Lite, fat-free, sugar-free, etc

[Lisa0825]

Do use lite, low fat, fat free, sugar free, etc products when you are trying to lose weight? I used to, but I find that I do better if I use the regular versions, and just carefully control portions. I have never really liked salads much, but generally I only eat them when I am dieting, and I usually used a low fat or fat free dressing. This week I tried a full fat Greek dressing, and I have actually been enjoying the salads! I put the salad in a plastic container with half the serving size of dressing, and shake it up good so that all leaves are lightly coated.

About the only "diet" thing I enjoy as much or more than regular is diet Coke. I can't stand regular Coke anymore, because it tastes too sweet to me.

So, what do you do? Do you find it better to use "diet" products, or just carefully use the regular versions?

[bermudat]

1. Like you, I prefer the real thing, only smaller portion.

I use butter instead of promise, can't believe its not butter, etc. Use whipped butter and spread it
micron thin.

[Lisa0825]

4. Have you ever tried Smart Balance?

I have gotten pretty accustomed to it. I am sure I would notice the difference if I used real butter again, but it isn't bad, and is supposed to be good for yout lipid profile.

[supernova]

2. I gave up using sugar subs

about three years ago.

When I get a sweet tooth now, I either:

1) Have a small piece of dessert when I am out.

2) Make something home made, usually with fruit.

At home I now use agave syrup instead of sugar. It's low GI and doesn't not "crash" me two hours later. Really good for coffee and on sweet potatoes, for instance. I prefer the dark stuff. It has more flavor. I even sometimes make buckwheat pancakes and pour AS over them. :9

I eat low carb anyway, so full fat doesn't bother me. :-) I mostly eat plant oils now: nuts, nut butters, olive oil, avocados. I do stay away from dairy for the most part though, since I'm lactose intolerant.

I think artificial sweetners just make me hungry.

[Lisa0825]

5. I have never heard of agave syrup. Interesting.

I generally only have a small bit of sweets on the rare occasions that I have them. I have much more trouble controlling my urge for rich, creamy food, pizza, cheese, etc, than sweets. So other than diet Coke, I have actually never used sweeteners.

I usually go low carb-high protein and do very well on those diets, but I am considering going "flexitarian," (increaisng vegetarian meals).

[handmade34]

7. the stuff of tequila

agave syrup. great stuff! but pricey just as all altenatives to commercial sugar are...

[Droopy]

3. I use low fat products

I also do not consume sugar unless it's just what's naturally in oranges and apples. I eat fat free yogurt, low fat cheese, low fat mayo, egg beaters. It turns out that I like all of that stuff which is fortunate. I'm on a very strict diet. Low fat, no sugar, low carb.

[Lisa0825]

6. It's good that you like your options! :-)

Are you on a particular plan (one with a name), or are you just following those guidelines in your food choices?

[Droopy]

8. I'm going with a local weight loss clinic called

Metabolic Profile System Weight Loss or MPS. I have a thread about it here on the front page. I've lost 33 pounds in 8 weeks.

[auntAgonist]

9. That's awesome!!

You're really getting a handle on your weight loss and it must feel SO good. I'm proud of you for sticking with this and look forward to seeing your great results.

D's gettin' better and we're hoping to plan to see you soon.

aA
kesha

[Droopy]

10. Thanks aA

I'll be around.

Regarding the weight loss, they are also going to show me how to keep it off once I reach my goal. I will not have to adhere to the strict diet they have me on now forever. They have totally changed the way I eat and think about food. I think the weight loss will be permanent this time.