I love the fact that I see so many people trying to eat healthier. On your blogs and on my friend’s tables, I see lots of fresh vegetables, yummy salads, fabulous main dishes, and desserts in tiny portions. Sometimes I’ve noticed that some people who are eating really healthy foods are having trouble seeing the scale move.
I think it can be tempting to equate healthy foods with automatic weight loss. I believe that’s a myth. Just because you are eating foods that are good for you, not overly processed, and as close to nature as possible, doesn’t automatically mean you will lose weight.
Agree or disagree?
Foods that are better for your body undoubtedly have a positive impact on your health. Avoiding sodium, added sugars, and all the chemicals processed foods contain is a good idea. I know I still feel like my nutritional status is a work in progress. It has evolved and changed over the years. But while you are watching all those things I previously mentioned it’s really important to not forget one thing:
PORTIONS
Portion control has been one of the three keys to weight maintenance for me. I am always aware of my portion sizes, whether I’m eating a piece of birthday cake or a piece of grilled chicken and vegetables. It’s very easy to overeat either, but most of us realize that eating too much cake isn’t a great idea while trying to lose weight whereas eating chicken is good. And it is good to eat lean protein, you just can’t eat too much of it!
I’ve been out to dinner with friends who boast that they are picking a healthy entree. But when the entree comes out and there is enough food on the plate for three people, I am always interested to see what they will do. Most of the time they eat the entire thing. I’ve seen it happen not only in restaurants, but in my own house. We will have someone over for dinner and I’ll make a healthy meal as usual. Even if my friend is trying to lose weight she will load up her plate and eat it all.
It’s almost like the healthy food trap. I think it’s important to remember that portion control is for 99% of the foods we eat. As you are working through your journey there may be a time where you find the scale stalling. You know you are eating healthy foods, you are exercising, and are annoyed! The first thing I’d look at if I were you is your portions. It’s so easy to let extra food creep into our diets – believe me I know!
Question: Are you always aware of your portion sizes no matter what food you are eating? Have you ever noticed the tendency to let extra healthy food creep in? Diane
This was the post that is going to get me off the roller coaster. I lost weight for my son’s wedding last summer and have so many great dresses in size 2 or 4. Then I put on just 5 pounds this winter and none of them fit perfectly for son #2′s wedding festivities this summer. I kept fighting it but not losing any of it. Finally counting and measuring every portion yesterday got me back on track and I really believe I can lose these five pounds by June 1! I can do it but I have to be consistent and measure and count everything!
This is so true and why I love that I started working on portions before eating healthier. Yes, it would’ve been good to do them at the same time; however, I was learning to eat solely until satisfied before incorporating many healthier foods into my diet. So, when I added the healthier stuff I was already on a good track to eating smaller portions.
I see what you described often as well and you are so right that we still need to honor our hunger and only eat the smaller portions our body needs, versus pigging out just because it’s a healthier choice of food.
Great post, Diane!!!
.-= Leah´s last blog ..A Sickly Confession =-.
Yep, portion control. Sigh. It’s like I can do everything else, but portion control gets me every time. Thanks for the honest look–it’s exactly what I needed to hear.
Amen! I watch SO many people douse their food in olive oil because it’s “healthy.” It’s also one of the most calorie dense foods out there. Same with things like avocadoes, nuts, salmon, etc. Portion control has always been my biggest issue, and something I still have to catch myself on!
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Take Heed =-.
I mostly agree with you. The only thing I don’t really watch portion sizes on now is non-starchy veggies, like leafy greens, peppers, cucumbers, carrots, etc. Often the calorie count is so low that it really doesn’t make a difference at the end of the day and if I’m honest with myself, it is often what I put on the veggies that I need to control
) Everything else I do watch for portion sizes.