Everyday Systems

reinhard · Last edited by reinhard on Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:20 pm; edited 2 times in total

Sorry this took so long!

http://everydaysystems.com/podcast/episode.php?id=34

I'll refrain from making any predictions about when the next episode will be ready since that seems to have an inverse correlation with how long it actually takes...

Reinhard

NoelFigart · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 849 Location: Lebanon, NH

Ya know, this one was really worth the wait!

BrightAngel · Joined: 09 Apr 2008 Posts: 852 Location: Central California

Reinhard,
Thanks for the podcast clarifying your position on "S" days.
I found it very encouraging.

_________________
BrightAngel - Height 5'0" Sept 2010: 120 lbs

Began DietPower 9/2004=190 lbs; Reached goal 1/2006=115 lbs

OrganicGal · Joined: 11 Apr 2008 Posts: 481 Location: Peterborough

"I think these three little positive attitude adjustments -- proactive reward, no sneaking, and using the structure of 3 meals as your basic starting point -- should be enough to turn most people with actual S-day problems around." (sorry I don't know how to do the quote in a box thingy)

The above quote is what I liked best about your pod cast Reinhard. That is how I'm treating my S days & it's working for me. I'm eating less, getting more pleasure from and ingraining the N day habit even more.
_________________
Creating and sustaining the No S habits are the only thing that will take me in the direction I want to go!

whitway · Joined: 12 May 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Rio Rancho, NM

Since I just discovered your diet this morning and followed it with my DW today your timing is impeccable with the latest podcast. We are looking forward to the "No S Diet". Funny thing is I can't remember how I discovered it. I typed something into GOOGLE and a blog came up where someone mentioned it and the rest is history. Looking forward to learning more and giving and getting support on the Discussion Board.

KCCC · Joined: 27 Oct 2006 Posts: 2729

Really nice organization! I like the levels - very sensible structure. You've captured the on-board discussion (and my own personal journey) around S-days) very well, and given it meaningful structure.

Most of it resonates, plus some "food for thought" - I never thought about the implications of sneak eating. However, regular meals and proactive treats REALLY make a difference to me!

I particularly like this:

gratefuldeb67 · Joined: 21 Apr 2005 Posts: 5720 Location: NY

Looking forward to listening later tonight Rein.. Its too nice out now so I'm getting out for some much needed sun.
Hope you are well and will drop back in when I check it.
Love
Debs x
_________________
There is no Wisdom greater than Kindness
www.myspace.com/debstardivine

blueskighs · Joined: 27 Mar 2008 Posts: 1787 Location: California

Just listened to the podcast and I thought it was REALLY helpful. this would be a repeater just for being reminded about some of the things that are at the heart of No S ...

I really liked the explanation of how No S works subconscious in the long term where other diets work superficially at the consious level... I liked the description of how over time, it is not just our eyes that get sensitive to excess but our bodies as well.

I think the point that some of us come to NO S with such a "crippled" mentality about food that we cannot enjoy S days is well taken. It probably took the ten years I was married to my husband prior to No S to accept that food and eating are actually supposed to be ENJOYABLE Very Happy

My husband would gently insist and encourage that I enjoy my food and refuse to allow me to destroy any of his pleasure with eating through the years and finally with No S i am really starting to experience it ... my husband is from the IT world too.. what is about these guys?

ANyway, the other thing that Reinhard pointed out is the kind of "make a big deal" about your essses on S days. THis is just one thing that has probably REALLY worked well for me.

On Saturday, sunday mornings, now holidays and special days we get up together me and my husband walk over to the donut shop where we have made friends with the owners, pick out our donuts, walk over to starbucks, they know us there too, get our drinky things , settle down in the comfy chairs and enjoy our weekend, special day treats.

This makes it ENJOYABLE, FUN, SPECIAL, and defintely NOT SNEAKY Very Happy

the other thing is the whole concept of FREEDOM ... this is a concept (unlike ENJOYMENT) that I have zero concept comprehending! I love freedom and always have and always will ... I HATE RULES ... anyway ... for me since my husband also does two meals a day ... it is easier for me to just slip into that mode with him, it makes the time we spend together on the weekends have more flow and I can without stress eat things that are rich and gooey and FILLING ... spread out over 2 meals rather than 3, I figure as long as I am rigorous with my three plate meals on N days i am good.

So, Reinhard just want to thank you for the podcast. It is great and timely. I think it really helps understand that No S is the way to go, because it works over the long run and gets easier over the long run,

THANK YOU,
(sorry so long)
Blueskighs
_________________
www.nosdiet.blogspot.com Where I blog daily about my No S journey

flipturn · Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 162 Location: Cincinnati

Hi, Reinhard -- Although I have been No S-ing and posting here for five weeks, this is the first podcast to which I have listened. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this. I listened as I was making a banana/walnut cake! It was great to put a voice to the person I feel as though I know.

reinhard · Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 2:23 pm Post subject:

I'm glad this resonated with so many of you. Sorry again it took so long! I knew months ago that this was a subject that needed more attention.

Judging from posting volume, another subject that's in equal need of attention is setting realistic expectations (aka, patience). Unfortunately it might take some patience before that one is ready Smile

Reinhard

palomayombe · Joined: 09 Mar 2008 Posts: 40

****************

BrightAngel · Joined: 09 Apr 2008 Posts: 852 Location: Central California

irish · Joined: 11 Apr 2008 Posts: 82

Great podcast - it was as if you were speaking directly to me, for I have had trouble with my s days. This is my 6th weekend. My first two were terrible - ate constantly - the next three a little better. This weekend so far has been great. When I felt like having a snack, the key lime pie I had bought for a treat tasted too sweet, so I had a little cottage cheese instead. I couldn't believe that I would ever do such a thing! So you are absolutely right - it does take time to realise that the freedom that you have on s days doesn't mean you have to eat everything in sight. Food will still be there next weekend. Thank you very much - it feels wonderful to give up dieting. The only thing you have to give up on your diet is your diet mentality.

MerryKat · Joined: 02 Sep 2005 Posts: 486 Location: Sunny South Africa

Reinhard
Thank you for this podcast. The "No Sneaking" jumped off the page for me.

My S days are pretty much N Days with the odd treat inbetween, but reading this I realised just how much the odd handful of things (anything from raisins to smarties) eaten away from my family everytime I went into the kitchen were impacting my S days negatively.

This weekend I made an effort to not Sneak any food and I ate WAY less than usual and as a result enjoyed my meals more and felt better. I still had a few bits of fruit between meals but I ate them around my family not hidden in the corner. I ate nothing out of the sweet cupboard as when I was not sneaking there seemed to be no need.
_________________
Hugs from Sunny South Africa
Goals:
1. Morning Bible & Prayer time
2. Vanilla No S (Daily Habit Cal & Once monthly weigh-ins)
3. Water (less coffee - makes me hungry)
4. Exercise of some kind

reinhard · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 2:17 pm Post subject:

The "making a big deal out of S-day esses" and "no sneaking" principles rely on basically the same psychology as the 3 single N-day "spotlight," except they're framed more positively.

I look forward to facing down the temptations of wealth, but I'm afraid I'm still a long ways off. Smile

Reinhard

gingercake · Joined: 30 May 2008 Posts: 107 Location: western U.S.

I think I should read this every Friday night. This is my second weekend since starting No S and I felt like I went way over the top this time, and am now having those panicky thoughts about cracking down and modifying and telling myself I can't handle freedom and this is never going to work for me etc etc etc.

It's great to read this transcript and realize I'm right on schedule and normal and going through a totally predictable and understandable learning process.

KCCC · Joined: 27 Oct 2006 Posts: 2729

Reinhard...

I just wanted to tell you that between my own "memo to self" and your podcast, my S-days have really changed in character.

I'm a slow learner - I think it took about a YEAR for me to come to terms with S-days. (Fortunately, keeping good N-days meant that I didn't gain that year, except during the period when I was "backsliding" on N-days. That in itself was progress, since I had been gaining before.) Still, S-days kept being out of control, with some rather desperate eating followed by feeling ill. I was always kind of RELIEVED when Monday rolled around.

Your comment on a thread that "S-days were supposed to be enjoyable" was extremely helpful. And examples from others (Blueskighs particularly comes to mind on this one) really helped as well. Approaching S-days from the mindset of making them enjoyable, per your podcast, was just the strategy I needed.

At any rate... I am on a much more even keel with S-days. I eat regular meals, and plan genuine treats. This weekend we had root-beer floats, which have been planned since Wednesday, when my 7-year-old discovered root beer at a birthday party and my husband and I remembered having them when we were kids. (We made "gourmet" ones, with high-end vanilla ice cream and micro-brewery root beer. Yum!) Planning ahead - and waiting for the treat - actually seemed to make it more "special."

This is a good place to be, and I am grateful.

I don't make a spectacular weight-loss story, because my weight isn't much different. However, I've lost a lot of mental "baggage" that I'm truly happy to see go. The side effects of maintaining weight through a deprivation mindset are not good. No-S allows me to enjoy food MORE while eating less... what a gift!

Thank you.

blueskighs · Joined: 27 Mar 2008 Posts: 1787 Location: California

reinhard · Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008 1:51 pm Post subject:

KCCC,

I'm very happy to hear this episode had something significant to say even to a long-time no-esser like you. Your S-days sound pretty wonderful now!

Reinhard

gratefuldeb67 · Joined: 21 Apr 2005 Posts: 5720 Location: NY

Sounds great Rein!
I enjoyed hearing you Smile

I'm gonna restart habitcal today.
Thanks for the continued support and inspiration!
Love
Cool

Deb
_________________
There is no Wisdom greater than Kindness
www.myspace.com/debstardivine

reinhard · Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 1:49 pm Post subject:

My pleasure, Deb. It's good to know you're still listening.

I guess it's about time to start thinking about banging out the next one...

Reinhard

harper · Joined: 22 Sep 2008 Posts: 6 Location: sayville, new york

thank you for the latest SO timely for me ..."a newbie" it was my first Sday that I thought i was a bit nutsy....turns out it was just fine and it was my old ....ook way of no no thinking
two months and 14 pounds off and feeling SO TERRIFIC
CHEERS,Gail
_________________
CHEERS

blueskighs · Joined: 27 Mar 2008 Posts: 1787 Location: California

Gail,

that is so great!!!!!!!!!

Blueskighs
_________________
www.nosdiet.blogspot.com Where I blog daily about my No S journey

reinhard · Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 4:27 pm Post subject:

Harper,

You are very welcome! I'm so happy no-s in general is working for you and that this episode in particular made a difference. If I ever do another edition of the book (sales are "steady" -- it could happen!), I'll make sure to squeeze in the ideas from this segment in somehow.

Reinhard

harper · Joined: 22 Sep 2008 Posts: 6 Location: sayville, new york

...just wanted to add that often I find JUST what I needed to.... while paging through the book...
this,... and the podcasts are SO helpful
being a working artist ....keeping track on paper with the recommended traffic light colors works for me
CHEERS, Gail Very Happy

_________________
CHEERS

oolala53 · Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 749 Location: San Diego

I'm probably jumping the gun here but I'm wondering how many wild S days a body should go through before tacking on a restriction or two. I've only had three weekends on plan so perhaps I shouldn't be worrying about permasnacking on chocolate pretty much all day one day a weekend. Of course, I've done this many Saturdays or Sundays in my life, but only about six of them were done without a general sense of "surely, this is wrong." I'm also trying to resist the urge for this to be about wearing something knockout at Christmas or New Year's. (Had to give up on Thanksgiving, but I'll be okay, just not phat.) But back to the issue; just how bad can S days get and have it be true that I'm on the road to reasonably permanent blissful moderation?
_________________
Ht. 5'6"
SW 12/26/09 185 lbs. CW 8/18/10 172.5 lbs.
no regular exercise/S days still wild

There is no S better than Vanilla No S.

NoelFigart · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 849 Location: Lebanon, NH

I don't know what official canon would say but I don't think three weekends is nearly enough to have gradually merged into better habits. If your N-days aren't all green during that time, leave it alone and don't sweat it yet.
_________________
------
My blog http://noelfigart.com/blog/ I talk about being a freelance writer, working out and cooking mostly. The language is not always drawing room fashion. Just sayin'.

KCCC · Joined: 27 Oct 2006 Posts: 2729

oolala, it took me about a YEAR to get S-days to be reasonable. And sometimes they still aren't.

Focus on the N-days. Honest.

If you do want to work on S-days, start with positive choices, not restrictions. (For example, eat three real meals as a base, drink enough, PLAN a special treat proactively... those are some that help me.)

But don't sweat it too much. Really.

harper · Joined: 22 Sep 2008 Posts: 6 Location: sayville, new york

I plateaued this month although I have been on track

but a few days ago I had some work done on my studio and had to move STUFF out of the way......my weight budged a bit......therefore it is time for me to REALLY do some workin' out.....DUH

still have 17 off tho.......and feel great!!!

LOVIN NO S

CHEERS, Very Happy

_________________
CHEERS

blueskighs · Joined: 27 Mar 2008 Posts: 1787 Location: California

harper · Joined: 22 Sep 2008 Posts: 6 Location: sayville, new york

totally agree with you
_________________
CHEERS

reinhard · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:56 pm Post subject:

oolala53,

I think extra restrictions on S-days are really, really dangerous and almost never worth the risk.

I'd only consider it IF

1) you have a few months of habit under your belt
2) your N-day compliance is close to perfect
3) there actually is a measurable problem
4) you've tried adding moderate regular exercise and that hasn't helped either.

Adding "positive" rules, as KCCC recommends, is a much safer first step -- and may be all you ever need.

Reinhard

oolala53 · Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 749 Location: San Diego

Thanks, all. Sounds good to me. I'm not even going to think about it again until after the new year or later. Maybe I'll make it a vernal equinox review. Just concentrate on 3 squares a day, 5 days a week. And move more--I can do that.
_________________
Ht. 5'6"
SW 12/26/09 185 lbs. CW 8/18/10 172.5 lbs.
no regular exercise/S days still wild

There is no S better than Vanilla No S.