Love the photos. Thanks for that.

Before I started properly dieting I don't think I ever really understood how much I was eating. Even if you don't count calories, I think it's good to study your food a little more I think as a society we've completely lost track of what's a sensible amount of food.

I was tempted by a pack of nuts yesterday while in the shops. Then I looked at the label and realised that the packet of cashews about the size of a handful contained over 600 kcals, that's more than a third of my daily allowance! Suffice to say, I resisted temptation and had a load of grapes instead

As far as boiling the water goes, I know when I drink things like that there is something different about the taste when you boil it, compared to just using hot water from the tap. I don't know if that's just psychological though.

As a tea drinker, I know you should always used boiling water not just hot water to make it, but that might be for different reasons.

I'm veering off topic here but I was told never to drink water from the hot tap unless you are going to boil it. Something to do with hot and cold water tanks.

I agree, as a society, we've lost track of 'normal' portions.

I think you are right. I think it's to do with bacteria growth in warm water tanks.

Thanks Paul, I knew it was something like that ! my dad told me and it stuck with me !

Paul, your realistic approach to calories is right on track. I do Weight Watchers, which uses "points" instead of calories, but it more or less amounts to the same thing. Nothing is "forbidden" so long as you keep an eye on portion control and don't go over your alloted points.

There is one thing I would add to your program though, and that is the concept of filling foods and making good choices. The biggest problem people have when they just try and reduce thier calorie intake, without making any other changes, is they feel hungry all the time. When you feel hungry you aren't going to be able to stick to the alloted calorie count very well. It's important to learn how to choose foods that will make you feel full without adding a lot of additional and unnecessary calories.

For example, you could eat about half an ounce of potato chips or you could eat three cups of 94% fat free popcorn for the same calories. Three cups of popcorn is going to fill you up a lot better than a couple of potato chips. Another comparison might be 4 ounces of orange juice vs. eating an orange. Basically, you need to fill your plate with foods that are high in fiber and/or water (Lettuce is just about a free food) and are low in fats. These are what will keep you feeling full without going overboard on the calories. I'm not suggesting people cut out fat all together. The body needs fat to function. But if you want to lower your calorie intake and not feel like your starving all the time a few adjustments do need to be made. Choosing to eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains is a good start.

Pam

Definitely. That's why I found gradually reducing my intake worked quite well, rather than suddenly cutting it. It gave me time to find simple replacements for things a bit at a time, rather than radically changing my diet in one go.

If you work into it gradually you can find all sorts of little ways, which all add up over the course of a day.

I like weightwatchers, it's worked very well for a couple of friends. It's very sensible, and not faddy.

Interesting discussion on calories. Though I have never "really" dieted in my life since starting this exercise program and reading here and elsewhere I have become much more aware of unneeded calories. I try to reduce fats, beer is gone, 3 cookies after meals gone ( I do cheat once in awhile), drink lots more water, I often compare the amount of food on our plates to what you receive in hospital and there is a huge difference in my helpings but I am trying to reduce. Though I do not consider myself way overweight I could lose 20 around the gut. I still am not seeing any rewults but I feel it has to come as I do believe that calories in vs calories out is still the key.

I don't do what you all do, it didn't work for me. I just kept getting fatter and fatter, even though my car was broken
and I had to walk everywhere.

One day I saw a book title by a guy called Montignac, which I googled, because often you can find the main points
of a book online without buying it. It led me to discover that what counts for me, at least, is the glycemic index
of the food. For example oil or eggs have almost no sugar in them, a low or zero glycemic index. Potatoes on the
other hand are loaded with sugar or starch.

Over the last year or two I have found that I don't have to consider quanitities at all, as long as I stick to
vegetables (not potatoes) meat, fish, eggs, oil, nuts and seeds. Cheese would be okay but I can't digest it well.
I add just a little fruit but I try to have it
with other foods to keep the overall glycemic level down. And it works, my weight has been steadily dropping and
has started dropping more with the use of the Wii since Christmas.

The catch is, its inconvenient to avoid wheat, potatoes, and other starches as that is what most
handy or bought foods are made from. But having tried measuring quantites, I find this is the best way for me.
I also don't get hungry every hour like I used to, and I don't need to carry snacks in my bag. My blood sugar
is more level.

PS I thought we weren't meant to drink water from the hot tap because it picked up excess minerals like copper
from the pipes?

OK, dumb question, how much lemon juice to how much water? (P.S. This sounds like a very refreshing way to start the morning.)

I have tried dieting once, but I can't really help it. My sister is a nutritionist, she keeps on reminding me that I need 2,500 calories intake per day but I don't know how to handle that. Anyway, thanks for your tips, I could have that in mind.


calories