Food n Fitness Thread #9837483

[skcin]

Originally Posted by AliceLover

I am starting the third week in the couch to 5k tonight. I'm a little nervous because this one seems a bit tougher than the last 2 weeks, but I know I can do it.

But I need tips from you guys....

I am keeping up with my exercise, its just the fast food I am having trouble staying away from. Just really on the weekends with my friends though. I can't seem to shake some of the temptations and its hurting me. Another thing is Ive noticed that I have started drinking soda again because of my hectic schedule during the week. I just need that caffene rush. I really want to fix these problems. Can anyone offer any suggestions?

If you feel like you're totally giving something up, it makes it really difficult. I recommend substitutions & better choices instead of completely denying yourself certain foods. You're young & like hanging out with your friends, so IMO it's not realistic for you to completely give up fast food.

What do you usually buy from McD's or BK? Making better choices can help, and still not make you feel like you're missing out. Here are my suggestions - these are the kinds of things that I do:

Instead of a huge sandwich (Whopper, Big Mac, etc.) get a regular one (cheeseburger, junior deluxe whatever-it-is, etc.) If you really really really want a bigger sandwich, then skip the fries & get water instead of pop.

Instead of a large fry, get a small or substitute something else (a side salad with light dressing, Wendy's has baked potatoes, etc.)

Instead of a fried chicken sandwich, get a grilled one. If you like nuggets, get a 4 or 6 piece instead of the 9 or more & dip in BBQ sauce or honey as opposed to ranch.

Ask for extra lettuce & tomato on sandwiches. Skip mayo or "special sauce" type condiments. Ketchup is OK, mustard is even better.

If you get a salad, get light dressing & put it on the side to dip as opposed to pouring it on top - you'll use less. If there's meat on it, make sure it's grilled & not fried. Ditch cheese, croutons, bacon bits, etc. Sonme of these salads have so much crap on them, you may as well eat a Whopper & fries. Seriously.

Don't bother with extra dessert junk like those pies or ice cream - empty calories, no nutritional value, they don't keep you ful very long.

As far as breakfast items go, stick with sandwiches that have egg, cheese & maybe ham. Bacon & sausage are horrible calorie, fat & salt-wise. Hash browns are so-so, get a small. I wouldn't bother with the carby stuff (frennch toast sticks, pancakes, cinnamon rolls, etc.) They won't fill you up, and there's not protein or dairy - just carbs.



Pop. OK. I switched to diet a long time ago & I swear to you that after a few weeks, you will not notice the "aftertaste" that people complain about. As a matter of fact, refular pop starts tasting way too sweet - sickeningly sweet. Also - the flavor difference of diet clear pop (Sierra Mist, Sprite, etc.) isn't as noticeable as colas.

If you just can't do diet pop, Crystal Light type drinks are really good. Same with Diet Snapple. There's a light lemonade around (minute maid?) that's delicious. If you only want the caffiene, change to coffee. Hate the flavor? Dump some Splenda & light flavored creamer in it until it's good. Or go with tea, like Carrie & Jaz mentioned.




Jimmy - you're doing really well. Keep up the great work - you should be really proud of yourself! Making changes now while you're young is a hell of a lot better than waiting until you're older & lazier & more out of shape (like I did, lol.)