How I’m Easing Into Food Moderation (Without Giving Up What I Love)

Working on the Food Part of My Weight Loss Journey

If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve already worked on some big parts of my weight loss journey, like drinking more water, moving more, and getting enough rest. Now I’m focusing on food moderation. This is something a lot of folks struggle with. We all gotta eat, right? But how do you eat in a way that feels healthy without giving up the foods you love?

My Food Moderation Plan (Not a Diet)

Keep reading and I’ll tell you my plan. Just so you know, this isn’t a diet. You know I believe fat ladies don’t diet. Lol.

Taking a Closer Look at How I’m Eating Right Now

Before I can really move forward with a plan, I think it's important to take a good look at what I’m actually doing when it comes to food. I don’t want to get lost in the weeds, trying to guess what needs fixing or fumbling around not knowing where to start. I want to be honest about where I am right now.

Some things about the way I eat have already changed over the past five years. I don’t have the same appetite I used to. That’s not a bad thing, but it makes me stop and ask, what still needs to change? What am I doing well, and what could be better?

That’s where I’m starting. With the now.

Starting with Something Simple: More Fruit, Less Snack Cake

Looking at my day-to-day habits, I’d say sweets are near the top of the list. Not because I’m overdoing it, but because things just aren’t balanced. I’ve been leaning on sweet snacks, but I haven’t been adding enough fruit to my meals. And honestly, this is the perfect time of year to fix that. There are so many fruits in season right now that taste amazing and are full of good stuff for your body.

Okay, I hate to admit this, but I’ve been on a Little Debbie snack cake fit. Lol. She’s convenient, and I do love her snacks. No baking, just biting. You know how it is.

So my first step is simple. I’m going to eat more fruit. I’m talking strawberries, watermelon, cherries, peaches; the good stuff. I’m also bringing back dates. I fell in love with them years ago on a trip to Arlington, Virginia. I had a cookie made with dates, and it was so good. Dates are sweet on their own and make the perfect little snack when I’m craving something sugary. I especially love Medjool dates. They’re soft and rich and honestly feel like a treat all by themselves.

This is where I’m starting. More fruit.

No More Skipping Meals Until I Crash

Now I’m going to admit a bad habit I have. Lol. Hold on to your seat.

I’ve got a tendency to skip meals. I’ll go most of the day without eating, and then once the evening hits, I’m starving. By then, I’m not eating because I’m hungry in a normal way. I’m feeding that deep, empty hunger. And that’s never a good place to start from.

It doesn’t happen every single day, but it’s definitely more often than I’d like. It’s not a great pattern, and I know it throws everything off.

So one of my goals is to actually take time to eat during the day. Nothing huge, just small meals or snacks here and there to keep me from overeating at one time. Instead of waiting until I’m running on fumes, I want to stay ahead of it.

Seems like this kind of thing is a pattern with me. Lol. But that’s why I’m working on it.

Nourishing My Body Without Cutting Out the Foods I Love

Another part of my goal is to be more nutrient focused. I get dehydrated really easily, and I know I’m missing some key nutrients just from that alone. I’ve had muscle cramps in the strangest places, like my tongue and my fingers, and that got my attention. So I’ve already done some research and started looking for foods that are rich in potassium and magnesium.

This isn’t just about losing weight, even though that’s something I need. It’s also about feeding my body what it needs to work better. I’m not trying to be unreasonable or ban every food I enjoy. I don’t want to be the one cooking two different meals at a shindig because I can’t eat bread. And I’m not about to skip a celebratory cake just because it has sugar. That’s not realistic for my life.

Unless there’s a medical reason I need to cut something out, I’m still partaking in those things.

Simple Habits I’m Focusing on Right Now

• Adding more fresh fruit to my meals, especially ones that are naturally sweet

• Swapping out packaged sweets for dates when I need something quick

• Eating small meals throughout the day to avoid getting overly hungry

• Staying hydrated and choosing foods high in potassium and magnesium

• Paying attention to how I feel instead of chasing a perfect plan

• Making space for the foods I love without guilt or restriction

These are small steps, but they’re realistic for me. I can actually live with them, and that matters more than any temporary rule or extreme plan.

Moving Forward with Realistic Food Goals

This journey isn’t just about weight loss. It’s about eating in moderation, making realistic food goals, and learning to nourish my body without cutting out everything I enjoy. I’m starting small, and I’m doing what actually works for me. If you’re working on your own food habits or just curious how I’m figuring it out, come hang out with me over on At Dana’s Table. Grab a chair and some snacks. I’ve got more personal posts waiting for you there.