I am trying to get back on track with eating right, and losing weight. I did great in the beginning, then got laid off and was out of work for a year. I managed to put back 20 of the 60 I had lost. Comfort eating. Some things (the things that are really bad for you) go down real easy. I am working now, have been for 7 months, but can't seem to get back on tract. I wake up every morning with good intentions. I don't want to do this yo-yo thing again, I've been doing it my entire life.

Problems I encounter now are: not getting enough protien, night time eating (even though it recently has started causing acid reflux), miniature Reeses Peanut Butter cups.

I have logged back in to get myself back on tract. Any great ideas would be greatly appreciated. I really want to lose this weight and get myself healthy.:sad:

Hi Donna! Throw out the reese's!!! Go to the store, fill your cabinets with fresh fruits and vegetables. Pre package them for easy grabbing!!! No excuses. Bring your own food with you and in no time you will start to see the results! Best of luck to you.

The things that are working for me (I was a bit too tight for a couple of months and realized I was eating slider stuff more than regular food because, of course, sliders don't get stuck. I got a slight unfill and feel MUCH better ....

1. JOURNAL everything you put in your mouth. There are some online journals that are free that help you track calories. Aim for 1,000-1,200 per day.

2. EAT Protein first. Get in at least 20 grams of protein in a meal.

3. Don't snack. If that means throwing away some Reese cups, then do it. It's a small sacrifice.

4. If you are really hungry, DO YOU NEED A FILL? You should be able to go 4 hours or so comfortably between meals without getting hungry.

5. Get back on track with exercise. Walking after you have dinner might help prevent night-time eating? Or walking as soon as you get home and THEN prepare dinner which would postpone eating perhaps long enough to keep you from snacking later?

Sometimes, it's as much WHAT you eat as WHEN you eat it that contributes to reflux. And Libby is right .... have some "ready to eat" acceptable Snacks on hand....boiled eggs, snack-sized zip bags with carrot sticks or whatever raw vegetable you like (i know somebody who likes raw turnips, LOL). When you put your lunch together to take to work, take a small afternoon snack so that do not arrive home hungry, which will keep you from grazing as you prepare dinner. A hard boiled egg would work well since it's high in protein, easy and could be eaten at your desk as you finish your day's work.

I don't really have a problem with nighttime eating because I keep myself very busy in the evenings. My strategy is once I get home I go for a bike ride for approx. 1 hour and Water all my outside plants. Then I prepare dinner. After I eat I go for a swim or walk. Once I get home I may watch TV for an hour then I get ready for bed. I do not allow myself to eat after dinner no matter what.

My problem time is during the day. I work in a one person office. I find when I am bored I think about food. I just make sure I have Breakfast and bring my lunch and have no Snacks around to tempt me. I drink a Kellogg's Protein water on my way home from work to curve my hunger before I get home.

Hope this helps.

Donna

I think Cathy nailed it!

I would add planning. That is huge for me. I teach, so this summer home has been a little harder, I like being on a schedule, takes the guessing out of my day! Make sure you plan what you will be eating for lunch so that you have it on hand or even pack the night before. I agree with the afternoon snack. I try to have a small piece of fruit, some nuts or maybe even a Protein bar before I head home. If I don't, I immediately start looking for something to put in my mouth when I walk in the door - years of ingrained training! I also pack my workout clothes and will change at school. That way I have no excuse, I can head to the gym or out for a run before I get home.

Coming here and getting support is a great start! Best of luck to you!