Welcome Carolyn!
I somersized successfully for several years , but then discovered that the food combining wasn't necessary for me. In fact it stressed me out and seemed to add a burden to my budget at times. I would buy too much in order to have the low fat carbo meals *and * pro/fat,some items would go to waste. I do appreciate the recomendation in the books and Somersize web site to read Dr. Schwarzbein's books as it has helped me refine my own WOL. (I also am enjoying reading Dr. Atkin's latest book 'Atkin's for Life' --it seems to have balanced info and great advice about controlled carbs & maintaining)
As in my information to the left here my plan is " Whatever works" -which is basically following TSP. I do occasionally have a less than balanced meal and eat mainly pro/fat & vegetable because that is all I want at the time. I found that by allowing fruit without waiting hours in between (food combining) I could have fruit as a snack or dessert more often, thus having less of a desire for artificially sweetened desserts.
As to breakfast , that is the time I have the most trouble keeping a balance. I just cannot always work a vegetable into it. I do not find portion control a problem after TSPing for awhile because you do have such a balance that is so filling. I find I could easily (it is all that I desired) have only one egg,one piece of bacon , and 1/2 piece of regular carb toast with butter of course. When I want cereal, say oats, I find that 1/2 of the serving size along with one serving of protien is just fine also. When somersizing I had to have at least 2 eggs etc.,when having a carbo meal like oats (without fats) I would have to have the regular serving size at least (or more) and would be ravenous by the next meal. To me this has shown the wisdom of TSP as the personal best.
With TSP you always have the snack that is allowed if that is the choice. I like the ideas in the books. I like pumpkin seeds, cheese, and a few grape tomatoes or celery for a quick snack.
I hope all goes well for you and keep posting. I find this board at times isn't as active as some , but personally I think that is because the plan doesn't require as much hassle because one does not need to find recipes that leave items out . Just a focus on unprocessed, real foods.
I did not have a weight gain when I switched, in fact lost a few lbs. right away and then a few more-- still hoping to get to goal though!--some day