Weight Loss Articles

When you see a pattern of numbers such as 0, 1, 3, 6, 10, 15, 21, 28 what would the next number in sequence be, 35 or maybe 40?  If you said, “36” your right and a lot smarter than I.  I knew the answer and still couldn’t figure it out. However, figuring out your eating pattern is a lot less confusing.  What was your eating pattern before trying to lose weight and what did you learn from skipping and not planning meals? 

I remember before I started to lose my sixty pounds that my eating pattern would be grabbing a cup of coffee and be out the door.  Have a buttered hard roll around ten o’clock and something off the “roach coach” if the truck came by at all.  Then watch out when I came home anything and everything piled high, wide and deep.   This pattern is great if you’re trying to gain weight  but, in order to lose weight you need to discover the eating pattern that’s right for you.

There are two types of patterns:

• 1.       Structured - this is where you have set eating pattern.   You might be a 3 square a day or a grazer and have more, smaller meals throughout the day, both are structured patterns.
  Advantage:  More controlled, able to plan and stay satisfied.
• Disadvantage:  Un-expected  events lend to skipping a meal,  might get boring.
• 2.       Un-Structured – no set meal time. 
• Advantage:  More flexible, eat only when hungry.
• Disadvantage:  Might eat too much and too late, go to long between meals.

You may have a combination eating pattern where you eat meals at a set regular time while snacks are on a need be basis.  To discover you eating pattern write down when you eat, determine your physical satisfaction and make adjustments if needed.   By writing down when you eat you may learn why you’re eating.  Is it for physical or emotional satisfaction?   In my coaching sessions I asked what food satisfies you the most and to no surprise chocolate was at the top of the list.  But what food satisfies you longer physically.  The key here is minimizing hunger and maximizing satisfaction both physically and emotionally.  

You can enjoy six cups of hot air popcorn for fewer calories than one Pop Tart.  One glazed doughnut is the equivalent to three large apples and if you’re looking for that something sweet try peeling and coring an apple then cut into slices, add a little cinnamon and sugar, wrap in an aluminum foil pouch and put on grill low until apples are soft.  Serve with a half cup of light ice cream and it’ll still be half the calories of that glazed doughnut.

Have a Great and Successful Week,

-Steve