You don’t have to cut out olive oil all together. I would use it sparingly though.

Hammer, the Virgin, and Michelle have great points!

What kind of cereal do you eat? Milk is a great source of calcium and protein, but the high sugar to protein ratio is the killer. Orange juice is good for vitamin C, but again you have to think of the sugar content.

Protein has a thermogenic (fat burning) effect on the body, the exercise will help burn fat quicker, and you can’t go wrong with raw fruits and veggies.

Most protein powders mix well now a days. I’d stick with the powders. RTD’s can get expensive. A powerful blender is a must have in these fast paced times. Plus you can doctor up your protein drinks with fruit, yogurt, natural peanut butter, etc. I even put uncooked oats in my own, but I’m a little more fanatical than most.

Stick to slow burning carbs like oatmeal, brown rice, sweet potatoes,whole grain pasta, and whole grain breads. I would minimize the bread though, and try to get the pasta in before 5pm.

Anyway, they will keep you feeling full much longer. They are more nutrient dense and won’t spike your insulin levels (which promotes fat storage) like white bread, sugar, white pasta, etc.

Nuts are a great snack and can help curb your appetite. They have both healthy fats and protein. Just don’t eat too many, because healthy fats are 9 calories per gram.

Same with Natural Peanut butter. Just a tablespoon can hold you over between meals.

Another good one between main meals is cottage cheese and fruit/veggies.

When I diet to cut up, I get the bulk of my carbs from breakfast to lunch, which is when my activity is at it’s peak. I taper them off into the evening, which is when your metabolism tends to wind down.

Theoretecally, it doesn’t matter when you eat carbs, if you don’t take in excess calories during the day, but I don’t take chances.

5-6pm is my last meal with complex carbs. For my dinner, around 8:30pm, I eat a protein with veggies. That will hold me over until the morning, and will control cravings for late night cereal binges.

Getting the 5-6 small meals will rev up the metabolism. I count shakes as meals, by the way.

You don’t have to starve yourself to lose weight-just make better choices 80% of the time. Don’t get stuck eating the same things either, because your body adapts to that, just like it does your workouts. On the weekends, have a cheat meal. Reward yourself.

Sorry for the book. Hope this helps!!

Oddly what panicked me was not the gaining weight when I had glandular fever, but loosing muscle definition. Felt like reverting to a weaker physical state; yuck.

~ Tony

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KT – Thanks! Different people feel comfortable at different weights, and all I know is that I’m NOT comfortable at this weight. I’ve always been tall and lean, and the extra chub is not acceptable!

Hammer – Will have to check that out, although the idea of a clumpy drink is not very appealing, lol.

Simon – Oh, Hammer is just a big softie. : ) And yes, I can’t wait to put on a killer tight dress and have a fantastic sexathon once I drop my 10 lbs. or so. Oooooh, I’m getting excited just thinking about it!

Virgin – Thanks! Yeah, there is no substitute for exercise. Even if you’re not trying to lose weight, it’s important for general health, etc. As for WW, I think if you apply it consistently, you’re supposed to lose weight even without exercise…. my friend lost 30 lbs. that way!

On a serious note, I think there is nothing more satisfying than achieving a goal. Actually, there is one thing more satisfying: the inevitable downward spiral post achieved goal, where you get to have fun. Life seems to be all about that, doesn’t it?

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SomethingFair – Thanks! I think that’s the key – different things work for different people, and there are lots of options. I’m giving WW a try, and we’ll see how it goes. I won’t be convinced until my pants fit again!

SheComesFirst – Thank you! I’m still not sure what was “wrong” with my old breakfast, but I’ve figured out some “better” options – low-fat yogurt, fresh fruit, eggs, or a combination of 2 out of 3. I’m still learning…

Michelle – Actually, this is almost exactly what the WW guy told us – try to eat foods as close to their natural state as possible, although WW does allow cooked lean meat, cooked veggies, etc. Then again, I could never give up sushi, so I’ll certainly be eating raw fish. : )

Rachelle – Oh no! It’s amazing how easy it is to gain weight, but I’m convinced that it will be relatively easy to lose it, too. I just have to exercise my will-power and plan ahead. If you decide to try losing, let me know and we can support each other!

Hammer – Yeah, that’s another thing the WW guy mentioned – try to fill your diet with filling foods so that you don’t get as hungry as often. Never tried a protein shake… will have to look into it! Have you had them? Are they yummy???

Honey – Well, I have to agree with you about the starving part (this morning anyway) and the obsessing about food/points. But hopefully as I learn how to plan ahead it won’t be such a big deal and I won’t be so freaking hungry! As for cooking, you can actually cook whatever you want, as long as you keep track of the ingredients. Just calculate the points for each ingredient, add them all up, and divide by the # of servings. Calculator required. : )

Mr NYC – Thanks! 24 hours in, I’m optimistic… we’ll see how I feel in a week or so!

But I would love to hear how you do on it. If it works (I was pre-veggies are “free” points) then maybe I’ll give it another go…

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Keep us all posted on your progress. I need to find something that works.

My doctor gave me a verbal tongue lashing yesterday!

Two weeks of raw food, and the weight will be falling off!

Like you, I’ve been watching myself slowly gain weight over the last four months or so, and am hating myself for it. And my breakfast sounds a lot like yours! Maybe it’s time to rethink the cereal and milk routine…

Please keep us posted on how the WW works out, and best of luck!

But luckily we all have different options that work for us! Great luck to you!:)

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