Weight-Loss Can someone analyze my eating habits??

Weight-Loss
T

taylorstimac

New member
Okay, I've been on my weight loss journey for about 3 weeks now. I've been exercising everyday...usually about 30 min of cardio mixed with some strength training. I've done really well and have lost about 3 lbs, but I worry that my eating will hinder my weight loss in the future. I've never had "good" eating habits...I've always incorporated junk food into my diet in some way. I truly want a complete lifestyle change and want this weight loss to be permanent...I want to be HEALTHY.

I was hoping if I gave you guys some of my sample meal plans that you could analyze them and let me know what I should cut out, eat less of, eat more off, add, etc. While I know that much of eating healthy is common sense, I'm often times naive about what is packaged to look "healthy". For instance, I find myself telling me that it's okay to eat baked chips with a sandwhich, because they're baked, so they must be healthier. Then I tell myself that a 100 calorie pack is okay, because it's just 100 calories. I just don't want to fall into a trap of justifying unhealthy foods and end up gaining the weight back. I have too many reasons, my 1 yr old daughter being the main one, to become healthy...I think I just need a reality check. I'm hoping that's where you guys will come in. Please feel free to be brutally honest, I want to know if I'm on the wrong path.

Here's a bit about me that may help you guys when looking at the meals.
I'm:

Female
22
5'8"
190 lbs

According to the about.com site, if I exercise for 30 min each day, I should set my calorie goal at: 2249.7 in order to reach my goal of 135 lbs at a healthy rate.

Okay...here we go:

Example 1-

Breakfast:
SlimFast Optima Shake (190 cal)

Snack:
WW String Cheese (~90 cal)

Lunch:
Lean Cuisine Pizza (370 cal)

Snack:
Snickers Marathon Protein Bar (290 cal, 20g protein)

Dinner:
Medium bowl Chili made with Venison and Pinto Beans (???? cal)


Example 2-

Breakfast:
1 slice of buttered toast (Parkay spray butter and sugar free wheat bread)
Handful of Oven Roasted Salted Mixed Nuts

Snack:
100 Calorie Pack (Cheeze-Its or Cookies or something)

Lunch:
Turkey sanwhich on when bread with WW Cheese
Sun Chips (about 15)

Snack:
Snickers Marathon Protein Bar (290 cal, 20g protein)

Dinner:
Medium portion of Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
Dinner Roll

Example 3-

Breakfast:
1/2 Sara Lee Blueberry Bagle with Parkay Spray Butter (~100 cal)

Snack:
WW Chocolate Muffin (180 cal)

Lunch:
Fried Rice (Chicken) from the local Vietnamese restauant (small portion)
1 Egg Roll

Snack:
Snickers Marathon Protein Bar (290 cal, 20g protein)

Example 4-

Breakfast:
Small bowl of Special K sweetened with Stevia
w/ whole milk (I have a baby in the house :( )

Snack:
Pkg of Peanut Butter crackers

Lunch:
Lean Cuisine Meal (300-400 cal)

Snack:
Snickers Marathon Protein Bar (290 cal, 20g protein)

Dinner:
Mashed potatoes, chicken breast, mac and cheese

**As you might have noticed, I don't much care for fruits or veggies. I really wished that I liked them more and have tried to incorporate them into my diet as much as possible even though I didn't add them to my example meal plans. I try and choke down apple slices every few days and try and eat corn or potatoes or green beans with dinner.

**I also take a multivitamin and 500mg of B-12 every morning.

**I drink only water and consume about 80 oz per day.

I think that about sums it up. I look forward to your responses. Be honest, but gentle. ;)
 
I understand that this is only all opinions. Please note that for the most parts we are not Dr's, dieticians, or nuts. So in a nut shell it seems that you are doing well, but I would try at least for the time being, stay away from very fatty foods, like hamburger helper and mac and cheese, yeah reward yourself sometimes maybe once a week or 2. Thats what I do. and keep going dont give up. Dont deprive yourself either, because all of a sudden you might splurge and that usually is a death sentence for a lot of weight loss patients because sometimes after you splurge it is so hard to stop. But in MHO it seems you have a good regimen, I guess with the hamburger helper replaces with a leaner piece of beef, with as much less carbs as possible since it is dinner time. Eat the majority of your carbs early in the morning. Good Luck
 
Thank you so much for replying! I value your opinion and will try and introduce some leaner meats into my diet. I figured Hamburger Helper wasn't the best for me, but you know...it's easy to convince yourself that it's "okay" when you're trying to lose weight. I know that I have to eat enough and that I need to incorporate exercise...my goal is to not only lose weight, but to live a healthy lifestyle (without going overboard. For instance, I'll never be able to go without No Bake Cookies...as long as they're in moderation though, I know that it's okay.) Thanks for taking the time to reply.
 
of course, have some fun with your food. But like with me it took me forever, but I know I had to condition my body to love good food and hate bad food. Ill sneak it a coke here and there and eat some soft chewy chocolate chip cookies. But for the most part I feel so so good when I eat a really good healthy meal.
 
Sorry I am not trying to be rude, but I cannot understand how this can be a healthy diet? It is lacking in veges and fruits. I just can't understand.

I know you say you don't like veges but your body needs them to survive.

I would eliminate things like bagels, mac and cheese and all the extra cheese everywhere. I wouldn't have anything like that unless you are at least being nourished with some veges first. Sorry, I am just being honest.
 
shae said:
Sorry I am not trying to be rude, but I cannot understand how this can be a healthy diet? It is lacking in veges and fruits. I just can't understand.

I know you say you don't like veges but your body needs them to survive.

I would eliminate things like bagels, mac and cheese and all the extra cheese everywhere. I wouldn't have anything like that unless you are at least being nourished with some veges first. Sorry, I am just being honest.
Click to expand...


If you would've read the complete post it says that I do try and incorporate fruits and veggies as often as possible. I was not raised with fruits and veggies in my life; my parents let us eat whatever we wanted. I'm not blaming my weight on them, I'm simply saying that it's diffucult to like something that you've never acquired a taste for. I'm doing my best, but I know that I'm not going to be a person that snacks on carrots or eats salads...I just don't like them...at all. Trust me, I wish I liked them. Salads look so good to me, but the taste is absolutely repulsive. I've tried every salad dressing under the sun, but to no avail. I want to be healthy, but that's like telling a vegetarian to eat a medium well steak...that would be repulsive to them. Sure, over time they could adapt and learn to tolerate it if they had to. That's how fruits and veggies are to me. They've never ever been a part of my life...so, while I know that they're good for me and that I need them on a regular basis, I'm doing the best I can. I started this new lifestyle change only 2 short weeks ago and have already lost 6 lbs. I feel better and feel like I'm truly making a sincere change. I do appreciate your honesty, but please don't be judgemental. I'm trying to incorporate fruits and veggies but I think it's just going to take some time.

PS- There's not cheese everywhere...I may have a stick of string cheese every three or four days and a slice on my sandwich. And I don't eat mac and cheese on a regular basis. The above plans were examples. If I ate that much cheese I'd be backed up like a sink full of hair. ;)
 
HealthyEating said:
Your "diet" is full of chips, candybars, cheese, pizza, chocolate, and other crap. Lol.
Click to expand...

Your statement was rude. I didn't ask for rude replies, I asked for helpful advice. You act like I'm binging on Dorito's and Hersheys, neither of which are a part of my life. No one ever said you had to live on fruits and veggies alone to be "healthy" (whatever that is anyway). The adaptations I've made to my diet at this point do still include foods that I enjoy, just healthier versions of them. I plan to make this a lifestyle change that I'll follow for ever, not some crash diet so I can lose a few pounds and then go back to a poor lifestyle. I mean, isn't that what living life is about? Being happy? For me, eating is one of the joys in life. I try to savor food and enjoy it. I actually thought I was doing good...and 6 lbs of weight loss in 2 weeks proves that. Do I think that the above meal plans are what a super fit body builder would eat? No. Do I want to be a super fit body builder? No. I just want to get down to a healthy weight and enjoy life with my husband and daughter.

Not that I need to clarify any further on my food choices, I still think I will. Just to make myself feel better. ;)

Chips-- I'm guilty. I have Sun Chips on occassion.
Sun Chips (16)- 140 cal, 1 g sat fat, 0 g trans fat, 0 cholestoral, 2g protein and fiber

Candybars-- Guily here. I have a Snickers Marathon Protein Bar after a workout.
Snicker Marathon- 290 cal, 10g fat, 20g protein

Cheese-- Yes, I like cheese. I only use weight watchers cheese.
WW cheese- 44 cal per slice.

Pizza-- Who doesn't love pizza? I'm not consuming Pizza Hut though, I eat (on occassion) a Lean Cuisine pizza. The whole thing isn't much bigger than a softball.
Lean Cuisine pizza- 350 cal, 21 g protein

Chocolate-- only in the protein bar. Sorry to disappoint you.

Other crap-- I can't say I've ever eaten feces...maybe you could fill me in on this?? ;)
 
Why arent you the type of person to eat carrots for a snack? Why cant you eat salads? ( i know why because i did read your post but it's more hypothetical) When was the last time you tried veggies and what were they? You dont have to but give me an idea of when and what they were. Say i tried x two weeks ago.

When i started i couldnt eat that "stuff" either. Like anything you will get used to it. You will find ones you like and dont like. I hated aspargus (after eating it i realized i didnt hate it just never ate it) but i go used to it and liked it. I started eating brocolli, carrots and salads.

Also, you said you have whole milk becuase you have a child. (not sure how old but congrats) I have two kids and beleive me, i am not some type of person that says no junk food or just veggies for them but they do see daddy having healthy snacks and they do have days when they will eat them with me. They still have their share of treats. All i'm trying to do is introduce them so they wont end up never seeing them like i did.

Start small and increase your intake. Like i said, you will get used to them.

Good luck and stay motivated.
 
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Weight loss is a sensitive subject for most. But, you asked for help, and in order for you to see the losses you desire, you will have to incorporate some low fat, low sugar foods and reduce your carbohydrates. Because you have not grown up around vegetables, take it slow. Replace one item on your menu a day that is high in the bad stuff, with a vegetable or two.

Alot of food is packaged as healthy, and really isn't. You need to read the labels for calories, sugar, carbohydrate, and fats. Your body needs most of these, excluding sugar (but that's our reward for doing things right).
 
usedtobefatmatt said:
Why arent you the type of person to eat carrots for a snack? Why cant you eat salads? ( i know why because i did read your post but it's more hypothetical) When was the last time you tried veggies and what were they? You dont have to but give me an idea of when and what they were. Say i tried x two weeks ago.

When i started i couldnt eat that "stuff" either. Like anything you will get used to it. You will find ones you like and dont like. I hated aspargus (after eating it i realized i didnt hate it just never ate it) but i go used to it and liked it. I started eating brocolli, carrots and salads.

Also, you said you have whole milk becuase you have a child. (not sure how old but congrats) I have two kids and beleive me, i am not some type of person that says no junk food or just veggies for them but they do see daddy having healthy snacks and they do have days when they will eat them with me. They still have their share of treats. All i'm trying to do is introduce them so they wont end up never seeing them like i did.

Start small and increase your intake. Like i said, you will get used to them.

Good luck and stay motivated.
Click to expand...


I would love to get to the point where I enjoy eating carrots as a snack, but right now it's just not feasible. I literally think I would throw up. I know that sounds awful, but it's true.

The last veggie I ate was yesterday, we had corn on the cob (spray butter, just a couple of squirts for flavor) The last fruit I ate was a couple of days ago. Our boss brought in a fruit tray and I sampled all of the fruits. I had a few slices of granny smith apple, grapes, cantaloupe, and honey dew. I literally had to choke them down. I'm not sure if it was the taste or texture, but they were all extremely difficult to eat. I cut them into tiny pieces but still had to chase them with water as if I was taking a pill. I realize how absolutely ridiculous that sounds, but it's the truth. I hope to get to a point where it's not like this, I find myself wondering if it will get better?? I can't imagine having to choke down food on a daily basis just because it's "good for me". If I'm gagging every time I take a bite, that can't be good either, right?

As for incorporating more fruits and veggies, that is my plan. Will I eat salads for lunch and celery as an afternoon snack? I'm not sure. I'd like to get to that point someday, but right now it's just so hard to phathom. I'm glad that you were able to sympathize with my feelings towards fruits and vegetables...most everyone just thinks I'm crazy and childish about it. That's honestly not it. I WANT to eat better, I WANT to eat fruits and veggies. I know you're thinking, "well, just put them in your mouth, chew, and swallow"
I can do that, but I literally have to chase them with water and then almost throw up because it gags me. I'm sorry, but that's crazy to me. Will this get better???

As for the milk, my daughter is 12 months old and we've just switched her to whole milk so that's literally all we have in the house. I'm considering buying a small carton of skim per week for myself, but heck...I'm not even sure how much skim milk is "too much".

Thanks for your advice and thanks for sympathizing.
 
Well all those fruits and veggies you tried is a start. I do find it crazy that you are forcing yourself to eat fruit only becuase i really enjoy fruits. You did try a few slices of Granny Smith apples which is great. A few means more than one so you had to go back for more. There are SO many different types of apples so keep trying. You will find some you like. I promise. :D

What about watermelon or FRESH pineapple? Those would probably be my favorite.

Something else i would like to add. A lot of your food is premade or prepackaged. Yes, we all eat them at times but they are not your best options. Like i said i have two kids under three so i know what it is like to have very little extra time but you would be better off making your own versions of these items. You can control the ingrediants. For example, those PB crackers are not to good but if you buy Natural Peanut Butter and whole wheat crackers they are better both tasting and for you.

The key is to just keep trying them and you will adjust.

Matt
 
Jesus Freak said:
Weight loss is a sensitive subject for most. But, you asked for help, and in order for you to see the losses you desire, you will have to incorporate some low fat, low sugar foods and reduce your carbohydrates. Because you have not grown up around vegetables, take it slow. Replace one item on your menu a day that is high in the bad stuff, with a vegetable or two.

Alot of food is packaged as healthy, and really isn't. You need to read the labels for calories, sugar, carbohydrate, and fats. Your body needs most of these, excluding sugar (but that's our reward for doing things right).
Click to expand...


This is exactly the advice I was looking for!

I realize that I need to eat healthier, but I also know that I enjoy food...I still want to be able to enjoy the things I like but I want to incorporate healthier versions of them.

What would some good alternatives be?? What is everyone else out there who's losing weight and eating right eating??? Surely the whole "healthy" population is not eating only oats and veggies?? I need flavor in my life, as well as variety. I can learn to like anything, but I just need some guidelines for healthy eating.

Let me list a few examples and maybe you guys can give me a "yay" or "nay".

Oven Roasted Salted Mixed Nuts

Kashi Cereal

Stevia (sugar substitute)

100% Whole Wheat, Sugar Free Bread

Lean Cuisines (any of 'em)

Snickers Marathon Protein or Energy Bars (I seem to have gotten a lot of slack for eating these. They are like my little "treat" after a good work out. I assumed that they were "okay" since they have 20g of protein...and this is typically my only "sweet" for the day.)

String Cheese

100 cal pack (used as a snack either after breakfast or after lunch)

Venison

Mashed potatoes (spray butter)

Oscar Meyer Deli Selects (turkey, chicken lunch meat)

Slim Fast
 
Kashi cereal is good, but some are better than others. I eat the one that is high in protein and fiber. It doesn't taste like much, but you could add splenda and/or raisans.

You need to read the labels on the Lean Cuisine, same as the cereal, some are better than others.

Salted nuts.....NO, try to eliminate salt......causes swelling. In trying to eliminate salt, you will never eliminate it completely. Don't worry about that, just try to choose foods low in salt.

I'm not sure on the Oscar Meyer, I usually buy the "off-brand/generic" 98% fat free meats. Same for beef.........but the lean stuff, i.e. >90% lean.

Chicken breast and fish are good choices too.

I also eat the Marathon bars when I play golf. Nice little treat for us dieter's.
 
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taylorstimac said:
If you would've read the complete post it says that I do try and incorporate fruits and veggies as often as possible. I was not raised with fruits and veggies in my life; my parents let us eat whatever we wanted. I'm not blaming my weight on them, I'm simply saying that it's diffucult to like something that you've never acquired a taste for. I'm doing my best, but I know that I'm not going to be a person that snacks on carrots or eats salads...I just don't like them...at all. Trust me, I wish I liked them. Salads look so good to me, but the taste is absolutely repulsive. I've tried every salad dressing under the sun, but to no avail. I want to be healthy, but that's like telling a vegetarian to eat a medium well steak...that would be repulsive to them. Sure, over time they could adapt and learn to tolerate it if they had to. That's how fruits and veggies are to me. They've never ever been a part of my life...so, while I know that they're good for me and that I need them on a regular basis, I'm doing the best I can. I started this new lifestyle change only 2 short weeks ago and have already lost 6 lbs. I feel better and feel like I'm truly making a sincere change. I do appreciate your honesty, but please don't be judgemental. I'm trying to incorporate fruits and veggies but I think it's just going to take some time.

PS- There's not cheese everywhere...I may have a stick of string cheese every three or four days and a slice on my sandwich. And I don't eat mac and cheese on a regular basis. The above plans were examples. If I ate that much cheese I'd be backed up like a sink full of hair. ;)
Click to expand...

I did read the whole post. You said you wanted a lifestyle change and a permanent change. I was trying to help, and definitely didn't want to offend.

I am saying cut out cheese, all the processed bars, things like mac and cheese etc. because your diet is lacking so much without the veges and fruits.

For health reasons I would be forcing myself to eat veges. I would be grating them into dishes, juicing them, puree them, do anything to get them into your body bit by bit. The health consequences are so serious if you don't. It's like medicine an operation, if you had to to have it to live you would do it.

I am only trying to be honest. I'm sorry, I cannot see how else to help.
 
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