Everyday Systems

lbb (Liz) · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 633

Good luck, Amy. Sorry about the bugs going around. I understand kids being sick and the anxious feelings it causes. Hope they get better soon!

Glad you at least got a run in to stress relief.
Think of that green on the habitcal, girl! Stick with it! Cheering for ya.
xo
_________________
Liz
http://no-s-momma.blogspot.com
(my blog of food healing, not strict No-S)

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Ai yi yi - yesterday FAIL and today FAIL! Embarassed

Not even going to go into all the reasons (excuses)...just going to mark it and move on. And try to get my mind back on track for the rest of the week.

On a positive note, I have been getting my exercise AND sticking to my no wine on N days...go figure...

tobiasmom · Joined: 05 Oct 2010 Posts: 820 Location: Texas

I LOVE your attitude. Mark it and move on! I have not been able to get my act together lately, but I am hanging in there.....try, try, try!

lbb (Liz) · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 633

I also love your attitude about moving on. You are an inspiration! I love that you see what you DID do well, as well. I need to do that more. It's so easy to see the negative!
Hope today is better...for the both of us!
xo

jollygood · Joined: 10 May 2012 Posts: 8

Amy, I admire you so much for staying committed to NoS while raising your children. My adult children are going through the same thing I did, trying to stay slim while having "kid foods" in the house all the time!
I think it takes extra time and will power to stay on track when raising a family!
_________________
I love NoS! My grandmother is watching me!
Ht. 5'4" SW 5/22/12 180 lbs.

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Thanks so much for your supportive words. I am having a hard time at the moment and it helps so much to come here and feel lifted up, instead of beat down.

Yesterday was a total wash but today I am committed to staying on the path, one step at a time.

NoSnacker · Joined: 11 Jun 2011 Posts: 1198 Location: Buffalo, New York

Hi Amy, I had a couple of struggles yesterday but finally after 2 reds I was okay....struggles there of course, candy called my name as well as negative talk buzzing in my head.

I posted on my tread that if it weren't for the encouragement from all of you, I do believe I would just drop out. Dropping out shouldn't be an option. An encouraging word when one is struggling can make all the difference..

Or should I say voices of reason Smile

Hang in there...one green will lead to another and another...

As you say mark it and move on..that has helped over the last couple of days.

Let's hope for a great day food wise and life wise!!

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

So true, Deb! Yes, let's have a good one today! Very Happy

lbb (Liz) · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 633

GOOOO Amy! I hope you're feeling a bit better today and picking yourself up.
xo

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

LOL! thanks Liz, just came by here quickly before the kids come home from school - to be inspired - and this cheers me up! YES! Am picking myself up and SMILING right now! Very Happy

Brianna · Joined: 23 Sep 2008 Posts: 178 Location: Portland OR

Hi Amy,
I saw on the June Challenge post that you've had a few bad days in a row. I hope today was a better day. Keep calm and carry on Smile

_________________
"A nail is driven out by another nail. Habit is overcome by habit."
Erasmus
"Nothing is so full of VICTORY as PATIENCE."
Madagascan saying

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Aw, thanks Brianna! That's really thoughtful of you! I really did have a better day yesterday - although I still technically have to call it red, things went a lot better for me and I am happy. And determined to keep going, keep on plugging along this path of moderation and good habit building.

Goal today is green til 5 pm (then it's pizza night and my S day starts). Have a great day, everyone!

harmony · Joined: 18 Jul 2009 Posts: 238 Location: MN

I hope you have a calm, habit-filled day, and an enjoyable weekend!

mimi · Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 5:16 pm Post subject:

Yay, Amy! You go girl!

Mimi Very Happy

_________________
Discovered NoS: April 16, 2007
Restarted once again: July 14, 2011
Quitting is not an option...
If you start to slip, tie a knot and hang on!
Remember that good enough is... good enough.
Strive for progress, not perfection!

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Thanks for your support! I've been crazy busy the last few days but I have good things to report - actually thanks to all the other stuff I've had on my plate, my eating has been spot on Mr. Green

!

Saturday was a very very moderate S day - I had three very small meals and my one treat was sharing some potato chips with my youngest son while we watched the women's French open tennis final.

Sunday was a completely green day - I just had too many other things going on to even really think about food - just my three small meals to refuel myself and that was it.

Yesterday was pretty much the same. Wow. Such a good feeling. I hope I can hang on to this when things calm down, which they should in a day or two.

Hope you all are doing well too! Very Happy

tobiasmom · Joined: 05 Oct 2010 Posts: 820 Location: Texas

I just wanted to come thank you for being such an encouraging person!! You are a gem....I mean that!

lbb (Liz) · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 633

Amy thanks for all your support on my thread ALL the time! You truly are a sincere soul.

I'm so proud of you! Eating to live, not living to eat! You truly are making dents into great habits that yes, when things settle down, your habit will keep you.

Hold onto that good feeling! Get "addicted" to it! And you'll never wanna stray!
xo
_________________
Liz
http://no-s-momma.blogspot.com
(my blog of food healing, not strict No-S)

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Wow - thank you - that seriously makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Please know that the support I have gotten here from all of you kind souls has meant the world to me; that even while going thru stress in "real life" situations, taking a bit of time out of my days here for the past 10 weeks has replenished me and lifted me up in amazing ways, and it feels really good to know I can do the same for others.

I actually just spent the afternoon consoling a friend who is going through a difficult time right now, and after she left I popped in here - and in an instant went from feeling incredibly drained to all pumped up again, just from your kind words. Very Happy

Amazing, isn't it - the power of words? Hope you all continue to have a really good day!

rungirl96 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 69

Thanks for stopping by my thread. I can't wait to read the McGonigle book. Sounds like you are doing great! I'm looking forward to having a "green" S day, but not going to put too much pressure on myself. It'll happen.

MJ7910 · Joined: 12 Jun 2012 Posts: 380

Hi Amy, thanks for the encouragement yesterday. It was interesting reading the last few pages about what you have been going through with family and how disordered eating has been a part of your life. I hope you have a great week despite some stress.
_________________
Done with dieting. This is bliss. "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nin

harmony · Joined: 18 Jul 2009 Posts: 238 Location: MN

Thought I would quick drop in and say 'yay' to you! Nice recovery! Very Happy

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Thanks for stopping by! Yesterday turned out GREEN, I am happy about that, it feels like a long time since I had three days in a row. I think what is making me even more happy is my current feeling towards all of this, that it seems easier or I am less preoccupied with it or something...could it be that some habits are becoming ingrained???

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!

r.jean · Joined: 24 Dec 2010 Posts: 1198 Location: Midwest

Congrats on a good job Amy! The habits do become ingrained, and it looks like you are well on your way. I still have to guard against returning to old habits and will probably have to do that for years. Old habits die hard. However, it gets easier all the time.
_________________
The journey is the reward.

MJ7910 · Joined: 12 Jun 2012 Posts: 380

so glad it turned out green! good luck today, you will do great
_________________
Done with dieting. This is bliss. "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nin

lbb (Liz) · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 633

You are my role-model. Getting there, I promise! I actually HAVE been where you are now, with many a greens under my belt a couple years ago and I had never felt better in life. Really.
My thoughts of food were minimal and I felt really good physically.
Eye on the prize!
Thanks for all your encouragement. Keep this up. You are an inspiration to many of us!
Very Happy

_________________
Liz
http://no-s-momma.blogspot.com
(my blog of food healing, not strict No-S)

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

I think what I am learning from all of you, and this is where I think reading the threads here is REALLY valuable, is that ups and downs with this are inevitable, just like in real life - that is, we can be sailing along doing really well and then we will have a period where things will be harder... and it's all so normal. Whereas if we didn't know this from learning about it here, we might think it was our fault and we failed, and then we would give up, only to revert back to the same old habits that caused us to need No-S in the first place.

So when I am having a good week, I know a hard week might be just around the corner. But at the same time, I know if I am having a tough week, that if I hang in there, a good week is also right around the corner.

Basically - it's all good. Right?

Brianna · Joined: 23 Sep 2008 Posts: 178 Location: Portland OR

You pretty much summed it up Amy Very Happy

I guess we all hope we end up with more good weeks than bad weeks on the road to mostly peaceful weeks!
_________________
"A nail is driven out by another nail. Habit is overcome by habit."
Erasmus
"Nothing is so full of VICTORY as PATIENCE."
Madagascan saying

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Thanks, Brianna. Sometimes life feels like the biggest roller coaster! We did have great news this morning - my son got a summer job! I am so happy and excited for him. It was really making me anxious, waiting to hear after he'd had his interview...and they called early this morning to say he got it!

The funny thing was, there was a part of me that immediately felt this impulse to "celebrate eat" - and have a big indulgent breakfast - I think this feeling goes along with stress eating for negative reasons... I am learning that I probably used food to deal with all kinds of strong feelings, not just negative ones.

I think I mentioned on another thread somewhere that I am following a mindfulness training which is really helping me to be more aware of what's going on inside instead of overriding it...so I guess I just got some awareness of the feeling I was having (fizzy and excited) and this kind of stopped me... So I had a normal breakfast after all. Wink

Have a great day, everyone!

r.jean · Joined: 24 Dec 2010 Posts: 1198 Location: Midwest

Celebration eating is more of a problem for me than stress eating. Both are emotionally based, and both can be a problem; however, I tend to eat less during stress and then celebrate eat when the stress is alleviated.
_________________
The journey is the reward.

Jennifer24747 · Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 2:11 pm Post subject:

I always want to eat when I'm celebrating!! I'm not a big stress eater; if I'm stressed or really upset, I don't eat...which I think can be just as much of a problem. But something good happens? Bring on the wine and the desserts!

I think mindfulness is really important. It helps you realize a lot about yourself, many of which are not about food. It's tough, though, and every now and then I have this voice that goes, "Screw your rationalizations, I want a cupcake!"
_________________
Discovered NoS April 25, 2012!
SW: 157
CW: 156
GW: 140-145

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Thursday was green! Mr. Green

I did have two glasses of wine in the evening, however. Tonight is pizza night, so if all goes well, I will either start my S day after 5 pm OR if things are like last week, I will keep it green all day. We shall see.

Off to the gym!

NoSnacker · Joined: 11 Jun 2011 Posts: 1198 Location: Buffalo, New York

Hi Amy, thanks for the link to the podcasts, I'll surely check it out...so for this a.m. saved to my fav's. Smile

I was able to be green yesterday...in part cause I really feel like crap afterwards...it is not worth it..so I have to find a way between developing habit and changing how I think.

I guess I was having one of those bad weeks Smile

Have a great Friday!

MJ7910 · Joined: 12 Jun 2012 Posts: 380

I hope you have a great day today. Pizza is one of those things that i love, but i've actually done ok with now. the only one that still gets me is sugar and chocolate. i seem to have the hardest time moderating those. it's like one taste and it's all downhill. but i'm learning slowly. anyway hope your experience is great today!
_________________
Done with dieting. This is bliss. "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nin

lbb (Liz) · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 633

You go girl! Thanks for your encouragement all around!
And for the recommendation for those podcasts on someone else's thread. I will listen today at the gym!
GOod luck today. Pizza is tough for me. I have a hard time feeling fulfilled with a little. But you have done it before and you can do it again!
Take care.
_________________
Liz
http://no-s-momma.blogspot.com
(my blog of food healing, not strict No-S)

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Hi there! Thanks for the encouraging words - Very Happy

I ended up starting my S day yesterday afternoon (just in time for pizza night) - I really enjoyed dinner with my kids, two glasses of wine, but then afterwards I was really craving some chocolate so I had two pieces, and then the funniest thing - for some reason I was all of a sudden completely exhausted. I crashed. I was sitting with my youngest who was watching the European soccer championship game and I fell asleep - at 7:30 in the evening. What's up with that??? when my son started complaining I was snoring (!!!) I decided maybe I should just go to bed!

So I got a good night's sleep Wink

and today my intention is to just stick to the N day structure. No wine, because I had my two days already this week, and I'm not planning any specific treats, except for potato chips with dinner because we're doing burgers. But that will be with my meal and on one plate.

It's strange but I am starting to feel like, for me, the N day habits are becoming my normal framework...except for Friday evening when I loosen the reins for pizza night with the family. But then it just feels right on Saturday morning to get back into my framework again and have a normal breakfast...and once you've gotten the day off to a good start, why not continue that way?

Anyway, what I wish for all of us this weekend is peaceful moderation and true enjoyment of our special treats...Have a great one, you guys!

r.jean · Joined: 24 Dec 2010 Posts: 1198 Location: Midwest

You are getting there! N days do become the norm eventually, and you learn to enjoy treats when appropriate ... just not all the time. Great isn't it?!
_________________
The journey is the reward.

lbb (Liz) · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 633

THis is wonderful and awesome all in one! You are an inspiration.
I love that N days are becoming more the "norm" for you.
And the fact that you COULD fall asleep after just two chocolates means you were NOT compulsive and antsy (the way i get when I start with treats).
Take care today and enjoy those potato chips!
Thanks for all your encouragement EVERYWHERE! You are the best!
_________________
Liz
http://no-s-momma.blogspot.com
(my blog of food healing, not strict No-S)

MJ7910 · Joined: 12 Jun 2012 Posts: 380

that is awesome that you have reached the point where you can do treats with moderation. i am a work in progress and hope to be there soon. but for right now trying to get the structure of this down. i had a bit of a wild s day today but i just started this june 7 so hoping i will have it down soon. like you, i'm hoping i'll just have a normal structure going and allow for some indulgences on S days when they come up. right now i seek out indulgences and i probably dont' need to do that! but i think this being one of my first weeks with the program, it's ok. i will learn in time. but that is great you are making these steps
_________________
Done with dieting. This is bliss. "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nin

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

This is all about progression and I can definitely say that, even though it was scary, I put my faith in getting the habits down and not worrying about the S days at first (and I had some really wild ones at the beginning), based on what I read about other people's experiences here on the boards...

That said, I had a small fail yesterday evening, when my S day was officially over - I had a small piece of dark chocolate after dinner. I'm a bit annoyed with myself because I wasn't hungry at all (I just wanted it), but at the same time, I know two things for sure: first, I didn't let the WTH effect get the better of me (which I would most definitely done in the past) and second, this kind of a fail is so much more moderate than the fails I would have in the beginning. So I am pleased with this solid evidence that I am moving in a positive direction.

Now it's Monday, however, and I am determined to have another entire green week like last week! Wink

Have a good day, everyone!

lbb (Liz) · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 633

I'm all about strictness and no, the dark chocolate didn't fit into your "timeframe", but man, Amy, the fact you could even HAVE a piece of dark chocolate. One piece. And be okay?
Wow I think you're learning moderation.
No-S has hard and fast rules for a reason. To keep us from going nuts on food.
But you acted like a "normal person" does around one piece of chocolate.
So good on ya.

Let's float in a sea of green this week! Looking forward to it. Smile

_________________
Liz
http://no-s-momma.blogspot.com
(my blog of food healing, not strict No-S)

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Yesterday was green but it wasn't easy! I had that snacky feeling all day long (probably due to stress). I feel nervous today because I see the doctor this evening for something that has been worrying me for a while. I am hoping she will be able to reassure me, so I can stop worrying. But in my mind I keep going over all the worst case scenarios. In the meantime, I will be struggling with the impulse to eat to push down the nervous feelings.

Why oh why can't I be one of those people who can't eat a thing when they are nervous???

r.jean · Joined: 24 Dec 2010 Posts: 1198 Location: Midwest

Hope everything goes okay for you!

mimi · Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 10:46 am Post subject:

Jennifer24747 · Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 1:02 pm Post subject:

Good luck, Amy! I hope all goes well.
_________________
Discovered NoS April 25, 2012!
SW: 157
CW: 156
GW: 140-145

lbb (Liz) · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 633

I'm sorry Amy. I felt the same way yesterday, but as you read, it was due to feeling not well. For some reason, I felt that the next food would "do it", ya know?
You're making amazing progress along the way.
Thanks for the podcasts suggestions. I've listened to a few of them and they are really helpful.
Take care today! Good luck at the doctor. Shocked

_________________
Liz
http://no-s-momma.blogspot.com
(my blog of food healing, not strict No-S)

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Jean, Mimi, Jennifer and Liz, thanks for your good wishes.
It turns out my body has been trying to fight an infection and that's why I didn't feel well - I've started taking antibiotics and hopefully this will clear things up. If things don't clear up then I'll have to have further tests to rule out anything more serious. But right now I am thinking positive and focusing on getting some rest and taking good care of myself physically.

I may be taking a day or two off from the boards here, so I wish everyone the best and a few good green days in the meantime! Wink

lbb (Liz) · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 633

Yes take lots of rest and "me time", or snuggling with your boys time (they are probably too old to want to do that!) Smile

Wish you good health!
_________________
Liz
http://no-s-momma.blogspot.com
(my blog of food healing, not strict No-S)

MJ7910 · Joined: 12 Jun 2012 Posts: 380

Good luck Amy! I hope everything turns out ok
_________________
Done with dieting. This is bliss. "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nin

r.jean · Joined: 24 Dec 2010 Posts: 1198 Location: Midwest

Hope you feel better. It is hard to take care of yourself when you are taking care of others.

Jennifer24747 · Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 1:13 am Post subject:

Take care of yourself, and hope to see you back soon (and well!)!
_________________
Discovered NoS April 25, 2012!
SW: 157
CW: 156
GW: 140-145

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Thanks for the kind well wishes...I am feeling somewhat better but not yet 100%...there is a part of me that is scared there is something more serious going on but I am trying to have faith that things will work out in the end.

On a lighter note, the day I wrote my last post I suddenly realized that being sick counted as an S day ( Exclamation

), and so I have not been beating myself up at all about what I've been eating... I definitely gravitate towards comfort foods when I'm sick, and I've just been going with the flow. But somehow I feel like eating those kinds of foods have also contributed to making me feel yucky. So I am thinking to get back on the No-S wagon tomorrow or Monday and finish out the month in a good way.

I hope you all have been doing well - a few days away from here felt like ages! I'll be doing my best this weekend to try to catch up!

lbb (Liz) · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 633

Glad to see you back, Amy.
I'm sorry you haven't felt like yourself! Nothing worse.
Great work on "going with the flow", though!
xo
_________________
Liz
http://no-s-momma.blogspot.com
(my blog of food healing, not strict No-S)

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Each day is a little better and so I am starting to feel less worried. Thank goodness for antibiotics, right? I hardly ever have to take them, but when you need them, you need them. Unfortunately I've never been one of those lucky people who lose their appetite when they are sick. My eating has been all over the place since Tuesday, lots of comfort foods...like a whole string of wild S days in a row! But I refuse to give myself red for when I am sick. However, I definitely have some damage control I need to do.

My goal for the next week (including today) is solid green on all four of my habitcals: No-S, No Wine (that should be a no brainer because I can't have it anyway with the antibiotic I am taking), Daily exercise and Meditate 20 minutes.

Had a good one plate breakfast to start the day: 2 apricots, 1 kiwi, half a banana and 6 almonds + green tea.

I haven't been to my gym in over a week, so I think I will go today and just do a treadmill walk and an easy and short session on the elliptical. Nothing crazy.

Have a great Sunday!

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

It was hard to try to get back on track yesterday so I ended up just going with it as an S day...the kids had chips in the house to enjoy while watching the European soccer matches and they were calling my name and I caved! I went back to the gym for the first time since getting sick, which was good, but I really had to reduce the intensity of what I would normally do.

So...goal for the week - 5 green days and getting back into a normal routine.

NoSnacker · Joined: 11 Jun 2011 Posts: 1198 Location: Buffalo, New York

I'm with you here Amy! Trying to have a good solid week of healthy eating.

Didn't know you were sick, glad to hear you are starting to feel better.

Like you, being sick never stops me from eating Smile

Nothing does really. Well once when I had the stomach flu when I was 8 months pregnant with my son but that was 30 years ago! And of course when I have to have a test done then I'm forced not to eat.

Have a great week....

I'm going to log my food on my daily for the week...

deb

carpediem · Joined: 14 Feb 2010 Posts: 133 Location: Pittsburgh PA

rJean, I do believe you're right that this diet is hardest for people who have trouble giving up sweets. For me that is definitely the toughest part! It's an every day struggle for sure. On one hand it helps me to get through the week knowing I can eat something sweet on the weekend; yet on the other hand I sometimes wonder if giving into these temptations during the weekend is keeping me from really developing a new mindset that does not include these cravings. Not sure what the answer is, but I do know that with other diets when I tried to give up sweets cold-turkey, it never worked. Eventually the temptation would become too great and I would fall off the wagon into a pool of chocolate!
_________________
I CAN IF I THINK I CAN!!

lbb (Liz) · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 633

Glad you're feeling a bit better, Amy. Thank heavens for antibiotics!
Good for you getting back into exercise.
I know it's hard especially with the kids home for summer in not caving to treats/snacks that they are having. I know I'm not completely "vanilla" but counting my success if I don't binge if I possibly have a bite of something, eat a sweet, etc. And end it there.
Take care, girl.
_________________
Liz
http://no-s-momma.blogspot.com
(my blog of food healing, not strict No-S)

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Well, the end of year school stress got to me and last week ended up all over the place - big fail for the end of the month. Weight-wise I am at the same place I was at the beginning of the month, which is certainly to be expected.

But the first day of a new month brings a clean slate, right? And how nice that July started with an S day - LOL! That sure made things easy!

We leave on Thursday for the States and my goal for the month is to keep on with my good No-S habits throughout the month, despite being on the road and staying with family, friends and in hotels... I know it will be challenging, but what is the alternative? If I don't have some kind of structure in mind, I know I will return home heavier and unhappy with myself.

So - here are my goals for myself:
1. Follow No-S as best I can this month. Transatlantic flight days are an S day.
2. Exercise and meditate every day.
3. Check in here every day when feasible (might not have Wi-Fi everywhere we are going) to keep myself on track.
4. Focus on enjoying the people and places, and being hungry for my meals. Let go of worrying where/when/what the next meal will be.
5. Don't beat myself up when I fail on any of these things - mark it and move on.

I hope everyone here has a great July! Mr. Green

lbb (Liz) · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 633

Happy safe travels, Amy. YOu have a long trip ahead! Where in the states are you going?

Sounds like your goals are realistic and sound. Especially the enjoying people/places and meditating.

I think it's actually easiest for me to let go of food worries when surrounded by all the people I love.

The trick, for me, is to keep good habits. Because they keep ME. And are so automatic. (why is my hand going for another round of dessert without my brain attached?)... Smile

Take care, love.
_________________
Liz
http://no-s-momma.blogspot.com
(my blog of food healing, not strict No-S)

r.jean · Joined: 24 Dec 2010 Posts: 1198 Location: Midwest

Exciting! I have a sister and brother-in-law who live out of the country and I love it when she comes home. My last vacation was a trip to visit and travel with them.

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Yesterday was green! Mr. Green

First good one in a while, which was nice. Having that snacking demon off my back felt good Twisted Evil

!

We're doing a huge road trip, starting in Atlanta and then up to Illinois, over to South Dakota, Wyoming (Yellowstone!), down to Utah, and then east to Colorado. Phew! We'll be putting a lot of miles in but we'll get to see the entire family and lots of beautiful places we've never been.

lbb (Liz) · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 633

hooray! good for you, Amy!
what an amazing road trip ahead! i made it to utah tonight and am trying to wind down now. maybe you will pass on through while we're here!
take care and stay green!
_________________
Liz
http://no-s-momma.blogspot.com
(my blog of food healing, not strict No-S)

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Liz, we'll be in Salt Lake City for one night and then we head east to Vernal on our way to Colorado. Is that near where you are?

snapdragon · Joined: 23 Mar 2011 Posts: 577 Location: midwest

Wow a road trip! I hope you enjoy yourself! I like your goals.

Jennifer24747 · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2012 6:17 pm Post subject:

Sounds like it's going to be a great trip, Amy--hope you enjoy yourselves!
_________________
Discovered NoS April 25, 2012!
SW: 157
CW: 156
GW: 140-145

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Thanks!

Another green day yesterday! Mr. Green

I was busy all day getting laundry done, getting my husband and kids to set aside the clothes they want to pack. Today is the big suitcase puzzle and all those last minute details...

Things like this put me in another frame of mind where I don't even think about eating... Very Happy

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

3rd green day in a row - Mr. Green

hooray!
Suitcases all packed and ready to go early tomorrow morning...

lbb (Liz) · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 633

Yay you are getting these habits nailed down.
They keep you....and then it's less mind-power.
Happy and SAFE travels! Give a honk to SLC when you pass through! We are up near Emigration Canyon (by the zoo, against the mountain!).
take care, Liz
_________________
Liz
http://no-s-momma.blogspot.com
(my blog of food healing, not strict No-S)

gk · Joined: 04 Nov 2010 Posts: 1062

Amy -

Thanks for dropping by my thread with your encouraging words. Smile

Hope you have a great trip - enjoy!
_________________
SW (as of 3/25/13): 172 lbs.
CW: 171 lbs.

tobiasmom · Joined: 05 Oct 2010 Posts: 820 Location: Texas

Hey there! How was your trip? Missing you around here.....hope all is well!

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Wow - it's been one heck of a month! I really thought I'd have the time and inclination to get on the boards here while we were on the road but it was all I could do just to keep up with my email...

Anyhow...after an entire month travelling in the US I am proud to report that I came home just 1 pound heavier than I left. That is huge when most days we were eating a free hotel breakfast, and two more meals in restaurants... I really believe if I hadn't been training myself in No-S eating since April, things would have really gotten out of control.

I did have some learning moments - one of the biggest ones was the night we stopped at a pizza buffet restaurant in Rapid City SD - I ended up eating way too much, to the point I didn't feel well. But on the whole, I managed to choose healthy options at most places (thank goodness for salad bars) and when it was unhealthy or more fattening, I stuck to just one "plate" for the most part. But I wasn't obesessively keeping track, either, just going with the flow and letting the habits run just under the surface. I also didn't beat myself up for anything (well, except for that pizza buffet - i was pretty annoyed with myself for that one!)

Anyway, I'm back now, struggling a bit with the 9 hour time difference, a sore throat and some depression over unresolved family issues... I'm so glad to be home, though, sleeping in my own bed and not having to scrounge around for quarters every time I want to do a load of laundry! And excited to get back on my No-S journey, because since April this has been the one thing that has really brought a healthy dose of sanity to my eating life.

Looking forward to catching up with you all, too!

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Back to full swing No-S today - vanilla with my only mod being taking S days on Friday and Saturday instead of Saturday and Sunday.

Off to take a walk in the sunshine - have a great Sunday everyone!

ZippaDee · Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 427 Location: No Quit Zone

Hi Amy! Thanks so much for the encouraging words on my thread!! Sounds like you did awesome on your trip. HOORAY! August is going to be challenging for me since we will be away for some of it. Keep on keepin' on! Happy Sunday!
_________________
Little by little
Inch by inch
By the yard it's hard
By the inch what a cinch!

JUST DO IT!! ONE DAY AT A TIME!!

r.jean · Joined: 24 Dec 2010 Posts: 1198 Location: Midwest

Good to see you back! It sounds like you had a great trip!
_________________
The journey is the reward.

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Thanks, y'all! It's good to be back and getting into a normal routine again. Just catching up on the boards and seeing what everyone is up to, and getting to know some new posters is very motivating. Let's have a great, green week!

eschano · Joined: 18 Jul 2012 Posts: 335

Hi Amy,

look who's talking: you're the one who does brilliantly Very Happy

I totally get where you coming from when you say that other diets got old after about 3 weeks. What I also love about No-S is to think of it in 21 day stretches. Makes it easier to get a new start and aim for that 21 Club.

Cheers
_________________
eschano

182.3 pounds at start 9 July 12
162.9 pounds 30 April 13 (>-10% yeah!)
167.5 healthy bmi

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

LOL! Thanks Eschano - only problem is I tend to stumble brilliantly as well - got off to a great start on Sunday only to drop the ball on Monday evening - emotional phone calls with my sis put me in WTH hell mode big time (the wine I drink while talking doesn't help either). Sigh. Oh well.

The other wonderful thing about No-S is "Mark it and move on." Instead of throwing in the towel for days/months/years as I have done in the past, on No-S I get right back up on my horse. Today. Going well so far: got my half hour walk in, a quick breakfast and a nice lunch of leftovers, and looking forward to lentil shepherd's pie that is cooking now for dinner... If I can just stick to those four things each day I will be fine... Very Happy

oolala53 · Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 3460 Location: San Diego

"If I can just stick to those four things each day I will be fine... "

You're right.
_________________
I don't count calories. I count plates. Three a day.
Age 59 Ht. 5'6" SW 1/10-185 lbs. 10/11-166 1/12-161 3/12-154 6/12-154 9/12-154.5 1/13-151 CW 146.5 some regular exercise/S days mostly tame

There is no S better than Vanilla No S.

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Did not fall off my horse yesterday - Very Happy

Today is going well so far - good breakfast and lunch, plans for veggie lasagna for dinner. Got a short walk in to go to the store for my ingredients. I am enjoying being back to cooking real meals in my own kitchen after all that eating out and trying to make do in borrowed kitchens the past month...

ZippaDee · Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 427 Location: No Quit Zone

Glad you're still on your horse! Very Happy

Enjoy your own kitchen. It's always so nice to get away, but equally nice to come back home! And, thanks so very much for your encouragement on my thread. Happy Wednesday!
_________________
Little by little
Inch by inch
By the yard it's hard
By the inch what a cinch!

JUST DO IT!! ONE DAY AT A TIME!!

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

The hardest time of day for me is the late afternoon before it is time to start making dinner. Especially when my son has a friend over to play, as he does today...I always feel at loose ends. And that's when that snacky feeling starts to raise its head... Evil or Very Mad

So I just had a cup of tea and as soon as they got off my computer, came here to get some motivation to carry me through...another half hour and I can start making dinner. Then I'll be okay.

ZippaDee · Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 427 Location: No Quit Zone

You Go Girl!! You can hang on for just a bit longer! You are apparently on the other side of the world from me. Isn't technology amazing when you really think about it?!
_________________
Little by little
Inch by inch
By the yard it's hard
By the inch what a cinch!

JUST DO IT!! ONE DAY AT A TIME!!

eschano · Joined: 18 Jul 2012 Posts: 335

I appreciate tea more and more as a secret weapon. Well done!
_________________
eschano

182.3 pounds at start 9 July 12
162.9 pounds 30 April 13 (>-10% yeah!)
167.5 healthy bmi

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Tea is definitely a No-S lifesaver, Eschano - I have to be real careful with caffeine so I only have two cups of coffee a day and then I have to switch to tea - I actually had to stop letting myself buy boxes of tea because I have too many at the moment!

And yes, technology really is amazing, ZippaDee...I'm in Belgium but right now I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone. Still not entirely over the jetlag as I woke again in the middle of the night and couldn't sleep...I don't mind so much being up in the middle of the night (I have plenty of episodes of "In Treatment" to catch up on) but it's how crappy I feel the next day that really does me in.

So...trying to infuse some energy into myself...going to take a walk, pick up a few things for dinner, have my 2nd cup of coffee...and try to stay green. And hopefully sleep better tonight.

ZippaDee · Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 427 Location: No Quit Zone

Jetlag stinks! Hope the walk put some new energy in your bones. Sleep well tonight! I visited Belgium years ago! Happy Thursday!
_________________
Little by little
Inch by inch
By the yard it's hard
By the inch what a cinch!

JUST DO IT!! ONE DAY AT A TIME!!

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Thanks, ZippaDee... The walk was good - an hour in the sunshine, that's definitely one of the things that is supposed to help jetlag, right?

Unfortunately, I struggled again last night. *sigh* I know that one of these nights, if I keep to my schedule, I will simply be so tired that I will finally be able to get thru the night, and I know I have to be patient, but when I am tossing and turning it is so frustrating!

So another tired day feeling like a wreck ahead of me...going to get another walk in and thank goodness it is an S day for me and I can't fail. Pizza night is back on! Happy Friday everyone!

r.jean · Joined: 24 Dec 2010 Posts: 1198 Location: Midwest

I can relate to the after vacation slump and trying to get back in the routine. It is hard. I often do pretty well during vacations at weight maintenance because our vacations tend to be pretty active. Then I come home and have to readjust sleep patterns and fight the desire to keep eating extra food without the extra exercise. Good luck at working through the readjustment period!
_________________
The journey is the reward.

ironchef · Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Posts: 301 Location: Australia

Hey Amy3010, thanks for stopping by to encourage me.
Hope your jet lag is improving and you are managing (like me) to avoid eating out of tiredness! Happy S-Days Smile

oolala53 · Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 3460 Location: San Diego

I came back from a 5-week trip to Bali (on other side of International Dateline) in summer of 2000 and it took weeks to get back on schedule. A real drag when I would be awake nearly all night and still have to teach during the day. Not just awake. Sitting up and active! Been through menopause since then. Not that different sometimes. But you're right, you will come around.
_________________
I don't count calories. I count plates. Three a day.
Age 59 Ht. 5'6" SW 1/10-185 lbs. 10/11-166 1/12-161 3/12-154 6/12-154 9/12-154.5 1/13-151 CW 146.5 some regular exercise/S days mostly tame

There is no S better than Vanilla No S.

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Thanks, everyone, for the support...

I've just been floundering...sleep has improved but is still not optimal...I'll have one good night and then two bad. This has been playing havoc with eating and other routines, although I the one thing I have made sure I do every day is at least 30 min of some kind of exercise out in the fresh air. Trying to hang in here! Hope it will get better soon...but at the moment it's got me really down.

Good to come here and see how everyone is doing!

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Still not sleeping great - I had the best night ever on Friday and since then we've had a heat wave pass through and the nights have been tough again! But I've just got to push through this and REBOOT myself...

We've got two weeks til the boys go back to school - it will be easier then when our normal routines start up again, but I just can't wait that long! I'm so sick of feeling tired and strung out! I am getting back on track TODAY with Vanilla No-S and 30 minutes of exercise every day, and that's all I am going to worry about for the next two weeks.

oolala53 · Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 3460 Location: San Diego

Just the basics. That's all you can ask for now.
_________________
I don't count calories. I count plates. Three a day.
Age 59 Ht. 5'6" SW 1/10-185 lbs. 10/11-166 1/12-161 3/12-154 6/12-154 9/12-154.5 1/13-151 CW 146.5 some regular exercise/S days mostly tame

There is no S better than Vanilla No S.

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

So right, Oolala! Monday was green and yesterday was yellow - we'd been invited to a dinner party at friends and it was a long planned S-event. The rest of the day went very reasonably, though, and I am feeling better and back on track. Had two nights in a row where I slept like a log, too - HOORAY!!! That makes such a difference in my energy level, my mood, and I just feel so much more able to cope with everything... Very Happy

Things are looking up!

ironchef · Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Posts: 301 Location: Australia

HOORAY indeed! Glad to hear your sleeping is settling down. Well done on a very positive start to the week Smile

r.jean · Joined: 24 Dec 2010 Posts: 1198 Location: Midwest

As I got ready this morning I was thinking the same thing! I need to get back to basics...back to consistently meeting the minimum standards. I had come to expect more which has ultimately set me up for failure.
_________________
The journey is the reward.

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

Wednesday was green! It could have been a tough day because I spent the afternoon helpfing a friend sort thru her things before she moves on Saturday, but it was okay and I ended up being able to avoid any troublesome eating situations...

Today I have to go to a funeral for an elderly lady in our community. I didn't know her that well, but had been to visit her a few times. She was a neat lady, she did astrology very seriously and a friend of mine treated me to a session with her for my 40th birthday a few years ago...she told me some very interesting things that I still think about.

eschano · Joined: 18 Jul 2012 Posts: 335

Don't you love it when you anticipate a tough day and it ends up green? I do. Well done!
_________________
eschano

182.3 pounds at start 9 July 12
162.9 pounds 30 April 13 (>-10% yeah!)
167.5 healthy bmi

tobiasmom · Joined: 05 Oct 2010 Posts: 820 Location: Texas

Hope all went ok with the funeral today. I know that's not always very fun.....

Amy3010 · Joined: 05 Apr 2012 Posts: 811

The funeral was okay - she was 84, there was a very lovely choir singing during the service, it was a beautiful day, sunny and bright - it seemed more like a celebration of her life than anything terribly sad... It was a very small group of people at both the church, graveside and reception afterwards, which actually seemed very intimate, not sad at all.

At the reception I sat next to her 8-year-old great-granddaughter and had a nice chat about horseback riding and dance class. And then I walked home (I'd brought my walking shoes in my bag), enjoying the sunshine and thinking about life and things... Funny how funerals do put you in that frame of mind, right?

The day was solid green, too!