07 August 2013

One Inch at a Time

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Remember when I whined on about not being happy with my current "flubbiness?" I actually planned on responding to everyone with my next steps sooner, but I had to really sit back and think of things for a while - take in your advice from the comments, as well as really think of what hasn't worked for me in the past and what I really want to get out of things.

When it comes to dieting, I always get a case of the Tomorrows, when I try to specifically limit myself or make it so I have to do something. Like, well I already had a bad breakfast, so I might as well eat whatever I want for the rest of the day / give up the idea of exercising today since I'll never work that off, and start over tomorrow. And repeat. And again.

I am obviously no expert at this healthy eating thing but I know I've tried enough times to lose and obsessed about my weight enough. I need to make it easy for myself without it seeming restrictive - though I know that I still kind of have cut out some things or nothing will ever change.

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So after some thought, this is what I've come out with as my (no diet) diet:
  • No calorie or food tracking. I can attest that apps like MyFitnessPal are awesome - you can track what you eat and look up calorie and nutrition counts. But, for me, the novelty of tracking Every. Single. Thing. that passes my lips wears off after a week and usually I give up. Which typically means the diet stops with it. So this time, I am trying not to obsess.
  • It's OK to feel hungry.
  • Eat as much whole food as possible - cook at home more using real (not ready-made) ingredients, stay away from fried foods, sugary treats. Eat loads of fruits and veg. Yep, this means no fast foods and no sweet treats unless it's fruit.
  • No more than two servings of carbs a day - loose interpretation is that if I eat a roll during lunch, that is one of my servings. I am going to aim for whole grains as those carbs but won't beat myself up if I have sliced white bread as part of my lunch. For a girl who used to eat carbs all day long (I can eat a whole baguette by myself in less than a day - no, really) - this is a big change.
  • No diet foods.
  • No calories in my drinks - no sodas, juice, sweetened drinks, etc. Water or tea only.
  • Make sensible food choices - no extra sauce, no double servings, no eating something just because it's there.
  • Try to eat some sort of protein with every meal or snack.
  • Drink more water.
  • Put everything I plan to eat at a time together on a plate - make a meal more of a thing, not just something that happens in passing. Also, this will give me a better visual of all that I am eating at one sitting.
  • If I have a piece of cake - it's OK. Breathe. Continue with diet.
I don't think I am doing anything more than what most people already know. There's nothing revolutionary or quick even. But hopefully this will help lead me on a healthier path with food, make me obsess less, and overall help me lose a few LBs and be able to actually keep them off without making any drastic changes.

I've been doing this for about a week now and my scale says I'm down two pounds. I'm not really going to count those because it may be water weight or whatever else, but I am feeling hopeful. Cutting out a lot of carbs seems to have limited my belly bloat feeling and I am not feeling deprived because I am still eating loads of yummy foods loaded with good fats (just made my first batch of these sans crème fraîche - delish!)

Maybe there's hope for me yet.

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blue dots

Top: LEC gingham poplin (worn here - sim, deal, sim)
Skirt: J.Crew boardwalk (same solid or striped, sim chambray, more dressed up, as dress)
Bracelets: F21 (sim), Asos spiked pack, ON (sim)
Shoes: Keds spright (worn here - sim, sim, printed)
Bag: J.Crew tillary (worn here - sim, horizontal, cas)

63 comments:

  1. You look great and I bet you feel fantastic! The less you eat carbs, the less you'll crave them. I think it's so great to get on a healthy eating kick, whether or not you want to lose any weight, and I think summer, with all the yummy fruits and veggies in season is the best time of year to do it. (I did Phase 1 of South Beach in January a couple of years ago as a NY Rez and it was sooo sad--so very much spaghetti squash and bland, out of season salad.)

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    1. You're right. And I have some friends who are trying to do the locavore thing and another on Atkins, so I figured this is probably the best time to start eating healthier.

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  2. I'm glad you found something that can work for you :) cute print mixing today too, I love this skirt!
    Ginny

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  3. I feel you girl. I have honestly always struggled with my weight and have never successfully lost weight. I have to admit that. I have completely failed. But this month is different, I've cut out all potato's, no carb breakfasts and started slowly exercising. I've always been one of those people who thinks that since I did horrible one day, it gives me permission to just completely throw the week away! No more and I have got to realize that every day is a new day!

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    1. I'm the exact same way as you. I've been slowly and steadily gaining weight since college. Nothing drastic but recently when I started noticing myself buying more clothes in the next size up, I figured I needed to do something about it. We'll virtually support each other!

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  4. Your plan sounds great! As a fellow carb-aholic, it was difficult for me to cut back, but I've noticed that it definitely prevents a bloated belly!

    Lauren
    Fizz and Frosting

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  5. So lovely! That skirt is fabulous!

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  6. it is so hard to go on a strict diet and I totally agree with your new "approach" to eating, sounds do-able. I don't believe in diets and I know that diets will work when you stick to it but once you get off it, you will bounce back. So a new approach to healthy eating makes more sense. Good luck!

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  7. I hear you..I need to loose 20 lbs. Clothes are not fitting and it's really stressing me out.

    Your skirt makes me very happy today! So cute!

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    1. Thanks, I know what you mean. I've got loads of clothes I don't really fit into anymore - I don't want to be OMGTiny, but just fit into my "normal" size again.

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  8. This not only sounds sensible, but it is also practical in that you don't have to think about food all day long, which counting calories or points makes you do. I always found it counter-productive to have to think about and compute and keep track of food but not be able to eat... Good for you!

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    1. I literally obsess about food enough as it is - counting and tracking made it worse!

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  9. Lisa, it sounds like you are going about this exactly the right way! I like your attitude of treating it less than a diet and more like a dietary lifestyle change. The decision to not beat yourself up if you have a slip-up, or a piece of cake, is a very healthy one. And you already have results, congratulations! Though I look at that bottom photo and marvel at how tiny Your waist is already! ;) You go, girl!! Gorgeous outfit btw, love how you made that pattern-mix look so harmonious!

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    1. Thanks! Because I know I can only stay away from pizza for so long. Mm, pizza ...

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  10. I think it sounds like you have a great plan! It isn't overly restrictive like some diets are, so I think you'll be successful with it.

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

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  11. Sounds like a good plan, but I just want to stress that you are so tiny! You don't NEED to diet from my perspective. But I totally understand wanting to do it for you and your health.

    Love your pattern mixing Lisa!

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    1. Thanks, Frannie. I just have this pooch that seems to be expanding and it has come to the point where there are a lot of clothes I own that I don't fit anymore. I don't think I am big or anything, but I'd love to fit into my own stuff again.

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  12. Wow that's great. And I love that all your rules are so healthy :)

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  13. I stepped on the scale the other morning and while I agree my weight isn't that bad (my dr said I'm at my healthy body weight) my stomach is a little poochy. And for me the hardest part is trying to motivate myself to work out. I love beer. I'm trying to only do salads for lunch during the workweek and to get as much protein in as I can. And just because I have a full plate of food doesn't mean I need to eat it all.

    But - your outfit is just lovely here! I have serious bag envy. :P

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    1. I know, I've got this pooch that won't go away and exercising only hasn't really done anything for it. I just want to fit into the clothes I already own again!

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  14. great job, Lisa! i think you're well on your way to the right path because you're not going radical. adjusting the way you approach food is so healthy! i'm loving this outfit too. sooo cute. xo

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  15. Well, I already think you look great and I love the pattern mixing!
    ~Jessica
    Jeans and a Teacup

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  16. I think you are right on track, lady! I think it's more about being healthy and fueling your body with the right stuff more than anything else and you seem to be doing that. You look awesome too :)

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  17. I hate to admit how eating less carbs have been so helpful to my health and belly bloat. Like you, I can eat it at every meal (us Asians ha!). I am turning to better forms of it though - like quinoa and farro.

    The biggest rule of all Lisa - is "Everything In Moderation"

    Good luck!

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    1. We can't help it that Asian food is sooooo good. If I lived in Asia somewhere, I'd probably be eating all day long. But then again I'd probably also be walking everywhere and eating fresher, healthier fare, so I'd like be smaller!

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  18. Lisa, I think this is a really great step toward eating more healthy. Only a couple of things....
    1) I seriously don't understand this "limit or don't eat carbs" thing. Do people realize that veggies and fruit are carbs? You should eat a ton of veggies! plus legumes are terrific and whole grains. (Check out Heritage Flakes by Nature's Path if you want a cereal with alot of whole grains. Plus it has alot less sugar than most cereals.) Anyhow, I think you mean that you want to limit eating simple carbs (not complex carbs) which is really the important thing to do. But I agree, don't beat yourself up about having them on occasion. But complex carbs are so important. They provide minerals, vitamins, and fiber. They should comprise the majority of your diet. Someone somewhere did some great marketing to make people believe that carbs are bad. Yes, some are. But some are really important to eating healthy.
    2) Throw out the scale. Don't weigh yourself. It can ruin your day for no reason. If your clothes fit or feel looser, then you know you're on the right track. Seriously, it is so ridiculous how seeing a "bad" number on the scale can be a mood killer. It can actually set you on the path to giving up. I weigh myself once a year at my doctor's appointment.
    3) If you have a sweet tooth, can I suggest having a couple of pieces of very dark chocolate? or dark chocolate covered almonds? Chocolate actually may have health benefits, believe it or not. And nuts are *really* healthy. just eat them in moderation as they are high in calories. But they've actually found that people who eat a small handful of almonds can lose weight. I think they satisfy hunger for a longer time period.
    4) Put your meal on a small plate (rather than a large one). Then it looks like you have more food to eat.
    5) Don't eat in front of a TV or while you're reading. Stay focused while you eat.

    Anyhow, I really think you're on the right path. Just thought I'd give you a couple more tips.

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    1. Very good points! To begin a diet with so many "no" rules leads to deprivation and the eventual binge. I suggest doing some research and reading about how the body uses food and to remember food is fuel. If you remove carbs you will be hunger because your body is wanting fuel. Eat complex carbs, not processed carbs and your body will thank you. I'm a vegan and eat alot of complex carbs and alot of fruit and vegetables of all kinds and don't gain weight. Totally agree about the scale. Get rid of it! How your clothing fits will tell you everything you need to know. As long as you wear clothing that actually touches your body. Many people's weight problem is compounded because they wear stretch fabrics that simple grow as they do. Big thumbs up to the handful of nuts! I always have a variety of raw nuts on hand. Great for a quick snack. Eat your food in it's original form. Eat whole fruits and veggies, don't use processed or diet foods. Make friends with the bulk department and learn to cook real whole foods. It's the most important thing you can do for yourself. One thing I'll add....I keep in mind what I plan on eating and what I have eaten during the day. Say I have a homemade muffin for breakfast. Then I would not eat a piece of bread with my salad for lunch, since I've already eaten a bread item that day (bread is my downfall). Or if I know I"m making something with pasta for dinner and I go out to lunch I wouldn't eat pasta or something like that for lunch. Once I've used my foods from one category I try to make selections from other categories throughout the day. It's a good way to make sure you are eating a good variety of foods and it keeps me in touch with what's going in my mouth. Be conscious when you eat. Sounds weird, but so many people eat in an emotional coma and then can't figure out how they got fat. Eat in the presence, don't deprive yourself and start this journey like you would a new adventure. With Joy! Explore farmer's markets and farms, ethnic food stores, new cookbooks, buy yourself a handy new foody gadget like a rice maker or yogurt maker....have fun with it because eating is something we HAVE to do everyday so find your happiness in it. I found my happiness and my health (lost 30 lbs. without trying or even really noticing..meaning no hunger, no calorie counting, no extreme exercise) on a plant based diet. If you are interested in doing some health and diet reading, The China Study and Forks Over Knifes are real eye openers. Best of luck to you.

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    2. Thank you, Lisa and Stray Cat, for your advice.

      On my end, I am limiting the simple carbs like bread, pasta, etc. I def eat loads of fruit and veg and don't consider them as carbs I should limit, unless I'm thinking of potatoes or corn. It's hard for me though, because I used to eat simple carbs all day long, it's crazy.

      I am definitely an "emotional coma" eater. I'll just nom in front of the TV or computer or head straight for the fridge when I'm bored. Cutting out the convenience foods has def made me less likely to eat for no reason since most of my food has to be prepared somehow now. Though I load up on fruit from the market so if I need to eat something NOW, I can grab fruit instead of chips.

      I totally agree with you both on the scale thing. I have to admit I still check it out, but only once or twice a week. I have a friend on Atkins right now and she checks herself on the scale every single day - it's like the end of the world when she doesn't notice a difference on the scale!

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  19. Lisa you look great and it sounds like you are right on track! I love this outfit btw! So cute! I am especially loving the bracelet stack! I am so not good with bracelets! You have serious talent with jewelry!

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  20. Sooo lovin the mixed prints! Also, fab eyebrows. :)

    www.simplysassysstyle.blogspot.com

    dawn

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  21. cutting carbs is the best way i've found to look and feel my best. but its so hard to stick with. i love and crave them.

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    1. I crave carbs too. Like McDonalds french fries. Or crusty bread. Pasta! Mentally nomming out right now! ;o)

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  22. Kudos to you for having a plan! Eating healthy is hard but once you get into the routine of it, it's much easier. And a slice of cake is definitely ok in my book :)

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  23. I cut most of my carbs a few months ago and it has made a huge difference in how I feel: less bloaty, less fluffy, etc. And, most of the time, I don't miss bread or pasta or cereal or sweets. Sometimes I do, and then I have some, but generally I'm happy with veggies, protein, and fruit.

    xox

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    1. I still miss carbs. A lot. But for the first time I can totally tell that my stomach area feels more bloated after I eat white starchy carbs during a meal. That's progress for me!

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  24. Your plan sounds like a great idea :) I hate restricting myself coz it makes me want to eat even more! I totally agree with everything you have written and might give it a go myself :)

    katattack2000.wordpress.com

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  25. aww lisa, you're so tiny already!! but there's definitely nothing wrong with healthy living!! =)
    thanks for stopping by my page! <3

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    1. Aw, thanks! But I know I can't eat the way I did back in college, when calories didn't matter!

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  26. Lisa, you silly goose! First of all, I don't see any flubber. You are so petite! Whatever "flubber" is around is suppose to keep you warm for the winter. hehe. But I do agree that it's important to eat healthy and making sensible food choices. I have a horrible habit of not drinking enough water. I do think that's it's important to eat when you feel hungry though, because it's your body giving you a natural biological cue that we should all respond to! It just depends on how we respond to it :)

    Christy
    Sunnywithasideof...

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    1. I totally don't drink enough water. And I know I'm not big, but I've gained a few pounds and got this gut that I am not digging (sucking it in hides it well, haha). I just want to be able to fit into my current set of clothes again!

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  27. PS. you look lovely in this outfit, by the way!!

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  28. I love your shades of blue!! That skirt is so cute.
    Meredith
    createthatoutfit.com

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  29. This is such a cute outfit! I too have such a hard time with discipline when it comes to dieting. But I think your plan sounds great and I can't wait to hear how it goes :)

    xo

    Ashley

    Southern (California) Belle

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  30. lisa, i think you already look great! i love the list you came up with. remember not to restrict yourself too much. enjoy things. the bottom line is everything in moderation is ok. love your top & skirt. so pretty.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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    1. Moderation is the item I have a problem with when it comes to my eating sometimes! ;o0

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  31. Great outfit! :)

    http://lilcutie89blog.blogspot.nl/

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  32. Great sensible rules to live by! i try overall to a clean diet but I do slip more than I would like to. I love this outfit - the colors and patterns are so pretty!

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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    1. You think this would be easy for a person, but I didn't realize how much I love carbs. White carbs. Like in bread, pasta, rice, McDonalds french fries, chips, chips, chips ...

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  33. Gingham AND polka dots? I'm absolutely in love! Those are my favorite prints, ever.

    And I love your rules for "dieting." I think some people take it to such extremes when it really should just be about being healthy. Good for you! :)

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  34. I think all the "rules" you outlined are SO do-able. A few months ago, I read Bob Harper's books Jumpstart to Skinny and The Skinny Rules, and you pretty much laid out the main points of his books. :) Basically, no carbs after lunch, protein and veggies at every meal, no calories in drinks, one "free" day a week, etc. When I followed that plan, I saw really great results not only on the scale but in my energy level. The carbs thing was SOOO hard, though! I love carbs.

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    1. I don't know about having a free day for me though. I've end up saving up all my carb cravings and go ballistic!

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  35. You look fantastic and personally I don't see any need! Admiring your dedication tho, and I am sure you'll succeed! :-)

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  36. Good for you! I love the 'no diet foods' rule. That's awesome because that says you're making a lifestyle change rather than going on a temporary diet.

    One little thing I realize I do, and which helps, is that before I open the cupboard in search of cookies, or swing open the freezer for ice cream, I ask myself whether I am REALLY hungry or if I'm just bored.

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    1. Oh yeah, I am totally a bored snacker. I've gotten rid of most of my junk snack foods so if I am bored now, I can only have fruit or something healthier that I will need to prepare.

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  37. very cute outfit, new follower! hope you like my blog :)

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  38. So much truth here, Lisa. I loooove junk food but pretty much cut out the majority of it and leave myself a treat of one (or two, if its a tough week) Lindt chocolate bars per week). Lots of fresh foods and greens are definitely a staple for me. I LIVE for only water + green tea + almond milk. Those are the only liquids I allow myself, and wine once and a while. I find these have made a big difference. Last year, I found out I was lactose intolerant (so sad! and challenging!) but since I cut out dairy, my eating has been a lot healthier - no ice cream treats and restriction on milk chocolates. Great tips tho lady! I find walking helps a lot too :)

    Now onto the important stuff: how does the size for this skirt run? Is it TTS? Do you find it short? Is the elastic just right, or run slightly tight? Would love to know :)

    xxxo

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  39. You are so tiny and fabulous. There's always room for improvement in life but physically you look great! I think your no diet diet will work just fine for you!
    -Ash
    www.thestylizedwannabe.com

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  40. I think you nailed it. I am always keeping my weight by doing much the same. And 2lbs more because of splashing out in the weekend f.i. means back to this way of earting. After I gain 2 lbs, I am losing 2lbs. That way I never have to restrict myself for too long a time.
    And your outfit is cute. Especially like the shoes and bag.
    Greetje

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  41. omg girl you are TINY. this is really insane for me to hear, but i can understand wanting to get into a healthy eating routine and back to a previous weight. my first rec. would be to NOT weigh yourself. instead take a take measure and measure various spots. you could lose weight but be the same size or the same but smaller, which i say coming from someone the same weight now that i have a little chub. good call on the carbs and no liquid calories, those two were key for me a few years ago loosing a lot. also, you look adorable, so professional looking!
    Cuddly Cacti
    Mitla Moda

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    1. Thanks, Dus! I def don't think I need to lose a bunch of weight but my eating habits have been atrocious for the past year and I've been slowing sizing myself out of my own clothes. I don't want to be skinny mini but I'd love to be able to fit into my own clothes again. I've tried the exercise-only route and it hasn't worked.

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  42. Chubs? Crazy girl. As for your no-diet-diet, this is totally the way to do it! If you're ever craving anything say after dinner, try drinking water. It's usually the mind talking to you. Diets never worked for me either because they're too restricting. Remember to throw in some fun exercises too!

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