Hi Scott, well done on making the decision to be healthier. I've been struggling with weight all my life and now in my mid 40s, feel that if I don't do something permanent I'll burst! I've looked into lap band surgery and just know its not for me, and from people I've known it only really works if you have the right mind set anyway. The big thing I've realized after all these years is portion size! My boss went on a commercial weight loss program that has pre packaged foods, and one of the things I took notice of when she had her lunch was the portion sizes. So I've been counting calories and really watching my portions for about three weeks or so, and have lost about 3.5kg. One of the things I've done is pre package my own food, all weighed, calorie counted and packed in zip lock bags. It sounds extreme I guess, but I can prepare my own food the way I like it, count the calories myself by using my handy little calorie counter book, and know how it will all fit together by the end of the day. I've even packaged some naughty foods for the odd snack once or twice in the week, but only to 100 calories. That way, if I feel the need to have that choc/lolly fix or need a snack, I can grab a pre packaged bag, have the satisfaction of the taste, but in controlled portions. From my experience in the past, to totally eliminate those things that have been firm friends for many years is too much of a temptation and will ultimately lead to downfall. This is a compromise that I am using as a tool more the anything else, to get me to the next level, where maybe I won't feel the need to snack on naughty things ... It's a life long journey for me, and if I am ever going to succeed I need to make it realistic for myself and give myself the best shot I can to make it work forever! What I've found is that even when I started my journey this time around, was a plan to have one of those naughty snacks once a day ... But what I've found, partly as a result of my immediate losses, and partly because I'm feeling satisfied, is that I've only had naughty things every few days, instead of every day ... Although I dropped the ball today, but I can pick it up again tomorrow .. That's another thing I've realised, that even though I might over eat today, I can do the opposite the next day, or throw in some more exercise ... The end of each day isn't a line drawn in the sand, it can carry over, and be compensated ... Or even if that's not possible, then to get back on track the next day is the best way forward. Wishing you luck on your journey...
