Thanks everyone. These are really good suggestions. The combination of having surgery, peri menopause, a very stressful job, and lacking sleep has lead to a 40 lbs weight gain in the last 6 months (145-185). I see the numbers on the scale rising, but I still seem to eat poorly. I usually skip breakfast and have a lite lunch, then. I’m ravenous when I get home from work. Having 3 boys and DH who eat junk is hard too. I’m going to try eating a more filling meal earlier in the day. |
I gained about 15 lbs over the course of the pandemic and I’ve had the hardest time losing it. Before the pandemic I had a really good eating and workout routine, but one I started working from home full time I started packing on the pounds since I would snack throughout the day. About a month ago I signed up for weight watchers with in person meetings and it has been really good so far. Having the accountability of knowing that I’m going in for a meeting (and to get weighed) has really been helpful. So far I’ve lose about 5 lbs. |
I second the weight watchers plan. I have a big appetite and have a difficult time with overeating too.
What I like about weight watchers is that if I'm hungry, there is something I can eat that has zero points. And if I eat that cookie -- 5 points out of my 23 total I'm allocated every day. Not worth it. Then I just make sure I have cut up vegetables and low fat dip, nonfat greek yogurt, air popped popcorn, chicken breast, fruit, etc, available. I also find that I do better I have a serious no-snack policy. I try to eat more filling and larger meals but no snacking. |
Agree. I just started it 2 weeks ago but it’s basically a shot of willpower. I don’t snack at all now, eat smaller portions, and don’t have seconds at dinner. And that’s on the lowest dose. I am paying out of pocket at the moment but worth it for health reasons. |
I strongly recommend working with a registered dietitian who can help you change your relationship with food. They don’t just tell you what/how to eat - they give you incremental goals and a ton of support while you are on the journey to changing your eating habits. Few if us can flip a switch and undo years of ingrained habits. It’s the support piece that makes the difference.
I have been working with a registered dietitian for about a year and a half and have seen amazing changes in not just my habits, but my thoughts snd feelings about good snd my body. I’m down 20 pounds. We are in the process of winding down our time together. I’m not quite where i want to be just yet but I feel confident about getting there now that the foundational pieces are settled. |
For those people who have trouble walking treats in the break room or wherever, start chewing gum! I find that minty gum works best. It tastes good, but the taste is so strong that the idea of eating a donut or a cookie or even a bagel while it is in my mouth is really gross. And spitting out the gum doesn't immediately get rid of that flavor. |
I am diabetic and 2 months on ozempic. Wish I could say if worked, but I’m still as hungry as ever! I’ve also tried vyvanse. I think I’m just broken. |
I lost a lot of weight while taking Wellbutrin. I just wasn't hungry. But I had to stop taking it and I have gained all of the weight back, plus some. It's been terribly frustrating and seems to verify for me that something in my brain/hormones/whatever is different from other people. Wellbutrin seemed to fix it, but it's not a long-term solution for me. I know I overeat. I do okay at work, but come home and just have no self control. I try everyday and just can't do it. I'm not sure what to do to fix it. I mean, I know just not eating is the answer, but easier said than done. |
I also read about it here & have found it to be exceptional! Very helpful with the mind work. I wish I could sign up for her program but I’m not a dr. |
Using a continuous glucose monitor will show you how your body responds to certain foods. Spikes cause more cravings. |
See, that is my strategy for goodies I want to taste but I don't want to eat them all. I bring them to work, take one small portion, and leave them in the common area. They are gone within an hour! |
I find that when I am home, I snack more, but I'm also way more sedentary. When I go to the office, I'm walking to/from the bus and metro, walking around the building for meetings, sometimes walking to grab lunch, etc. On top of that, I seem to be busier with so many distractions from other people stopping by to chat, so I end up not being able to squeeze in eating sometimes. Overall, it's much better for my weight than sitting at home all day and eating at my desk with no one to stop me. |
I have a very bad sweet tooth. This is how I got over it:
Daily goal #1: eat protein every meal and eat it first. (Protein goals are done by weight, google for your proper amount) Daily goal #2: eat veggies with every meal, after protein. Daily goal #3: when I want sweets I can have a zero sugar Chobani yogurt with fresh berries. (This is in-line with goal 1) If I met these goals all week, Saturday night I can have a scoop of ice cream or a serving of Girl Scout cookies. But after three weeks of meeting these goals it killed my sugar cravings. Protein is key! It kills hunger and cravings. This won’t work for vegetarians though. |
I hope you find the dose/combo that works for you! It seems like people are all over the map. The “weight loss” dose is really high. The pp and I who said it changed our relationship to food on the low dose are probably the exception and not the rule. |
I’ve decided that if I’m going to eat “goodies” they have to be the best version of them. For example, specialty gourmet donuts v Dunkin, bagels from a specialty bakery v ones from grocery store etc |