Tips

Here are few tips I use that help me:

-  Use smaller scale plates and bowls or plates and bowls that have a decorative edging that makes it appear that there is 'more' on the plate.

-  Wear a pedometer to motivate myself to MOVE.

-  Carry a water bottle to make sure I stay hydrated and don't confuse dehydration with hunger.

-  Take a few minutes each morning to think about why I want to maintain my new found good health, quality of life, and appearance so that I can focus decisions on food choices, exercise, etc. on choices that will support me. 

-  When I'm eating out, I often check the nutritional information online before I head to the restaurant and go with a game plan

-  When I'm eating out if I don't want to draw attention to my smaller portions, I often will order a salad. I can eat a reasonable amount of salad without drawing attention to my smaller portions. I just make sure to start my salad with the protein I order to go with it. 

Please feel free to share of the tips you use to help you on your own journey. 

 

Hey Barb :)  The best thing I have ever done is create a spread sheet that I tally my daily and weekly calorie intake, as well as exercise and water intake.  I never "journaled" my eating well, but I find that I will fill out my excel sheet.  I have a target range for my calories that I try to stay between, rather than a firm number.  I don't beat myself up if I go over or miss exercising on a certain day.  What I have found is that it has motivated me to get to the gym regularly and moderates my intake.  I had rebounded 30 pounds and since I started this, have lost 20 of it back.  

As I said, the best thing I have done, well, since having the surgery 3 1/2 years ago. ;)

Ellen,

It's great to hear from you and I can't tell you how much I appreciate your sharing not only your tip, but that you were able to manage and conquer your regain. I also experienced about a 20 lb regain at one point and was able to recognize what I was doing and get it under control. I think it's important for us, but also for others to know that we can 'manage' our weight with a combination of the tool we got from our surgeon and others learn to employ. 

Congratulations and thanks again!

Great tips. Recently I have been craving ice cream, so I have been eating frozen fruit instead. I get mixed berries and strawberries from costco. Yummy!!!!

Try freezing bananas on popsicle sticks.  They taste and feel like ice cream to me. :)  Great alternative!

Yes I do that also. I love it.