Congratulations on finding a sensible, effective, and doable approach, Janice. And great results! The best part is that it's sustainable as a lifestyle change and simple. Until just a few years ago I was able to eat like a 12 year old (anything and lots of it). But, no more. It was a big adjustment and I tried many diets without success. What has finally worked for me is somewhat similar to your approach. My rule is no snacks. I realized that most of my eating was done by snacking. I don't eat until I get hungry in the morning (around 10 or later). A little cereal and berries usually. Then I'm fine until dinner which is a full meal (veggies prominent) that I enjoy. My no snacking rule means that I'm not eating later in the evening. The weight has dropped off and I'm fine with the change in my eating habits. If I do want a treat that's OK on occasion (mini-donuts at the State Fair). I think we've stumbled, in our own ways, onto changes that work. :)
Yours is a good plan too. One of my many weaknesses is the mint flavored M&M's ... They are a serious detriment to these last dozen pounds. Gosh though, they are delicious and I keep thinking I can just eat a few.
Well I cannot. The entire bag is definitely not a Single Serving though I can polish off a Sharing Bag. I am not proud of that. It shows weakness.
On the other hand I have made a lot of success. For my height I am fine, in the middle of the scale for Normal BMI. I do remember how pleased I was to finally be normal. Hahaha.
Thanks for commenting Pam. I am quite frankly concerned because I put out my numbers. It is embarrassing to admit how large I had gotten. I feel so much better now. Healthier, more fit... Finding the key that works for me, your lifestyle change adapted for my situation, was the key. I hope someone who is teetering, may find something to work with that brings them success.
Thanks again Pam. Congratulations on your success. I may add the snack component, excluding mint M&M's. I am weak for them. $3 a bag at Walmart... Take care girl. See you on the waterways. J.
Ya know, just before I read your reply I was thinking how brave it was that you shared your numbers. It may not seem like a big deal to men, but for us it is. Well done, Ma'am. :)
Women I believe want details. So I provided them, with trepidation. I appreciate your confirmation of same. Lots going on here...
More, tomorrow. J.
Well done, Janice. Very well done. Thank you for a simple formula, no food after sunset, that we can all follow. I am going to see if I can narrow my food window, maybe no more than six hours a day ending with sunset.
Like Pam says, the dieting/losing weight process is a matter of finding something we candoc in the long term. For me restrictions of food and food categories did not work. Alas, I have no restraint.
My decision to post this is twofold. #) I have kept the weight off for a long term. I am still able to keep with it. #2) For others now is an adventageous time to begin. Though 7:30 worked for me I might suggest to not feel deprived, that is a bit too early initially. Try dusk. Then as the sun sets earlier, stop earlier. That's just me, and goodness knows I am not a nutritionist nor an expert in losing weight.
Addendum: in the winter I tried backing my time up to dusk. That was untenable. A lot of social life occurs earlier. When I attempted a 5 p.m. cutoff I failed. That was too early.
Cheating for this occasion and that one started me back on the wrong pathway. It was a matter of control.
One fun reward is that literally nothing doesn't fit. That is a huge benefit for me. I feel better about my appearance.
Anyway Mick, I wish you much success. Please stay the course and keep me informed of your progress. Your friend in St. Pete, J.