Two big keys to success when it comes to weight loss are planning and portion control. How easily a small slice of cake will turn into a large one or your 15 baked chips will turn into 25 without a second thought.
Here is my tip for you. Set aside some time to create your portions ahead of time. This is not only great for planning, but it also controls your portions.
For instance, every day, for lunch, I have a grilled cheese sandwich, (healthy life bread-1 point, 2 slices of Kraft 2% cheese-2 points, and spray butter-0 points, with a side of baked doritos-1 oz is 2 points and 1 cup of grapes-1 point.) This can require a lot of planning or measuring on a daily basis, so I do it all in the beginning of the week:
First, I weigh and measure. (I never guess my portion when I can avoid it.)
I then put the chips into little baggies or containers. (I do prefer containers because A. Earth friendly and B. Sometimes the taste of plastic from the baggies can rub off onto the chips, especially by day 4 or 5.)
I then wash the grapes and get them ready for the next few days. (p.s. often I cut my grapes in half, which makes this healthy, delicious snack last twice as long!)
This practice TOTALLY works for me!
Oh and if you work and can't prepare a grilled cheese sandwich at work, try a turkey sandwich--Healthy Choice bread 2 slices is 1 point, 1 oz of turkey is 1 point, 1 slice of Kraft 2% cheese is 1 point and mustard is zero points. YUM AND YUM!
GREAT tips! I am totally going to use them. And also what a great way to teach our kids portion control! :)
Michelle
Posted by: military mommy | May 09, 2007 at 12:17 AM
Amen, sister! When I do what you describe above, I AM SUCCESSFUL. When I don't, I'm standing in my closet, looking at all sorts of clothes that don't fit. You'd think I'd figure it out.
Posted by: Michelle | May 09, 2007 at 05:22 AM
This may be off-topic (a bit *wink*) but I noticed a scale in your first pic. While I've had success with WW, I've never bought a scale. (I know, bad me!) Too overwhelmed by the choices and cost, I guess...was wondering if you could do a post on pros and cons of some options?
Posted by: Beth/Mom2TwoVikings | May 09, 2007 at 06:21 AM
I agree - the pre-measuring and packing works wonderfully. The last time I did WW I did this and it is very helpful. I need to bring things to work to eat and packing up the stuff on weekends or right after a grocery trip is so helpful. Plus, if I only bring the correct number of snack chips - I can't be tempted to eat more - when they are gone they are gone!
Posted by: Kim | May 09, 2007 at 07:19 AM
I used to do this when my kids were young. I'd buy bulk snacks and portion them out into zip bags, to avoid competition over who got more gummy bears or pretzels. Every bag was the same weight.
This really does work and help with portions. I will start doing this again for the WLC.
Posted by: Connie | May 09, 2007 at 07:21 AM
Planning is the key for me. I like food which is how I got overweight in the first place! It helps me to know that I am going to eat good food. I can stay away from the junk and the leftovers on my children's plates! Thanks for the tips!
Posted by: McMuser | May 09, 2007 at 07:30 AM
That's one reason I LOVE 100 calorie snack packs. Portion control (though $$). They've got everything from popcorn to ice cream now. I've even seen 100 calorie Coke cans!
Most 100 calorie packs are 2 WW points.
Posted by: Melissa @ Breath of Life | May 09, 2007 at 07:52 AM
I do the portion control too. It's actually a bit easier since I have to go to work and leave the big bag of chips at home. I measure out a serving into a baggie of all of my snacks and toss them into my purse. This way I can keep track of my points and pretty much know in the morning what I'll be eating throughout the day. Works for me!
Posted by: J. Fergie | May 09, 2007 at 09:24 AM
Despite the fact that I've heard this tip 100 times, I've never gotten into the habit of doing it. I really need to start. Thanks for the reminder!
Posted by: Thea | May 09, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Great reminder! I do this with my children too. I am much more inclined to provide a healthy snack if I can quickly pull it out of the fridge/cupboard.
Posted by: Toni | May 09, 2007 at 12:22 PM
I'm going to start trying this too!
I'd also be interested in hearing recommendations on scales.
Posted by: Overwhelmed With Joy! | May 09, 2007 at 03:09 PM
great tip! I will definitely try this one!
Posted by: Kahri | May 09, 2007 at 06:29 PM
My husband has very gently pointed out to me that I tend to eat things without controlling my portions. I have been trying to be more cognizant of that. Now I use a bowl for chips and try not to eat out of the bag. And I chart everything that goes in my mouth on fitday.com
Posted by: JanB | May 09, 2007 at 06:42 PM
I too would be interested to hear where you got your scale. I've been looking for a good one to help with my portions.
Do you really like yours?
Posted by: military mommy | May 10, 2007 at 01:28 AM
This was one of the best tips I learned when I first started the Weight Watchers Program! It always seems like a pain to take the time to weigh, measure, count (whatever) the food and put it into baggies for future use but....BUT in the long run that one day I take the time to do this saves me in the long run! It's so worth taking the time to do this :-)
Posted by: Tishia Lee | May 10, 2007 at 07:48 AM
I did this when I used to buy lettuce heads. Wash and rip up a bunch and store it in a bag. Then for the next 3 or 4 days, I could just take out what I wanted and put it on my plate.
Posted by: Sally Bradley | May 11, 2007 at 10:06 AM