More then anything, i want to lose weight and eat right. Now i know i can pat myself on the back for even making an effort to do something about it. I've been trying to follow the food pyramid plan for so many calories per day. But calculating all the ounces and cups with every food i eat can be overwhelming and anxiety producing. I have this little food pyramid worksheet but sometimes when I just grab a blank piece of paper and write down simply what i ate makes it so much more easy. But i fear if i dont follow the food pyramid plan exactly i will gain weight. anyone ever struggle like this? Any tips or suggestions would be great, thanks!

Noelle, don't stress over following the food pyrmid to a tee. Remember stress brings on anxiety! I eat protein with every meal, along with a fruit or vegatable (this helps keep my sugar level in check). I include whole grains and the good fats throughout the day. And drink as much water as you can, I'm up to 3-4 glasses per day.

I read this book called "The Schwarzbein Principle" by Diana Schwarzbein, MD. She is very well known nutritionist, and refutes the food pyrmid and makes it a square (you'll see in her book). I highly recommend it, and the book is very easy to follow.

Also, make sure you take your vitamins, I believe Lucinda is associated with a company who sells vitamins.

Good luck, and don't stress!

Suz

Thanks for the advice, Suz. I appreciate it

I have been losing weight. I had kidney cancer
last year, but luckily it was caught early.
My scan and blood work were clear.
I was told to lose 110lbs, I have lost about 55.
Can a person lose weight by eating less and
worrying? I haven't been walking as much as I
should be? I'm scared that something is wrong.
Silvia

Noelle,

I am on the Dr. Mercola metobolic type diet and thus far my husgand and I have lost weight. I have lost a total of 22 lbs since mid August. You can google him or go on amazon, he wrote a book called Take Control of your Health. You can visit his diet link at http://www.mercola.com/nutritionplan/index.htm to check out what it is about. I too followed the food pyramid, but for me it was too high in grains (carbs) and that only held back my ability to lose weight. I have to agree with Suz and have read from several ND books and diet books that the food pyramid is NOT the way to go. I eleminated almost all processed foods (expect for almomd/rice milk, spice blends, herbal tea and the like), most my food is raw and then I chop, slice, freeze and cook it. No pre-packaged made easy meals here as there is too many chemicals, sugars and preservative in proceesed foods that our bodies really have no clue in how to digest it or what to do with it. I noticed once I just avoided my cravings that those cravings went away, I out grew them. I used to crave ice cream and chocolate. Now I treat myself here and there.

Silviab,
Several years back when I was anxious, I lost 40lbs in about 3 months. That quick loss scared me too. If you are in doubt, call your MD and have them check things. There is no harm in it, and if it gives you a peace of mind, then it is worth it.

I found it! ou may want to check this book out on amazon or at your local library...Nutrition and Physical Degeneration (Paperback)
by Weston Andrew Price.

Thanks for the book suggestions!! I came back to this post because I just felt like i was trying to perfect every calorie, every portion etc again. But then I tell myself I know what my body needs. As long as I eat in moderation, i will lose weight. What do u guys think?

Noelle,

I have found using the nutritional typing method that I am listening to how my body reacts to various foods, in which case I can eliminate, add greater portions and variety depending on how my body reacts. I was avoiding dairy all together for almost 2 years before I vistied Dr. Mercola's office and his nutritionist advised me to add raw dairy like milk and cheese, kefir , yogurt to my diet. I did and had bloat and gas, so I eliminated dairy (in cow form) form my diet. I can have goat milk and cheese, but it is an "aquired" taste as it, to me is like eating diry, stinky socks. (YUCK!) I will add some crumbled goat cheese into my salad and some on my rice or flax and millet crust pizza, but that is it. I do avoid all grains found in regular breads, cereals, pancakes. Everything you take in should be in moderation. My doctor suggested I eat 5-6 small meals during the day, but that really is impossible since I am in a computer lab 2-4 days a week. (cannot eat in the labs)To lost weight and be healthy, incorporate some sort of excercise into your daily routine...walk, run, yoga, tai chi or whatever physical activity you and your doctor agree upon. Exercise turns up the fat burners. Have fun with it!

Thanks for replying, schnauzermom.

I think that is the key...eating in moderation. I do eat fairly healthy, I think it's just sometimes I don't eat in moderation. I can be strict but then I totally binge and go over board. I was doing that tonight. And then as i was eating some ice cream, I was just like--What are you doing? I even felt anxious as i was eating the ice cream! I also tend to realize that if i go out at night, and i come home, that's when my body seems to respond to food. Like i need a little something. I have this wedding coming up, and i really want to look and feel good, so I'm going to set some goals for myself. Wish me luck

Noelle,

Moderation is key. I treat myself to an ice cream cup 2-3 timess per month. You cannot depreive yourself otherwise you will end up eating WAY more than you should.

Also, here are several things to eliminate from your diet...
Partically Hydrogenated Oils
White Flour
White Rice
Sugar (regular sugar and sugar substitutes)
Regular Pasta (whole grain or rice may be ok for you)
Soda pop
All processed foods

Yes you would have to cook mostly from scratch, but at least you know there is NO gunk in it. I do buy brown rice, brown rice pasta, flax and millet bread, use Stevia as a sugar substitute (it is a plant that is ground up and not processed like traditional sugar) I do use short cuts and buy organic veggie juice but also juice some of my own veggies (ones that are not in the organic store bought juice) and fruits. Today I made an apple and pumpkin juice with cinnamon and nutmeg, it was YUMMY! (1 small glass only because honey crisp apples have a TON of natural sugar!) I started this diet thing probably over 3 years ago and I have changed it, modified it, worked with doctors and nutritionist as well. In any case, you are aware of what you must do and sound like you want to do it. You are determined! You do not need luck! Beleive in yourself and the success you will reap from your efforts...THAT will get you through!

Hi Schauzermom.
I am Impressed. You really know your "stuff" and you really know yourself. I've been working on listening to my body to find what foods are good and bad for me. You've given me some great tips. Thank you.
DeeDee.

Thanks for the tips and motivation, schnauzermom! It really helps. I went a little over board again last night. But hey, i'll just try again. I'm realizing this is just another bad habit and i can break it.

You know what's really interesting? I've noticed that both cutting back on caffeine and sugar, and exercising compliment each other! Because I have been eating healthier and drinking more water, it's making me feel more active and alert regardless of how much exercise. At any rate, exercise is good because of how many endorphins it releases to make you feel good!

Just wanted to share my perspective on this diet/exercise process. It has made me stronger inside to handle the every day stresses, too! So yeah I believe it reduces the anxiety and even IBS or other sour stomach feelings!

deedee00,

You are welcome. I do Dr. Joe Mercola's program on nutritional typing, which is listening to your body. You are in Chi-town, Mercolas office is in Schaumburg. His website is www.mercola.com if you want to check out his recommendations. Ther is LOTS of great information on health. Dr. Andrew Weil is another great source or healthy living. Seek, read and educate yourself, knowledge is power, ignorance is NOT bliss when it comes to health. Good health to you!

Noelle,

Give yourself a break. 2 days ago I had some Tiramisu, split one with hubby . That was my cheat and it was GOOD! MODERATION. I allow myself no more than 2 cheats a week, SMALL portions too. You are going to do GREAT!

Hey all. Just wanted to stop by and update you on my progress. I over all did pretty good this week. I ate more protein, cut back on my sweets...I was a little hungry today so i had 2 slices of pizza. I'm feeling a little guilty but I am trying to give myself a break. Maybe that's what my body needed today. I'm trying to plan out my meals. does anyone have any good suggestions? Thanks! And hey, I had to get a dress for an upcoming wedding, and I fit in a dress size lower then i was a few months ago! That made me happy.