfied with a piece of fruit or something savory instead.

Also...find other ways to treat yourself - reward yourself with non-food items.

Sister Golden Hair · ‎03-09-2010

@Peaches McPhee wrote:
I need a mental overhaul regarding weight loss. I know all about calories, exercise, fats, carbs, etc., but I have zero will power. I cannot say no to a donut, a french fry, or a starch.

Does anyone have any experience or tips or suggestions on how to improve will power, so I can make the choices that I know are correct? I know it is all in my head, but it is really real, and does affect my body.

Your main goal is to eat healthy. Don't go on a diet, most of the time it doesn't work.

I think the word "DIET" makes you think of all the things you can't eat.

You need to think about all the health problems that come with being overweight.

Don't stop eating the things that you really love.

If you love chocolate, buy the mini ones and have one a day.

A lot of sugar is one of the first things that you can stop.

You will feel better too.

You must eat protein foods that will stay with you.

Don't skip meals.

Do this one day at a time.

I do weigh myself every day which I know a lot of people say not to do.

For me, I want to be around for my family.

GCR18 · ‎07-03-2013

Start out by removing the starches from your kitchen, then don't buy them anymore. Have a plan for each meal, don't wing it. You can cook soups to last the week, etc. Don't go grocery shopping hungry. I like to go at 8am or earlier and I only buy what's on my list.

GSPgirl · ‎01-03-2012

I made a decision that I was never going back to thto way I was eating. I am a life long member with Weight Watchers. I know I will always have to count points and watch what I eat. I think that's the problem for most people because they don't want to be held accountable for every morsel they eat. Sorry, but that's the way it is. I don't want to go back to my heavier self ever! I got rid of the menopause belly and don't intend to go back to that. There is no big secret. Just find a plan and stick with it for a lifetime. YouI will love yourself and feel so proud.