I am feeling disappointed

[naynay]

I have gained some weight and I am an inch bigger in so many parts of my body. I guess the weight could be because I have been working out with weights three times a week. And I don't know if I am gaining fat or muscle. is there a way to tell?


Also I find it hard to eat healthy since I can't seem to find food that doesn't contain hfcs and hydrogenerated oils. why does everything have to have those things in it!? it drives me crazy. I can't shop organic since it is too expensive. About the only things I eat that doesn't have that stuff in it is chicken and lettuce.

Too much fat. I have nooooo idea how much saturated fat is bad for me. So I try to eat sparingly of things like cheese. But even eggs have 1.5 grams of sat. fat.

Sugar I find it hard to avoid too much sugar. Also I don't know what a small meal is considered. I normally like to eat chicken with vegetables and rice. but that to me doesn't seem very small. And my birthday is coming up and that means cake and I don't want to deprive myself on my birthday.

I feel Soooooo lost I am going to read Tosca Reno's book again hopefully that will help me get back on track. BUt I really needed to vent. If anyone has any suggestion please please please post them.

 

[cheznaz]

How does your body feel overall? Does it feel lighter? Do the clothes feel any better? If so, then you have lost bodyfat. Although, gaining 1" almost everywhere is a concern. The only place you should gain the inches is your biceps, calves and maybe butt if you are doing butt lifting workouts.

Still, I wouldn't be concerned. Continue working out with cardio & weights and you will eventually see fantastic results.

As for eating clean - I hear ya! It is tough. Just this year, I set a goal to replace 2 of my meals and all of my snacks with non-processed foods. This means no hummus unless home-made. I occassionally eat light cheese such as baby del lights but otherwise, my morning starts with a piece of fruit and 1 protein which could be boiled egg, half a chkn breast or the cheese.

Dinner is mostly lean meat and salad or steamed veggies.

I looked up Tosca's book and she doesn't preach anything new. The message from all of them (Tom Venuto, Bill Phillips, Tosca etc) is the same. Eat clean. Eat as much raw as possible. Eat portion controlled. You just have to implement positive thinking to boost your self confidence in eating and making the right choices.

If you are finding hard to avoid sugar, start your day with a juicy orange. And add another one before 2pm. The trick is to slowly give up processed/simple sugars by replacing them with healthy alternatives such as fruits.

You can do this. Just change your thinking from "I find it hard to avoid too much sugar" to "I love my morning orange!"

I personally chose orange because it feels me up for 1 full hour and I love the fibre and sugar it provides. An hour later, I go for an apple with more protein.

Lunch time, I eat everything and anything under 600 calories because I schedule my heavy workouts in the p.m. Dinner, is disciplined again.

 

[naynay]

Well my pants were definitely fitting looser a week ago I was even able to squeeze into a smaller size they were a little tight but before I wasn't able to even pull them up all the way. But then I went on a binge or something and now even my pants are feeling snug. All except for one pair that have always been huge.

 

[jdollprince]

Cutting sugar out of your diet can be extreemly frustrating at first. When you crave it, have something naturally sweet like fruit or natural peanut butter. Even sugar free gum helps alot. Sugar and sodium can cause alot of bloating (which it sounds like you are experiencing with your pants being too tight over the course of a week). Maybe increase your water intake a bit and eat some foods that contain natural diuretics like asparagus. good luck and try to hang in there. it gets easier once it is habit.

jes

 

[isuretri]

I have to admit...discipline is the hardest thing to do. I have been at a plateau for several months and very frustrated. I eat fairly clean but do have my weekly cheat meal or the occassional dessert (but not much). Right now I am fighting a knee injury and can't do much cardio which really stinks! I go to the doctor today to find out what's up!!!!
I am extremely busy so I make my meals on the weekend and freeze them so I won't be tempted. I find when I don't pack my lunches and snacks well then I tend to stray.
Here's my usual:
Breakfast - whole wheat oatmeal w/ 1/3 cup blueberries, 3 egg whites with mushroom, salsa, little shredded cheddar and spinach.
Snack - almonds and protein bar (homemade and very easy - I will post below)
Lunch - chicken breast, steamed veggies and brown wild rice
snack - apple with peanut butter
dinner - chicken or turkey with steamed veggies

I am addicted to peanut butter right now which isn't good. I usually try to make my own out of roasted peanuts and my magic bullet!
Peanut butter protein bars. Mix 2 cups whole wheat quick oats, 4 scoops of protein powder (I use vanilla but I've heard cookies and cream or chocolate works too), 1/2 cup peanut butter and 1/2 cup water. Mix together and then press into small square cake pan. It gooey but it is yummy. I spread a little peanut butter on top. Place in freezer for 30 minutes and then cut into bars. Quick, easy and yummy!!! You can skip the extra PB on top if you want its good too. Just remember to add the protein powder (I forgot once and they were aweful)!
Hope this helps. Make sure to change up your spices on your chicken or turkey breast too!

 

[naynay]

Those protein bars sound good!!! Thanks

 

[dixiedog6]

They do sound yummy!!!