Losing weight is about small lifestyle changes.

Here are some that I've made:

- Stopped drinking my calories. Now I only drink water. And I add a lemon to it for that extra pizzaz. :] Sometimes, though, I'll make a smoothie for desert.
- Started carrying water bottles with me everywhere. You wouldn't believe how many times I thought I was hungry, but turned out to just be thirsty.
- Started packing small snacks with me, like carrots and walnuts.
- Began taking the stairs, always, and when impractical, began walking all the way up on escalators.
- Bought measuring cups, a digital scale for my kitchen and, most importantly, smaller bowls/plates. You have no idea how much this has helped.
- Invested in a bike. Now I ride everywhere instead of driving. Both physically and environmentally friendly.
- Began brushing my teeth after my last meal. I got the idea from the PT lounge. Believe it or not, it works! Avoid midnight snacking and make your smile shine brighter.. you'll be receiving many compliments soon. :]
- Starting pacing while on the phone!
- Switched to whole grain/whole wheat products.
- Bought an ice-pop icetray sorta thing. I just throw some low-calorie juice in there, let it freeze, and then snack on it when I get an (un)controllable urge.
- Stopped drinking coffee.
- Stopped eating the skin on chicken.
- Cut high-calorie foods into small pieces before eating.
- I also avoid eating when I'm completely starving hungry; I'm more prone to overeating then.
- When going out to eat, I usually split dishes with whoever I'm dining with.
- Started asking for dressing and other condiments "on the side.
- Slowed down my eating by putting my fork down between mouthfuls.
- Stopped shopping on an empty stomach!

What small lifestyle changes have you made?

Sun. Jan 25, 3:29pm

Way to go, OP! That long list of 'small' changes must add up to a huge difference! Good for you!

One question - 'avoid eating when completely starving hungry' What do you do when your completely starving hungry?? :)

Sunday, January 25, 2009, 4:25 PM

OP here,

I never let it get to that level. I always carry healthy snacks with me too, so that definitely helps.

If I ever do get to that point, though, and it has happened, I am just conscious of the fact that I tend to overeat in that situation. I take smaller bites, put down my fork between mouthfuls and chew thoroughly before I swallow. :]

Hope that answers your question.

Sunday, January 25, 2009, 8:57 PM

I figured that's what you meant :) I just thought it was funny: don't eat when you're really hungry.

Sunday, January 25, 2009, 9:13 PM

these are great. i would love to hear more! what changes have you guys made so far?

Monday, January 26, 2009, 2:42 PM

I've been making a lot of the same changes as the OP, and they've been working really well!

- Taking the stairs whenever possible
- Parking in the farthest spot in a parking lot
- Carrying my Sigg bottle everywhere
- I never drank pop or juice, but either way 98% of the time I drink water
- Drinking black, green, and herbal tea as alternatives to water
- Looking up nutritional info to choose my meals more wisely when eating out
- Having healthy snacks on-hand for emergencies
- If I feel a binge coming on, I get out of the house (usually to window shop)
- Switched to whole wheat grains
- I always check nutritional labels before buying
- Gave up fast food over a year ago
- Counting calories to get real about what I eat in a day
- Working out at least 25 minutes a day

I reached my goal weight (or size) a few months ago and have been working on maintaining - I still struggle with the occasional chocolate binge, but I find that as long as I keep up with my "small changes" my weight isn't affected. I'd love to hear what other people have been doing to change their daily habits!

Monday, January 26, 2009, 5:51 PM

find healthier version of favorite snacks.

suddenly, i eat healthier. its been a long road but I've found healthy alternatives to my favorite treats and now they are my foods: nuts, seeds, fruits, green tea by the gallon!, quinoa crackers-- dairy free, bean free, gluten free, and mostly sugar free.
Need to learn to cook vegan veggie dishes with more flair.... one day at a time.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 1:23 AM

All the small changes posted by others are excellent, keep up the good work!

I am focusing on planning my meals for the entire week and then precooking my lunches for 2-3 days at a time so I can pack it up for the office and warm it up at lunchtime.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 1:38 AM

I started drinking a glass of water before every meal, and right when I wake up.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 8:32 PM

Threw away all the take-out menus.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009, 6:38 PM

I stopped going to restaurants that box their meals... if there is paper involved with my food, I no longer eat there.

I make one large side dish at the beginning of the week, then separate it out into one cup portions for easy lunch packing.

I try to balance my meals to include no more then 50% processed foods (this means canned, boxed and premade)

I use the idea of thirds, 2 thirds of my plate should be veggie and one third protien.

I always leave something on my plate... oh and I plate EVERYTHING.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009, 7:35 PM

Sugar snap peas now replace Doritos for me.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 11:58 PM

This is a great thread! I will try the water when I first wake up the weekend mornings are tempting for me.
I have started breathing while eating. It's amazing when you slow yourself down how much sooner you realize you are full.
I also plate everything and try to "see" myself with my hand in the cereal box. I try to be really mindful of my actions "those sneaky things we wouldn't do if someone was watching" .

Thursday, February 12, 2009, 12:25 PM

I have just recently started not cleaning anything while I'm cooking... I cook dinner and leave the kitchen a mess. Then I sit down, eat and then go spend time cleaning the kitchen, keeping me from eating and heading straight to the couch... it usually gets me doing other things around the house too, then next thing I know it's about bedtime... and I feel productive and like I'm not eating then wasting away in front of the tv for the night.

Thursday, February 12, 2009, 5:13 PM

Having something lo calorie and preferably healthy ready to eat the minute I get home from work. If it's planned and available, I easily stay away from the crackers and chips.

Taking 30 minute walks at lunch time, before eating
Never buying cheese its at the store, even if my husband wants them

Thursday, February 26, 2009, 5:29 PM

nice thread!

some things i have changed are:

- don't ever buy chips or munchies to have in the house (because i will eat the whole thing if it's there);
- keep dried fruits and nuts in the house when i'm hungry;
- never buy ice cream or other treats unless entertaining;
- always keep a salad in the fridge with a nice selection of salad dressings;
- always have several cans of tuna in the pantry;
- only eat whole wheat/grain foods, including pastas;
- only have fat free dairy products in the fridge, except cheese can be 2% or low fat;
- always have a water bottle with me at work;
- stopped drinking diet sodas (and i drink juice rarely; only when i'm sick);
- bring lunch to work every day (saves money too!);
- make weekly fitness and eating goals;
- count calories!! (this is a BIG one)
- measure portions (another BIG one)
- keep logging (a HUGE change -- when i stopped logging, i gained!)

Friday, February 27, 2009, 12:13 AM

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