Weight loss enthusiasts: how do you have the will power to resist?

[bbernardini]

I've been trying to lose weight lately, and I've managed to lose around 15-20 pounds. I'd like to lose at least another 10-20. My basic problem is that I have absolutely NO will power to resist temptation when it calls. When a bag of pretzels enters the house, I devour them with great speed. I've cut down on this problem by simply not buying pretzels, but sometimes I just can't help myself.

The annoying thing is that I keep eating when I'm not even hungry. It's a crunchy, salty texture addiction, I think. :)

Thoughts? Suggestions? Want to come over and punch me in the kidneys when I start to eat too much?

[Shine]

1. Hey, I can relate. For me, a lot of it's hormonal based.

I like crunchy, too. Try to sub in celery and carrots, instead. If you can, enroll your housemates to support your health commitment by NOT bringing that tempting shit into the house. For me, that's a bit challenging cuz I got kids, and they eat them in their lunches.

I try to remember to RE-commit everyday to my health and well-being. Start each day, anew. One day at a time....

Drinking LOTS of water helps, too. :thumbsup: Hey, congrats on the weight loss you've already achieved!! Well done. ;)

Check out the Weight Loss Forum discussion group, too. Lots of support over there. Good people.

:hi:

[Fleshdancer]

2. I have one free day a week

I do Body For Life which allows me one day to eat whatever I want. This works for me because I can resist anything in front of me as long as I know that on Saturday I can eat it. This way, nothing is forbidden...just postponed for a little bit. The rest of the week I eat clean, drink a gallon of water a day and workout with great intensity. Even if I were to consume a disgustingly large amount of calories on my free day, it still wouldn't be enough to make a dent in my weekly caloric deficit.

[Pithlet]

3. I can't

So I exercise. If I do an hour on the treadmill at a brisk walk or jog at least 4 times a week, I find I can get away with splurging now and then. Diet alone has never worked for me.

[azmouse]

4. I love to eat so I learned to love the gym.

If you can, work out at least 3 times a week. It makes a big difference in how you feel
about yourself and it increases muscle mass which burns calories.
I have 20 lbs to lose too. Don't give up.

[kick-ass-bob]

5. Having lost the 20 pounds you are wanting to lose,

I say I can't resist always either.

But, what you can do is when you think about eating the pretzels - especially when you aren't hungry, is go do something (anything) to get your mind off of eating. Many times you end up forgetting about the food and don't have the desire any more.

If your stomach still grumbles though, you do need to eat something, so grab a handful and close the bag and put it away - never eat directly from the bag - you'll never stop (at least I wouldn't).

And exercise! It actually cuts down on your appetite for a while.

[GOPisEvil]

6. Instead of eating from the bag, pour yourself out a bowl.

Then put the bag out of sight. You get the same feeling of completion, but you just finish a bowl, not the whole bag. That worked for me when I was in full-on weight-loss mode.

Now, though, I allow myself to have bad days. It's not worth beating yourself up over. I get plenty of exercise, so the bad days don't hurt as much.