I have got myself in a huge rut because I know what foods work for me and I am needing some new ideas. What foods do you like? What tricks are working for you? Thanks ya'll!

I know what you mean, I feel like I'm eating the same things over and over again too.

Here are some of my usual foods: Oh Yeah! Protein Wafer Bars, string cheese, Mama Lupe's low carb tortilla with scrambled egg and tomato inside or deli meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo inside, Isopure rtd clear Protein drinks, Isopure zero carb Cookies and cream powder mixed with unsweetened Silk soy milk, low sodium v8 juice (only on occasion for it's high potassium content), Big Mac with no bun, Wendy's grilled chicken sandwich with no bun, Wendy's chili, an occasional piece of dark chocolate, Only 8 frozen yogurt, "pizza" made on a low carb tortilla with a small amount of pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese, tuna salad, chicken salad, Whole Foods Mahi Mahi frozen burger patties, strawberries (occasionally), cherries (occasionally)....

I also have a ton of diet foods and products from places like dietdirect.com that I'm using up. Some of these foods, like the pretzels and the milk chocolate crunchies, make good high protein, lower carb Snacks and have been lifesavers. If you don't mind spending some money you should check out their website.

I haven't had any breads, cereals, grains, pastas, fruits (except the ones mentioned above), or starchy veggies in ages. I'd like to eat some for variety, but these foods have slowed my weight loss down in the past.

I think I've become too neurotic. I didn't realize it until support group last night, but I had totally stopped eating fruits and vegetables, and refused to eat things like pinto or black beans because I want so badly to keep my carbs low, but I think my choices are actually more detriment then help. I'm scared now to implement these things, but I also know that for my long term success (even post goal) has to include whole foods like these. I can say that, but now letting go a little bit and doing it will be a trick.

I know tiffy uses allrecipes.com

and finds a lot of things to make.

I live alone so I don't do much cooking. I eat tuna, egg, or chicken salad, different luncheon meats, colby/jack reduced fat cheese sticks, greek yogurt, sometimes I buy a whole cooked chicken and eat one piece at time. I made the chicken salad out of the breast meat.

I do go out to eat a lot and bring home leftovers that last 3 more meals.

Anna, I had the same issues with incorporating more whole foods and carbs into my diet. It's really mentally difficult to switch into a different mode about food. I still find myself some days just thinking I better not eat this or that. I just bite the bullet and realize that 1/2 sandwich isn't going to make me gain 10lbs. The trick I found is if I just let myself do it for one meal, I felt better. Then I could work myself up to new foods.

Beans are really great. I eat them a lot, and while they are carby, it's not like you're throwing down a super size order of french fries. So, you have to find a balance. Add some low fat cheese, and nonfat greek yogurt to the beans.

For veggies, I ate broccoli florets with cheese and green beans. I avoided peas, corn and carrots.

1/2 cup of steamed or boiled broccoli or cauliflower is only 2.5grams of carbs. Mash it up, salt/pepper to taste, a little provolone, and it's divine. I even would throw some sharp cheddar or velveeta on it. If I ate my Protein first, and only ate 2-3 broccoli or cauliflower florets, really how many carbs could that be? Not many at all, same goes for eating 4-5 green beans. Lemon Pepper and Garlic Pepper are seasonings that I use often so I don't get bored.

I fell into the same rut, and the only thing I could do is to force myself out of the comfort zone. I'm honestly burnt out on some foods, and it's frustrating. I bought just about every different flavor of cream cheese to use on deli meat rollups just for variety.

I wish I had more advice, but I just wanted you to know that it's pretty normal to go through this stage.

Get a little adventurous. I told John that I'm willing to try clams, crab and shrimp again soon. Because I love my steaks, but there's only so many different marinades I can conjure up.

I am having to branch out as well. If I run across any new yummy recipes I'll pass them on.