jmb3450's Journal, 11 Jun 14

Thanks for the reminder about portions. When we eat GOOD food, we tend to eat more of it. At least I do. The KIND of salad dressing certainly makes a difference. Vinegar and oil works best for me. Our goals are very similar. I am also aiming at a 2 pounds a week loss. I am told that this goal is NOT realistic - especially for a 57-year-old woman. We'll see. I think I can. Have a great Fat Secret Wednesday! 

Yeppers. Maybe after you've done it for a while, you'll be able to eye-ball it. But in the beginning, measuring is a must. You might even surprise yourself and see that you're not using as much as you think.  

I think 2 pounds a week is possible. And as long as you stay on track, your weight will go up, down and sideways. Everyone does. I am only concerned about the actual weight on a month to month basis. I do weigh far more frequently, but I go with the Big Picture! Some weeks, I lose nothing. No big deal. If I keep on it, over time, it works. For you out to eat people, they do make pocket scales for that- on Amazon. I have not bought one yet, but I plan to.  

I eyeball too...guess its a bad idea. But I too try to go as Mrs Ratfire suggest...go by the month. I dont get as discouaged that way. I also do measurements once a month. Scale doesnt always tell the whole picture!! One month I had only lost a couple of pounds, but the measuring tape showed a loss of amost 7inches! Huge party in my head!! So as long as I see improvement somewhere, I try to be possitive. Though, I still really want that number on that scale to go down...lol.  

I know what you are talking about. Measuring is so important as it is easy to lie to ourselves just a little. So for me when eyeballing, I do it as close to (from experience in the past 4 yrs of counting) or over the estimating calories so that I can never under estimate. It really surprising whats in things! Keep it up as you said onwards! 

It's okay to eyeball if you are someplace where you have to get the food there and there's no way to measure it, but otherwise...break out those measuring cups and spoons and the food scale. I was looking on amazon and there are portable food scales. you're a man, so you can't really carry that kind of thing with you, but a woman could easily slip a set of measuring cups and spoons into her purse. 

When you accurately measure or weigh all your foods at home, you become an expert at it! You will be able to recognize just how much you are being served at a restaurant or how much you are choosing from the buffet. You can do this! 

Here's a link to a handy portion control chart that I hope will be helpful to you & others, as it is to me & my diabetic Hubby ~ http://justaskinnyminute.tumblr.com/post/12191383892/saving-myself-girlgrowingsmall-always-reblog Figuring out portion sizes can be confusing & frustrating, but using this chart as a guide makes it easier, & I think more accurate than just "guesstimating". I hope it helps you. 

I love your encouraging battle cry ~ "Onward & Downward!" :) 

Thanks everyone. I'll check out the portion size chart. 

Portions are certainly small. Fooling ourselves is so easy!