Search the Community

Here’s the deal. I’ve been on a diet the past six weeks and done reasonably well—not great, but I'm a bit trimmer than when I started. So far I've dropped 13 lbs. I’d like to lose 10 more. But I’m stuck. I need some new ideas/tips for dieting. I’m heavier than I was in college, but I'm not fat by any means—I’m at 200lbs right now (6’3” tall). but I feel like I have a stubborn layer of belly fat that just won’t shed. I’m looking for dieting suggestions to help me shed another 10 lbs. Here are some of the things I’ve been doing: Meals I don't have a rigid diet in place—In general I’ve just been eating less. I skip the occasional meal when I’m not too hungry. Sometimes I’ll have salad only for a meal. Although I do indulge myself with ranch dressing on my salad, which I realize defeats the purpose of having a salad to some extent. Sometimes I’ll make a meal out of two or three helpings of frozen corn or peas that I heat up in the microwave. Sometimes I’ll eat a bowl or two of breakfast cereal for lunch or supper. I don’t eat any potato chips or fast food at all (e.g., McDonalds is verboten) (This one is funny): When I do eat a regular meal I use a smaller plate to eat off of. Instead of using a regular sized dinner plate, I’ve switched to a smaller side-dish plate. Sure it's silly, but it helps me eat less. I drink a beer or two or glass of whiskey just about every evening. I’ve switched to Bud Select 55. Ehh, it’s not so bad. I don’t think there’s a low cal whiskey, so not much I can do sans abstinence. Other Food habits When I drink soda (occasionally) I’ve switched to diet soda. Snacks: I snack at work—impossible to quit. So I’ve switched to carrots, raisins or dates, sunflower seeds, and the occasional apple. I drink a LOT of coffee and iced tea. I don’t think there’s many calories in this. Exercise This is probably an area I could improve on. I walk about twenty flights of stairs per day, and generally walk the dog a mile or so. But don’t have a regular exercise regimen in place. Anyone got any diets that have worked for you? Or eating suggestions?