has your sense of "dieting" changed?

what I mean by this is do you now focus more on eating in a more natural, non-processed food kind of way, and focus less on only eating less.

Can you really lose weight eating 100 calorie packs of processed foods? More importantly- can you keep off the weight when you eat lesser amounts of bad stuff?

Thu. Mar 13, 11:29am

yes

"DIETS" only work for a short period. When a person returns back to thier, Normal" eating pattern; they typically gain the weight back.

I'm learning to make better choices, drink more water, eat more fruits and veggies.

And yes, I will some times have my cake and eat it too.

Making peace with myself and my body, has been one of the best things; infact I told my husband last night. I am happy with who I am, and also with my body; yes I'm going to permanently release my weight; however in the mean time, I'm going to love and except myself right were I am at.

Thursday, March 13, 2008, 12:21 PM

"Diet foods" dont satisfy me. I find I eat 1 100 cal pack of muffins and I want to eat 3 more - which leads to guilt for eating anything at all - which leads to "blowing my diet" for the whole day. I am better off reshaping the way I eat to fruits, veggies, whole grains and occasionally indulging in a regular muffin with my coffee if that is what I am craving. That said, I still have a lean cuisine or something similar a few nights a week (I work full time, go to night class and am single - preparing a full meal every night just isnt reasonable). A lean cuisine is going to do me much better than drive-thru

Thursday, March 13, 2008, 12:34 PM

Sure you can lose weight and keep it off eating 100 calories packs and other processed foods. Just gotta keep those numbers in check. Being satisfied and healthy are two entirely different subjects!

My mindset about food has definitely changed as I have learned more. My eating isn't perfect, but I'm much more aware of what I'm putting into my body - good and bad.

Thursday, March 13, 2008, 1:31 PM

Yes

Initially I lost the weight using slim fast which is about as 'processed' as it gets, but as it came off and I felt better - I didn't want to go back to the way I used to be. I kinda lost my taste for fatty foods and found a whole new way of cooking that has been helping me take off the rest and keep it off.

I use lots of fresh veggies, lean meat, legumes, whole grains, fruits and buy very few processed items. The ones I do purchase are as low in sugar and preservatives as I can find. Yeah, sometimes I have desserts and richer foods, but they're a treat not a staple.

Thursday, March 13, 2008, 1:43 PM

You can definitely lose weight with eating only processed foods as long as you are creating a deficit...but you'd be eating a whole lot less food.

Comparison:
Large fries from McD's (6 oz) - 570 cal
Sweet potato baked (6 oz) - 150 cal

You'd need to eat 23 oz of sweet potato to equal the amount of calories in 6 oz of french fries.

Now - I think I'd stick to the unprocessed stuff myself...seems like a better choice.

Thursday, March 13, 2008, 2:46 PM

Permanent

Yes, processed food is bad I agree but I am all about permanent change to caloric volume. I am eating the same thing all the time. It is the only way to stop eating too much / bad food (I could eat this way forever):

Now I eat (for the last 3 months):
6am – 1/4c. oatmeal w/ 1/8thc. dried fruit 150 cal.
8am – 1 protein shake 120 cal.
10am - 1/4c. oatmeal w/ 1/8thc. dried fruit 150 cal.
1 low sodium V-8 & multi-vitamin 70 cal.
12pm – 1 can tuna w/ hot sauce 150 cal.
½ banana & 1 tbsp peanut butter 150 cal.
2pm – 1 serv. Fat free cottage cheese 80 cal.
4pm - 1 can tuna w/ hot sauce 150 cal.
½ banana & 1 tbsp peanut butter 150 cal.
6pm - 1 protein shake 120 cal.
8pm – healthy various dinner 600 cal.
10pm – protein shake 120 cal.

Thursday, March 13, 2008, 3:07 PM

I can't lose with a lot of processed foods in my diet. They tend to have practically no protein or fiber, so their ability to satisfy anything but a craving is negligible. The only obvious diet food I stock is lite salad dressing for days when I'm too tired to make my own.

I don't use reduced fat cheddar or 100-calorie packs because I can't get over this feeling that since it's low-cal, I can eat more. Besides, I'd rather have a real cookie than cookie-flavored chips. Blech.

Thursday, March 13, 2008, 3:10 PM

In the beginning of my diet I ate a lot of processed foods and 100 cal packs.
I no longer want them. I like a fruit over a 100 cal pack of whatever. I tend to get a lot more food for the calorie amount as well. Thats what happens when you focus on fruits and veggies and think of meat as a condiment. Also changing the amount of fat in your diet. Very important.
I love the food I make.
once in a while I will have a day where I will eat off plan but it is part of my plan.
That way I am not forever depriving myself.
For me it is all about can I live like this forever. IF not then I need to tweak what I am doing so I can.

I would think a person can lose and even maintain on processed foods alone but I don't think it is healthy.

Thursday, March 13, 2008, 4:05 PM

Yes, I definitely have switched from "diet" foods to more whole, unprocessed foods.

However...sometimes I just want something chocolately/sweet/salty...or whatever. So in those situations the 100 cal packs are wonderful! And I still use low fat mayo, salad dressing and sour cream, but I splurge on full fat cheese. I think everyone needs to find the balance for themselves, but it's easier to be full on whole real foods! I think I'm at about 85% real food, 15% junk!

Thursday, March 13, 2008, 6:16 PM

I think substitute food is the reason why people have trouble dieting. The fewer options you have, the better. Example: Atkins was very successful in the early years because the food industry hadn't developed low-carb substitutes. And with the "low-fat" approach debunked ages ago, I'm surprised Snackwell is still in business.

Thursday, March 13, 2008, 8:32 PM

You could loose weight eating low cal processed food, but you won't be able to stick to it long term. You will be so hungry that you will overeat at some point. Be good to your body and give it real nurishment.

Monday, March 17, 2008, 10:56 AM

Diets NEVER work. Consuming unprocessed foods should always be a priority for your health, if not cost. Try planning your meals ahead of time, and most of all, learning the secret and discipline of portion control. Those convenient 100-cal packs are great only for travel and "convenience". Pack your own healthy munchies.

Link

Monday, March 17, 2008, 11:59 AM

Yes things have changed I used to only care about calories and now it's the common sense. I always come back to feeling better when I choose to eat more veggies, more salads and fresh fruit and the 100 calorie packs I find are good in places where I can buy one to satisfy me.
I have much more focus on filling myself up with better calories. The funny part is it does fill me up more. It feels good to be at this place versus just obsessed about the calories.

Monday, March 17, 2008, 12:19 PM

Related Content: How To Lose Weight- The Basics Weight Watchers Points System The Fat Smash Diet The Eat To Live Diet The Beck Diet Solution How To Get The Motivation To Lose Weight		How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer How To Burn Fat Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight? Tips On Using PEERtrainer Visit The PEERtrainer Community Diet and Fitness Resources
Fitness Weight Watchers Meetings Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are Writing Down Your Daily Workouts Spending Money On A Personal Trainer? How I Became A Marathon Runner		Preventive Health How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot? Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer? Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy Reversing Disease Through Nutrition
New Diet and Fitness Articles: Weight Watchers Points Plus How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program		Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne: Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough How To Delay Short Term Gratification How To Stay Motivated How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule
Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight? Are Protein Drinks Safe? Nutrition As Medicine?		Everyday Weight Loss Tips How To Eat Healthy At A Party How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight The Three Bite Rule Tips On How To Stop A Binge