I got this plea for help from FFTV member, ladyjay. And she asked me to throw it out to all of you. Great idea, I thought. Just leave your suggestions for her in the comments.
Maybe other members have ideas for me…….here’s my problem….
I need to lose 20 pounds to be in the “normal” range for weight (out of the overweight category). I’ve started being really good and counting Weight Watcher points AND writing them down in my food diary. My big problem is night time, after dinner. That’s when I get really hungry – maybe not even hungry, but that’s when I crave the cookies. Other than good old fashioned “self control” and exercise (’cause that ain’t gonna happen) do you have any hints for me?
BTW ladyjay, maybe a tasty protein shake is in order – it might help take care of your cravings and make you feel full. There are lots of great varieties in the comments over here.
I’ve discovered Dove miniature ice creams – they’re little ice cream bars w/ only 60 calories. They taste like they should be more! But they cure my sweet craving without a ton of guilt!
oh, I feel your pain–same thing happens to me! I try to either distract myself with something (read a book, trash mag, etc.) or I give in just a little bit and have just one cookie, vs. the whole bag.
and here is a new one for us, we got a Wii and use that as a means of entertainment and exercise!
hope that helps!
Carine,
The problem I have with the Dove miniatures is that I can never eat just ONE!!!!!
I think you need to make sure you fill up on enough protein and fiber (lots of veggies especially) at dinner. Try to drink lots of water or warm tea if you like it…it fills the gap. If I am getting hungry, I change my routine……think……walk…call a friend…..long bubble bath sipping on green tea
Hope it helps!
This is also a problem of mine. We eat at 4:00 for husband who works graveyard shift. I can graze all night. I know you said you don’t want to exercise. But a walk in the evening as the sun goes down does seem to help cut the craving.
I love the ideas and REALLY appreciate them. I haven’t done protein shakes before. I have actually found that the Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches are very yummy and only 2 WW points. Now, I’m going to flip over to the contest site and read up on making protein shakes! Thanks a bunch for your help.
Ok I know what you are going through and I need to start with telling you that Weight Watchers is not the right starting point.
Don’t go on or fallow any diet because you’ll only fall off and hurt your self.
The WW point system doesn’t ensure that you are eating health and it doesn’t educate you about the correct nutrition that your body needs.
You need to work on 3 areas;
1. Your Eating; educate yourself about carbohydrates because there are good and bad ones, you want to start eating the good ones which will come from unprocessed foods. Good carbs like; fruit, oatmeal, brown rice, etc these will keep you feeling full for longer. Also you received the advice to take a protein shake which will also be good, (providing that you are exercising) Try to have most of your carbs in the morning, then a protein based snack 2 hours later, then have a big fiber based lunch also with some protein (raw veg salad with olive oil and chicken or fish or beef or pork, then a protein based snack 2 hours later, for dinner try to minimize your portion; if you are having carbs try to lower them for this meal (potatoes, rice, pasta) with meat and veg, then a protein based snack 2 hours later (have this snack at about 7pm)
2. Strength training – now before you say it, I promise that it’s not going to bulk you like the hulk; muscle takes up less space than fat. Do a strength training workout 3 times per week with a day off in between (E.g. Mon, Wed & Fri OR Tue, Thu & Sat) use weights that you can lift about 12-15 reps and workout your whole body choosing exercises for the arms, legs, upper & lower back, chest & abs. DON’T just focus on your ABS! Your body won’t remove fat this way.
Try doing 12-15 reps of each workout and as you go through all the body parts then that means you have done 1 set. Then on the 2nd week you can move up by repeating by doing 2 sets.
Toning up your muscles will start up your body’s natural fat burners.
3. Cardio training – this is belly fat busting exercise and combined with strength training will see you down those 20 lbs. Do a 20-30min cardio exercise 3 times a week; do them on the off days for strength training. So if you are strength training on Mon, Wed & Fri then you can do the cardio on Tue, Thu & Sat. But If you are really feeling energetic or don’t have time to workout 6 days then slot your cardio in before you do your strength training.
This will take commitment and discipline to see it through, get support from your family and friends and also consult with your doctor before starting.
If the doc gives you the all clear, then you should be able to lose 2lbs a week! That will be safe, permanent weight loss and you can have that 20lbs of in 5-6 weeks time!
Take care and be safe,
Andrew
Wow Andrew,
Thanks for taking the time to write all that for me; I really appreciate it. I have been hearing how the right kind of foods and eating them at the right time of day can make a difference in weight loss and people don’t have to feel hungry. I’ll let you know how it works for me.
No problem Ladyjay, any time!
Take care,
Andrew
dangnubbit
discipline or regret beat me to most of my thoughts…I often end my day with a frozen protein shake (I ADORE MY SHAKES! it took a while but Ive found one I love and so suggest doing a buncha taste tests till you find one you like!) eaten with a spoon.
satisfying.
good for me.
FAB whilst watching TV.
and s-l-o-w to disappear.
MizFit
Almonds, string cheese and yogurt! Much water and like Miz says some good ol’ shakes!