okay, so one of my favorite things that dr. phil says about weight loss is don't base a lifestyle change on willpower! instead, make as many substitutions as you can. what food substitutions or additions have you made that make it easier to eat healthy, feel satisfied, and lose weight?

some of mine:

homemade split pea Soup

chicken breast in 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup with carrots and celery (a cross between soup/stew)

hunts "no sugar added" pudding

buying fresh salmon once/week

for me I put salsa on virtually everything-it adds flavor to chicken and coats it to make for easy digestion-I also allow myself 2 popsicles a day when I want to eat and KNOW Im not hungry as Im a boredom eater and thats why I got fat in first place-lol

This should be a good thread with lots of ideas

Since I love cheese, I eat low fat cheeses. Cheese is a great source of protein for me and a great snack that fills me up for quite a while. I don't feel like I compromise on taste with the lighter version one bit.

100 calorie popcorn bags! and a friend told me about kettle corn--a little sweetness. good sometimes.

also, i've re-added raisin bran. the kellogs brand. the smell is so great.

oh and i usually eat a packet of raisin, date, walnut oatmeal with my Protein if i don't have Cereal. but i'm going to make a big vat of the original quaker oatmeal and have a bit of that, with a bit of milk and a little bit of sugar, when i want something sweet.

i'm a sweets eater; not really a volume eater. but since i've added the salmon to my weekly menu, i definitely notice that don't like a real sugary taste as much. interesting....

I splurge on fresh fruit salads. The local fruit and veggie place makes different sizes and it's all delicious. It's more money to buy it all prepared but I'm worth it.

edamame! really tasty