Portion control (not my idea of fun)

I am basically always trying to lose weight. I don't have any problem with the working out part. Sure, I skip workouts here and there and I'm not perfect, but I have a consistent workout routine. I may take a week off here and there, but physical activity is definitely a priority in my life and will always be. I know I will never be inactive by choice. Joining a gym with a 2 year commitment doesn't bother me because I know I will always use it.

There are two parts of the equation of weight loss, one being exercise and one being eating. I eat pretty healthy most of the time. Same with exercise, I enjoy unhealthy foods (I kinda have a thing for McDonalds) just like anyone, but I try to limit those things. And I love sweets!! In the past, exercise helped burn off those unhealthy things, but as I get older, the weight wants to stick around and not burn off as easily.

Last year I did a high protein eating plan and it worked pretty well, but it was tough. The one benefit of that was it forced me to eat lots of vegetables, which still sticks to me now. Gone are my standby Subway sandwiches, but replaced by a salad with lots of veggies (bonus: spinach). Bread isn't bad, but we definitely eat too much of it, especially bread that has little or no fiber.

I think any diet or change in eating can be beneficial if you learn something from it or pick up something you can incorporate in the long-term.

Despite my healthy eating habits, I've always known that I eat too much. My portions are too big. I decided that this is something I really need to work on and really need to incorporate. Time for portion control!

I thought by cutting my portions, I would be hungry all the time. I get hungry more often, but with good planning, I can eat a snack when I'm hungry. No need to starve.

I've been doing pretty good with this so far (some days better than others), but that's part of making it my lifestyle (not a fad).

I mentioned earlier that I have a thing for McDonalds. Yes, I know some people hate that place and it's so unhealthy, but put that aside for a minute. My typical meal used to be 2 cheeseburgers, fries, and a diet soda or unsweet tea. Now, if I eat there, my meal is 1 cheeseburger (no mayo on their cheeseburgers, which is good) and a yogurt parfait. I realize it isn't the healthiest meal, but it's a lot less and decent for the fast food world. From Wendy's I would get a small chili and jr. cheeseburger (hold the mayo). Once again, not the best, but in the fast food world, not bad.

I know it's definitely healthier to eat at home and bring my lunch, so I do that sometimes as well. With all my driving around, that's hard to do everyday. Having snacks with me is key.

If you are trying to do portion control, keep at it! A lot of it is mind over matter. It's tough but getting used to it takes time and work.

Stress definitely causing me to have bad eating habits. This has been my toughest semester (despite what everyone said) and most stressful, so my eating hasn't been the best, but I'm working through it!