Cutting back on sugar and those simple carbs is so key because you don't want to continue that cycle of blood sugar spikes and crashes that can eventually lead to diabetes. Good job switching yogurts. Throw in a bit of fresh fruit and some chia or flax seeds, to add fiber and healthy omega 6 fats. Eating that low nutrition stuff will just make you hungrier, as your body can be nutrient starved and hungry even if you just ate and are overweight. Find a favorite fruit and munch on that after dinner and your tastes really will change over time. Desserts will begin to taste overly sweet and make you feel yucky. If you combine a frozen banana with whatever other frozen fruit you like and blend it up in a Nutrabullet, it tastes like soft serve ice cream. If you don't feel like blending, eat the frozen fruit whole. Go for yummy low glycemic fruits, such as cherries and peaches. Throw in blueberries, which are fantastic for your heart. Throw in a small quantity of raw walnuts, which are great for your heart. You can also google and find cookie recipes that are made of oats, banana, applesauce and raisins with no actual sugar but have that sweet taste for fewer calories. Stevia is a good sugar substitute because it is a natural plant. Watch out for the fake sugar substitutes and the "natural" sugars such as agave. They can still feed that sugar craving and are not particularly healthy for you. I used to be the biggest sugar lover and now never touch the stuff, except for rare occasions when I'll eat something that includes natural cane syrup. Think of every food as having to contain good nutrients that you need for your long term health rather than just how many calories it contains. If you go for those foods that have lots of nutrients, such as fruit and veggies, you can really fill up for much fewer calories. Don't beat yourself up over slip ups either. If you move on from them, and continue to try things will be ok in the long run. So glad you went ahead and exercised. Aren't you proud of yourself? After awhile, you will really miss the exercise if it is not part of your routine. I lost weight several years ago and have kept it off. Not so much as you, but enough to understand what a PITA weight loss and maintenance can be. It is definitely doable though. You will feel so much better and will enjoy being able to participate in activities that were hard to accomplish previously. I have found that I literally don't feel right if I don't get my daily workout and daily walk in. My calorie intake can be variable day to day, with some days especially bad and other days quite good, but overall weight stays within a range of normal because of overall good eating habits. Not trying to side track the thread, just letting you know that long term weight loss and exercise routines can be achieved. I am cheering you on! Have a great week!
