https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:13:45 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink/page/2#post-2582508 Thu, 07 Jul 2016 13:49:45 +0000 2PeasinaPod 2582508@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The one thing I follow is drinking enough water. When I was pregnant with LO1, the nurse indicated I should be drinking at least 80 ounces of water. Seems excessive, but I found that my skin looks amazing with all of the water I drink. I use my FitBit app to help me loosely track, and I now try to meet a 64 ounce target. Anything more than that is a bonus. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink/page/2#post-2582503 Thu, 07 Jul 2016 13:45:46 +0000 alphagam84 2582503@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't calorie count at all but I still look at the calorie contents of food so I have an idea and it helps me make an informed choice. I make really healthy choices during the day (but still eat food I enjoy) and have a desert almost every night. I bring my lunch to work so I always have a healthy meal and am not tempted to go out to eat. My philosophy is to eat real food as much as possible and avoid processed junk. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink/page/2#post-2582462 Thu, 07 Jul 2016 13:10:24 +0000 JennyPenny 2582462@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A simple change that helped me a lot was to make sure I have a snack if its going to be more than 5 hours between meals. And that snack is 100-200 calories and is produce+protein. I got that from Pinterest I think but its amazing how much it helps with portion control and keeping me satisfied all day! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink/page/2#post-2582438 Thu, 07 Jul 2016 12:55:04 +0000 skipra 2582438@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't follow a plan but just try to eat healthy the majority of the time and use the everything in moderation philosophy. I make a point to have at least some fruits and veggies every single day and the only things I limit are fried foods and desserts. I certainly will eat them but not all the time. I also eat mostly vegetarian although I do have some seafood. I don't worry about counting calories or fat and do eat several fattening things like nuts, full fat dairy, etc. every day. To me the most important thing is just balance. I am able to maintain a healthy weight by following my non-diet diet and weigh myself often to catch any weight gain before it gets out of control. If I gain a pound or two I'll make sure to avoid eating sweets for a while and limit snacks. If I'm craving dessert but know I shouldn't then I'll have tea with some honey instead.<br /> I used to have a problem with binge eating when I was younger and was probably about 15lbs heavier. I thought that I should be watching what I eat and that certain foods should be off limits and if I'd have one "bad" thing then I would like eat all of it rather than a normal portion and then since I already broke my diet I would just continue eating junk. Now I will eat whatever but since there is no longer any stress over it I find I can much more easily control the portion size. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2582407 Thu, 07 Jul 2016 12:31:38 +0000 caterw 2582407@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I use MFP and have had really good success with it- before I was pregnant with DD2, I lost 10 lbs and was feeling great. Now that I am pregnant I still use it, but set on a slow weight gain option. I give myself 1 day a week to indulge in pregnancy cravings and don't record those days and the other 6 days I try to eat slightly under my goal. I have problems with binge-eating (and so does my mom, my sister, my aunts, my maternal grandmother... We all eat our feelings). so this way I can still have an off day without feeling terrible about the other days. Might not be the absolute healthiest way to do things, but it works for me and helps me not feel guilty when I am having a crappy day and eat a whole bag of chips. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2582371 Thu, 07 Jul 2016 11:50:26 +0000 daniellemybelle 2582371@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I try to use MFP but I keep falling off the wagon. When I track everything but I don't restrict myself, I easily eat over 2,000 calories in a day mindlessly snacking, finishing LO's food (literally just did this yet again), and having too big of portions. So MFP when I use it really helps me actually be mindful of how much and what I'm eating and make more sensible choices. But I keep falling off the wagon. :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497292 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 21:16:35 +0000 MrsSRS 2497292@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Along with what @catomd00 says, we find it helpful to serve protein and carbs to each plate and put the rest away, and have salad on the table. So if you need to binge on dinner because you're still working through some stuff, fine, but all that's there to binge on is lettuce... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497273 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 21:01:07 +0000 catomd00 2497273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: it's great you're already on that path then and so aware of the cause. That's a great start! In general, I think it's best to find some way to get out of the diet mindset and into the this is my lifestyle mindset. How you get there is going to be different for everyone of course. But certainly addressing underlying emotional ties to food will be key! </p> <p>A few suggestions that come to mind that might help a little - at dinner, portion your meal and immediately put any leftovers away before you sit down to eat. If you're feeling anxious, just sit with it and accept it and rationally talk yourself out of it - it's hard at first but the more you practice, the easier it gets! Then maybe you put all the leftovers away except for a small serving. Gradually work your way up to the point where the extra food lying around doesn't cause you anxiety. Obviously this may not be exactly what Happens in your scenario (I'm only guessing based on what you've shared), but you can tweak it for whatever situation usually challenges you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497269 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 20:56:39 +0000 skipra 2497269@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have had issues with binging too so I know it can be tough! I have been pretty happy with my weight recently (I mean post-partum period aside). I am mostly vegetarian but I can't say that has a major role because I have been most of my life and there are lots of vegetarian junk foods! I think what works for me, especially after going through a poor eating period is to only eat around other people. I find I will eat healthier foods and better portions if someone else is watching me. Not that anyone else cares, just the illusion of being responsible to someone else. And also make foods myself vs eating out. It always seems to be healthier!<br /> Eta also everything in moderation is key so you don't feel deprived of anything! I will have chocolate or ice cream if I want it. And no tracking, puts too much pressure on you and takes away enjoyment of yummy foods. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497257 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 20:46:51 +0000 Kemma 2497257@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think cooking basic but tasty foods is a good start and we eat a lot of "meat and three veg" meals for dinner. I usually do something exciting with the meat then have steamed veges with it (potatoes, peas, corn, carrots, beans, broccoli, etc). I try not to use too many packet mixes because there can be an amazing amount of sugar, fat, salt and other additives in commercial / pre-prepared flavourings. I'm also really boring and eat the same thing for breakfast every morning (porridge with milk and brown sugar) which was good when we I was losing weight because I knew how many calories it was and it was a nutritious breakfast option.</p> <p>I'm on the upswing from bf'ing weight loss at almost twelve months postpartum but I know I could counteract the weight gain if I stopped eating all the extra snack foods! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497142 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 18:11:12 +0000 petitenoisette 2497142@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I eat the same thing for breakfast every day (oatmeal + sausage sometimes) and a relatively healthy lunch every day (usually it's a salad though in the winter I tend to do more hot leftovers) and since I'm at work the portion is controlled rather than at home when I can have seconds! Snacks throughout the day, but things like fruit and granola bars (not necessarily the healthiest, but portion controlled). </p> <p>I feel like by having breakfast/lunch that way that I can have more leeway for dinner. That being said, I cook almost all our meals and so even if I eat too much I'm still eating pretty healthy. </p> <p>I was dairy/gluten free for about 10 months because of my daughter's MSPI and that plus breastfeeding REALLY made me drop weight. However, now that I can eat gluten I'm finding it pretty impossible to limit it even though I'm pretty sure I felt better off of it. The point of this is that trying to follow overly strict rules or a temporary diet will probably not last long term, so try to think of it as creating new life-long habits. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497136 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 18:03:23 +0000 ScarletBegonia 2497136@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: If you want a plan to follow, I recommend looking up the "12 week body transformation" by Michelle Bridges. She's an aussie personal trainer who is one of the trainers on Aussie biggest loser. The name sounds super gimicky, I know, but it actually makes so much sense. Essentially it is:<br /> -A meal plan for the week with all whole foods, make at home meals, with one treat meal of your choice incorporated. Each meal makes a serving that is between 300-400 calories (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and 2 snacks of 200-300 calories each. The most you take in during a day is about 1600 calories, and the least is about 1200 calories IF you are looking to lose weight. If you are just looking to maintain, the daily calorie allowance changes based on your goals. You can choose meals that are freezable which is what I usually do, cook it all up on Sunday so I can just defrost our dinner every night, and I double the portion for my husband. I usually use my treat meal Friday night, which can be up to 600/700 calories - kids size takeaway pizza!<br /> -An exercise plan involving either high or low intensity exercise 6 days of the week. You can select gym, home, equipment, bodyweight, running, or run/walking. The plan provides workout videos, or prompts that play trough your phone...you just have to follow it.<br /> - Mindset videos to watch every couple of days to keep you on track. </p> <p>I did 2 back to back rounds before I had my son and lost 12kg...of course gained it all back and then some during/after pregnancy. 2 years on I'm 6 weeks into a 12 week round and I've lost about 4 kg while not being strict at all on the weekends, and not keeping up with the exercise. Its really an amazing program, and available internationally. Look into it! I like being told exactly what to do and just blindly following it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497134 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 18:03:06 +0000 FancyGem 2497134@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have to eat gluten and dairy free because I am gluten intolerant and allergic to dairy. My goal is to drink half of my body weight in oz of water. I think I struggle more with eating dairy free. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497132 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 18:00:36 +0000 MrsADS 2497132@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Interesting to read everyone's responses. I have always been thin. I think I've always been a fairly healthy eater, but definitely eat something if I want it. Never been super into stuff like fries, chips, etc. My weakness is sweets. So I try to have some in a healthy way - like I buy dark chocolate chips and eat some after dinner. Instead of something like cookies or gummy bears that I could polish off a bag!! </p> <p>That being said - I did go to Target today and buy a bag of Swedish fish and eat the whole thing :shocked: </p> <p>I am breastfeeding right now so I am STARVING all the time. I eat usually 2200-2400 calories which is plenty for BF but honestly I could eat 3,000+. </p> <p>I eat a lot of fruit and veggies and fibery things like oatmeal. Always have. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497120 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:47:09 +0000 erinpye 2497120@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I do not restrict myself at all. I eat what sounds good and stop when I'm full, and I try and do active things. I had badly disordered eating when I was younger- I was a dancer. I refuse to own a scale or ever count calories, because it's a slippery slope for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497112 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:39:45 +0000 SweetiePie 2497112@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I follow the idea of everything in moderation. I don't want to deprive myself of something and then binge when I inevitably fall off the wagon later.<br /> I don't always eat great but I kind of keep in mind what I've eaten over the last 24 hours and if I'm seriously lacking in nutrition or over indulging I make adjustments to make sure my body gets what it needs or can get a break from the donuts I had the day before. </p> <p>I do workout (weights, resistance) twice a week. </p> <p>My mom did MyFitnessPal and Zumba 3-4 times a week and lost about 25lbs. She looks amazing! Being accountable to the app for calories and such really helped her curb any cravings or overindulging. It gives a nice nutritional overview, not just calories. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497100 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:26:32 +0000 youboots 2497100@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I eat/drink whatever I want and walk 3-4 miles a day and use my Fitbit to stay on track. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497096 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:23:32 +0000 MoonMoon 2497096@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: even though I love looking at cookbooks for inspiration, I have to admit I get most recipes from online. If I crave something, I google it and chances are there's a recipe for it! I actually find that vegetarian recipes are more plentiful and look so good on British websites or blogs! Even mainstream chefs like Nigella and Jamie Oliver have lots of good, really easy recipes. I also love experimenting with Indian food, Thai food, Greek, Arabic, etc. and a lot of those cuisines have lots of traditionally no- or low-meat recipes too.</p> <p>What dishes or types of cuisines do you like? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497095 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:21:30 +0000 Portboston 2497095@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm currently breastfeeding so none right now besides eating pretty much whatever I please plus tons of water 😁 Pre baby I tried to drink 60-80 oz of water a day. For food I just listen to my body and eat until I am full (not over full!) we cook a lot of vegetarian recipes to make sure we are getting plenty of veggies in. Sometimes we add meat and sometimes we don't. I find a lot of recipes on Pinterest but we also bought a cookbook a few years back called 1,000 vegetarian recipes (or something similar). For me, I am naturally slim but I feel a lot better when I eat less sugar and more real food! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497092 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:17:27 +0000 Cherrybee 2497092@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MoonMoon: We keep saying we need to eat less meat. Where do you look for recipes? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497090 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:15:24 +0000 MoonMoon 2497090@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a vegetarian now, and for 7 or so years before I was vegan. Within that, I don't put too many restrictions on myself, though I do try to stay away from my binge trigger foods like soda and certain cereals. That's it. I naturally love salad and veg and healthy things, though I love sweets, too. I credit my diet with my healthy pregnancy and healthy weight, though I know mileage varies for others. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497087 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:11:53 +0000 Cherrybee 2497087@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catomd00: I'm talking to a therapist right now about a lot of stuff. :happy: I know what it is - after my dad left home (I was 12), my mum had to work evenings but used to make up for not being there when I got in from school by leaving a meal and packets of cookies etc. She would get upset if I didn't finish the food and treats she had left, to the point I used to hide food so she thought I had eaten it. Food was a big bone of contention because she just wanted me to feel her love and it was the only way she knew how to show it. She took to drinking (and going out partying) soon after and became neglectful - and I took to buying loaves of bread on the way home from school to binge eat for comfort. I wanted to feel love i guess. Its just a habit now, and a coping mechanism for uncomfortable feelings like stress. But mostly a habit - if I'm alone, I sneak a bite to eat, then another, then another.... </p> <p>..... My DH is a terrible enabler with the giant portions of take away food, but he has no idea I'm piling it all on top of three ham sandwiches, half a block of cheese and two bags of crisps. And a handful of peanuts. </p> <p>I was slim when I met him because I did the sandwich binging but didn't eat meals. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497057 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 16:38:45 +0000 autumnleaves 2497057@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: After having GD I stopped drinking oj and continued eating eggs first for breakfast. I remember with the diagnosis I was so bummed that I had to change my breakfast routine but that was a change I could keep. And then I still try to have protein when I eat fruit - like cheese or nuts with fresh fruit or peanut butter on an apple.<br /> Other than that I enjoy my carbs &amp; sugars again like I did before my last pregnancy. For the most part I wasn't over indulgent before. Moderation/control is definitely key.<br /> I did not end up with GD for my second pregnancy and I am not sure if the small changes in my diet made a difference. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497056 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 16:38:07 +0000 catomd00 2497056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: have you considered talking to a therapist to understand what the root cause of feelings underlying your binge eating might be? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497049 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 16:28:09 +0000 blackbird 2497049@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: it's a new habit, you know? Takes awhile for it to become more automatic and less of a "do I or don't I" decision. You'll get there :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497041 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 16:21:27 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 2497041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>"Eat real food. Not too much. Mostly plants." I can't remember who the credit goes to for that quote but it's a good one and I try to live by. Real whole foods. Most of the time. I know not everyone struggles with the same things but I was some that would binge eat. See those cookies at the Christmas party? I probably ate 25 (not kidding) then I would feel guilty and horrible and get super restrictive and force these workouts I hated on myself (or skip the workout and eat because I felt bad for skipping the workout) and do it all over again. But i stopped giving food morality. I started eating "clean" and stopped keeping tempting foods in the house on the regular. It took a long time. Like 2 years for me to be able to eat one or two cookies or to pass on the cake because I actually don't like cake, I dont know why I kept eating it. It was along process. But the key for me was to focus on foods that are real/nutrient dense and let the guilt go when I eat something more processed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2497029 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 16:09:52 +0000 Cherrybee 2497029@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think its interesting how many people are talking about portion control and stopping when you're full. This is really hard to me because I'm a binge eater. My husband is almost a foot taller than me and yet I can out-eat him at a sitting. I feel panicked if I cant gorge myself at dinner. If I'm left alone in the house with bread, crisps, sweet treats, I'm at risk of scoffing the whole lot. The super strict GD diet (basically Atkins) has really helped me because a) I don't want to binge on meat and salad 2) it doesn't matter if I do! I'm scared I wont be able to trust myself to limit portions. </p> <p>The other trend I'm seeing here is people talking about cooking healthy meals. Pre-GD, we had take away several times a week because I hadn't planned a meal or we couldn't be bothered to cook. We need to try to stay in the habit of meal planning and cooking every day (but its so hard!). </p> <p>@blackbird: That's what I want to be - healthy and strong. Pre-pregnancy, I was 3 stone overweight and very unfit. I struggled to play with E in the park and even felt tired walking up the stairs. I don't want that any more. Its interesting how you talk about it being a conscious choice - I think it will have to be that way for me going forward. Its amazing how many times a day I've been having to choose not to eat/drink something I wouldn't have thought twice about before..... Its going to be a battle of willpower for sure. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2496966 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 15:33:12 +0000 catlady 2496966@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A few years back (pre-LO), I got myself down to a really nice weight by cutting out all processed foods (including my beloved diet sodas), by upping my veggies, and by staying away from grains at most meals. During the work week, I kept myself on a pretty strict diet, but I allowed myself some "treats" on weekends. I maintained a nice slim shape for a couple years doing this, until I got pregnant.</p> <p>Since then, it's been hard to say what works for me, since I've been on an elimination diet for a year (that got me down to my lowest weight ever, but I don't think it was healthy), and I've been pregnant and then miscarried a couple times. I can't seem to stay on a strict diet the way I did before LO (I just get too hungry these days). So right now, I'm still avoiding processed foods, trying my hardest to limit treats, and I still eat a pretty healthy whole food, low-ish grain diet. I think I probably eat more calories than I did before, so I weigh more, but maybe I need it now that I'm older. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2496953 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 15:25:07 +0000 catomd00 2496953@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Granted I have a fast metabolism, but after years battling a serious eating disorder, I have learned that everything in moderation is the bet policy. I've finally learned to listen to my internal cues about when I am hungry and full, which means I don't overeat. If I want a treat, I have it because deprivation leads to wanting it even more and then overindulging. I eat what I want when I'm hungry and I stop when I'm full. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-limitations-restrictions-or-targets-do-you-impose-on-yourself-re-food-amp-drink#post-2496935 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 15:13:04 +0000 LindsayLou 2496935@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I try not to completely cut foods out, and keep things in moderation. I enjoy good food, and want to keep a healthy outlook on food and be able to treat myself. I snack a lot, so I try to have lots of healthy snacks around: fruit, almonds, yogurt, whole wheat crackers, homemade muffins, etc.</p> <p>The biggest thing for me is paying attention to when my body is telling me I'm full. I'm a small person, and I snack a lot, so I eat small meals and snacks throughout the day. </p>