Wake up call

I dont know why today is different but I have been reading past post and realized something.  I have really been eating whatever I want most of the time just less of it.  I have not lost a pound in about 3 weeks.  I have been exercizing but really eating more now that I really think about it.  I am so thankful for all of you.  You make me stop and think about what I am doing.  I have never been one to journal.  (I have foster kids that I have to keep paperwork on and hate it.  lol)  I have not measured my food in at least a month.  I have not really watched my protien intake and my hair is thinning.  I needed a kick in the a** and you guys did that.  Thank you.  I have been really bumed out about not my stand still.  My husband and I leave for our "honeymoon cruise"  in 16 days.  What is it that makes you get rid of belly fat?  What foods should I avoid?  What exactly is the pouch test?   I think I need to do that too.

well, again Im going to come across like I know what I"m talking about.  BUT as far as the pouch test... You need to have alot of "Willpower" to do that.  I would rather Journal, coun****ch what your eating "EVERYTHING"  it is amazing what those little bites of food do. here and there, add up to.  cheese, butter, it all adds up to what our old habbits are.  are you drinking your water??  # 1 thing we all let go of.  i think if we are more aware of the water it keeps us more on target for the food.  again, i'm no one to talk, i'm a total "failure" but i know what is my problem.  we each have our own issues.  you can do this,  just be honest with yourself and watch what is going on.  OMG, and have an awesome time on your cruise. wher eyou going??? what ship?   I wanna go

First off (kinda off topic, but needs to be said!)  Cheryl.......YOU are NOT a failure.!!!!!!!!  Please stop saying that!

NOW.........  I agree with Cheryl on a lot of things!  Drinking your water has to be a priority and, for me, keeping a journal REALLY keeps me on track!   I log every bite, nibble, etc!  I still weigh or measure food, probably 80-90% of the time (and I'm over 18 mos out!  I am ANAL about this crap and I can't help myself...what can I say?)  I sometimes wish I WASN'T so bad about journaling and stuff!  BUT, when I get discouraged because I've gained a pound or two, I can always look at my food logs and see what I ate or didn't DO that helped me to gain that weight.  

Protein is SOOO important too!  If you can't get at least 60-80g/day from your foods, you really need to supplement with some shakes.  It WILL help with the hair loss.  I lost quite a bit of hair early on, but once I cut it shorter, took Zinc, and upped my protein, it's back to NORMAL hair loss. 

I've heard of the pouch test and, honestly, I don't think I could do it!  I enjoy eating TOO much!  lol     To me, it's just another diet!  Get back to basics: measure, water, protein first, no grazing, and watch your carb intake and I'm willing to bet you won't NEED to do the pouch test!

Hang in there!  This is a journey and a constant learning process!  You can do it!  We're here to help any way we can!
Ruth

ok, Ruth, I just need to say that differently.  I'm not a failure but I failed at my Band.  how's that?

Thank you!  We re going to Jamaica, Grand Cayman & Cozumel Mexico.  I am going to try to Journal.  I am finding that I pick while cooking and am breaking that habit.  I do get plenty of water.  That is all I drink.  I can not drink anything with dairy so I eat protein bars.  I try to put protein powder in stuff.  But it changes the texture and gags me.  Ugh!!

I did that last week on vacation, and I hadn't lost any weight for two weeks before that.  So I hear ya sistah!  Definately get tha****er and protein in.  I am working on that this week, it takes time to work up to 64 ounces of water and 60+ grams of protein/day but you can do it!!!

To get rid of belly fat, lots and lots of water (you will pee like crazy the first few days but then it will go back to normal) and cut out the carbs.  Keep them at a maximum of 25 grams a day (just enough to keep you functioning) and you will lose belly fat.

Good luck!

Thanks!!