I am about to be set loose to go back to eating "regular" foods. I will be honest and say I am feeling overwhelmed and intimidated. I am so used to junk food/fast food/easy & quick foods. I feel like I don't know what to eat. I am not sure what foods to pick. I don't know what are the best choices. I am worried I am going to go back to the bad foods.....just smaller portions.

Help?

Girlfriend, You'll do fantastic if you make sure you get your 60gr of protein first, then good carbs. Don't forget 64oz of water.

You can do this!!!

So if I am drinking a bottle of water & add Crystal Light to it, can I count that as part of my 64 oz?

You are correct!

So if I am drinking a bottle of water & add Crystal Light to it, can I count that as part of my 64 oz?

Yes you can count the water with crystal light. That's the only way I'll drink my water too

What I keep hearing is protein first (keeps you full longer), chew, chew, chew and drink, drink, drink.

That's a relief! It's hard for me to get that much Water in because I work 10 hour days. We're taking phone calls all day & they frown up taking "personal breaks" in between our scheduled breaks. I joke that I have the bladder of a gnat and can't hold my water. Drinking plain water for me is hard, I have to FORCE myself. Adding the Crystal Light makes it easier for me to drink. Still can't hold my water though! LOL

So does anyone have any food suggestions when just starting back? There are so many foods I don't like. I feel like I'm a bit lost on HOW to eat healthy.

What I keep hearing is protein first (keeps you full longer), chew, chew, chew and drink, drink, drink.

But don't chew and drink at the same time

@ Amy, you got that right!

I have found one of the hardest things for me is to NOT drink with my meals. I am so used to have my drink when I am eating. I am doing good at NOT drinking, but it really is something I have to be VERY aware of.

White meat is good for protein, turkey, fish, chicken and then lots of fresh fruit and vegetables will keep you feeling full and regular. Plus they are a cheaper option than junk food. Experiment with how you prepare and combine them and I am sure you will find plenty that you like.

That's a relief! It's hard for me to get that much Water in because I work 10 hour days. We're taking phone calls all day & they frown up taking "personal breaks" in between our scheduled breaks. I joke that I have the bladder of a gnat and can't hold my water. Drinking plain water for me is hard' date=' I have to FORCE myself. Adding the Crystal Light makes it easier for me to drink. Still can't hold my water though! LOL

So does anyone have any food suggestions when just starting back? There are so many foods I don't like. I feel like I'm a bit lost on HOW to eat healthy.[/quote']

For suggestions- I love banana carb master yogurt mixed with kashi go lean honey almond flax- 1/2 cup to container of yogurt or hard boiled eggs & egg white. For lunch I pack mine. Usually deli meat like chicken, turkey or roast beef. I make salad with tomato & lite ranch & add in the deli meat, cottage cheese or tuna or salmon in the pouch. Fruit & string cheese for snack if I'm starving. For dinner it's whatever I make for my family: I try to make a Protein (chicken, beef or pork) grilled, baked or sautéed, then a vegetable like steamed broccoli or asparagus or green Beans or zucchini or a salad, a fruit like berries or melon, & a starch like Pasta, potatoes or rice. I don't eat the starch. I've always cooked like this, even before the band, because my husband isn't a casserole person & he grew up having a nice dinner every night! I enjoy cooking tho so I don't mind & it really wasn't too difficult transitioning with the band. good luck! Just watch those portions! :-p

Oh yes fish! 1-2 times a week for dinner! Salmon on the grill or white fish like cod perch or flounder. I quick sauté with lemon & a little butter. I buy it flash frozen in individual pouches. Salmon I get fresh at Costco. Hope that helps!