Everyday Systems

clarinetgal

Welcome!

clarinetgal

Welcome! This is a truly helpful and supportive community. I would urge you to do a daily (or weekly) check in thread, if you feel like you need some extra help and accountability.

clarinetgal

I'm glad the walking is going well for you! Good job on cutting back on caffeine! That is something I also plan to do, in the next few months.

clarinetgal

Worth It, I can certainly understand and empathize with your frustrations about dieting. I hope you are able to find some good dishes that everybody in your family likes. I'm going to also check out the book links from Linda, because they sound interesting.

clarinetgal

It sounds like you're making good progress!

clarinetgal

Linda, I understand about putting all of your efforts into mothering, and not taking care of yourself. I have been there. I hope your tweaks to your eating work for you. Yes, I would definitely keep exercising! There are SO many benefits, besides weight control! Your S days look good.

Heather

clarinetgal

I love all of your systems, and I may end up copying you, at least to some degree. I think doing those things really does keep the well filled.

clarinetgal

Hi! I thought I would drop by your check in, too. I like your simple meals. Most of my meals are simple, also. I just started learning how to cook about 1.5 years ago. I hope you get adjusted to your new schedule fairly quickly.

clarinetgal

Thank you, Linda, Worth it, airmail, and Eschano! :D Well, I have stuck with part of my plan. I haven't weighed myself since last Monday. I don't think I'll weigh myself until after I start exercising again, so probably next Wednesday. I did go back to calorie counting, for now. I was getting a litt...

clarinetgal

Yes, I hope you're doing okay!

clarinetgal

I've been doing some thinking on how I want to focus on my eating when I get home tomorrow. I know I disclosed this awhile ago, but I have been tracking my calories on a diet site for a long time now. I have gotten to the point where I am really, really sick of it. I was finding myself getting too o...

clarinetgal

Thank you, Worth It!

clarinetgal

Thanks, r.jean!

clarinetgal

Linda, I haven't tried her recipes yet, but they look interesting! I think the cookbook comes on Sept. 30. After I get it, I'll definitely try out her recipes. I like the idea of looking in a full length mirror. I think taking it one day at a time is the best way to go.

clarinetgal

Amy C, I do something similar. I've been having fruit and/or veggies with each meal, and I limit (but don't deprive myself of) starchy carbs. Worth It, Yes! I think it's very important to have some pleasure with your meals.

clarinetgal

I have really enjoyed this discussion! Lately, I seem to be really shifting in my thoughts about eating. For a 2 or 3 year period, I restricted a lot of foods: dairy, citrus, gluten/grains, and meat, to an extent. Part of it was for health reasons, but part of it was to lose weight. I spent about a ...

clarinetgal

Thank you, Linda!

clarinetgal

Auto, Right now, my leg still hurts really bad.

One of the doctors I saw told me recovery could take a week. I'm really not sure about things like physical therapy at this point, but I have a follow up appointment in October, so I should know more then. Thanks!

clarinetgal

I'm still in my recovery period, and I'm staying at my parents' house for a couple of more days. I must admit, I am really enjoying not weighing myself, and not tracking my food. When I come home, I think I will try weighing myself once a week, and see how it goes.

clarinetgal

Good job on the not weighing! Kettle bells are fun, and they're a great workout!

clarinetgal

You sound like you're in a great place! I think weighing once every 2 weeks is a wonderful idea.

clarinetgal

Linda, I wish you the best with your plan! I preordered the Skinnytaste cookbook. I'm looking forward to trying out the recipes!

clarinetgal

I'm in the same dilemma myself, trying to figure out a way to cut back, without it being too drastic. I second aspencer's suggestion about adding more veggies. It does help.

clarinetgal

I don't think I could have resisted those sweets, either.

clarinetgal

Yes, keeping busy definitely helps!

clarinetgal

Good job! Yes, keeping busy definitely helps!

clarinetgal

Thanks, Eschano! I agree.

clarinetgal

Auto, Thanks! Thankfully, I'm able to stay at my parents' house for a few days, so it makes recovery a lot easier.

Linda, Thank you!

Heather

clarinetgal

I'm sure the N day will help you get back on track.

clarinetgal

I think you're right to not have too many systems going at once. I think exercising 4 times a week is very reasonable.

clarinetgal

That is great that you have found foods that work for you, and it's great you've gotten away from daily weighing.

clarinetgal

Welcome back! I remember you from before. That stinks about the Lyme disease. I'm glad your joint pain is feeling better.

clarinetgal

Thanks, aspencer!

clarinetgal

Thanks, Eschano! :D Tomorrow morning, I am having the procedure to (hopefully) get rid of the AVM in my right thigh. I'll have a 3 day recovery period, and I'll be staying at my parents' house during that time. I'm expecting my eating to be off, but I'll try to stay as moderate as I can. I will not ...

clarinetgal

Yes, I think you're right about it boiling down to calories in vs. calories out. It sounds like you had a good S Day!

clarinetgal

Today was an S Day. Since I'm not doing Vanilla No S, my S days are a little different. I usually just relax the rules on what I eat with my meals, and I'm more lenient with snacking. I didn't eat after dinner again. I think this is the 5th day. :D Breakfast: coffee with creamer, oatmeal with dates,...

clarinetgal

Good job on tackling the goal of not eating between breakfast and lunch. Work on one habit at a time, and you'll get there.

clarinetgal

That sounds like a fun night! Good for you, for trying a totally new food.

clarinetgal

I hear you on the sweets. That is still a challenge for me, too. How tall are you? I'm 5'1, and I have to watch my portions more, too.

clarinetgal

I hope today was a good day for you!

clarinetgal

Good job on not weighing yourself. I think I will be joining you in taking a break from the scale. I hope you get your child care figured out. I have done a lot of subbing in 3rd grade classrooms, and I agree it's an important year. I second ironchef's suggestions on the exercises. For stretching, c...

clarinetgal

Sorry you had a bad day.

Yes, it's definitely good to mark it and move on. I hope tomorrow is better for you.

clarinetgal

Yesterday was not the best eating day. Today wasn't a perfect eating day, but it was better, and I didn't eat after dinner again. :D I'm really liking this idea of focusing on one habit at a time. I do want to conquer the sweets, because that is a problem, but for now, I think it's important to firm...

clarinetgal

Yes, good job on pushing through the difficult moments!

clarinetgal

I've experimented with early morning workouts, and I always ended up feeling extra tired by the early afternoon. Kudos to people who can get them done first thing in the morning! Nice job on all of the green days.

clarinetgal

It sounds like you did a good job with your contained fails. Iron baby cracks me up.

clarinetgal

Ooh! I'll have to watch some 80s films. I still enjoy listening to 80s music, sometimes.

clarinetgal

That brisket sandwich sounds good! I hope your back feels better soon. I haven't told very many people I'm dieting either for that same reason, I don't want to impose my food choices on them.

clarinetgal

I had a decent eating day, not perfect, but not terrible, either. Plus, today is my 3rd day of not eating after dinner! :D Breakfast: hot buckwheat with butter, coffee with creamer, 2 chicken sausage links, a kiwi Lunch: Panera. 1 cup of baked potato soup. 1/3 of a baguette (I shared the rest with m...

clarinetgal

Congrats! I second what everyone said about allowing for 5-6 small planned meals. It sounds like you're doing great!

clarinetgal

Ooh! I would have tried your DH's experiment, too.

clarinetgal

I totally get it! I'm actually still tracking my calories for now, but I'm trying to get away from that and just stick with No S.

clarinetgal

Well, I had a better eating day today, and I didn't eat after dinner tonight, but it was because my dinner really upset my stomach. :( I'm getting really frustrated with my stomach issues; I feel like I don't know what to eat anymore. I almost wonder if I need less plant based foods? Breakfast: 2 ho...

clarinetgal

Welcome back! I'm glad you had a good trip, and that you're at peace with No S. I've toyed with weighing less often, too. Daily weighing is starting to really stress me out.

Continuing to have adventures and LAM sounds great!

clarinetgal

Welcome back! I'm sure you did enough walking to offset the extra eating and drinking, while in Europe. A tasting event sounds lovely. I hope you enjoyed it!

clarinetgal

Auto, Great to see you back! It sounds like taking the week off really helped. I love your ideas for your class. I think you're right about boys needing more time, before they're ready to buckle down and learn -- which is why in the case of my younger son, I'll probably wait until he's at least 4, b...

clarinetgal

I am drooling over that ratatouille. That sounds so good! I have days where I get at least close to the recommended 7-9 servings of fruits and veggies each day. That is a great reminder, to treat your body with the love and respect it deserves.

clarinetgal

Great job! It sounds like you're making some good progress!

clarinetgal

Linda, I ate too much today, too. That would be hard to make small talk with someone you don't know well for 5 hours! I am not the most social person, either, and I would have a hard time with that. Hooray for a possible friendship, though!

clarinetgal

Linda, Thanks! I really hope the procedure helps. As for eating at night, I agree. I don't like feeling stuffed before bed, either, plus I like being hungry for breakfast. I will try again tomorrow.

Heather

clarinetgal

I'm trying hard to buckle down on my eating this week, because next Tuesday, I have my angiogram and embolization on my right thigh, and I won't be able to exercise for at least a week. I'm not looking forward to the procedure, but if it takes away at least most of the pain, it will be worth it. Any...

clarinetgal

Interesting! Going by this, I only need to lose 13 more pounds to get to the top of the acceptable range.

clarinetgal

I hope you have a nice weekend, after your crazy week! Brownies sound good!

clarinetgal

Have a great time! You're doing great with your habits!

clarinetgal

I'll have to look for that chicken curry, the next time I go to Trader Joes! I'm glad the drink limit is working for you.

clarinetgal

Iron baby is so cute! Yes, the early dinners can be a challenge. That is something I'm still working on. Your home free system sounds good.

clarinetgal

I'm sure you'll have a better day tomorrow.

clarinetgal

Linda, I haven't gone to Jamba Juice too much, but their smoothies are usually good. Thanks, on my leg. Unfortunately, I have not received a lot of guidance on this AVM, so I'm not quite sure what to do. :( The most helpful advice I received was from a physical therapist I saw for 6 weeks, who sugge...

clarinetgal

As a former teacher (and I hope to go back to it in a few years), I am mixed on homework. I think a little homework is good, to help reinforce what they learned at school and to teach discipline and time management skills, but I will never be one of those teachers that sends home piles of homework. ...

clarinetgal

I second worth it! I like how you don't dwell on your fails. Your workouts sound interesting.

clarinetgal

Thanks, Worth It! :D I had a pretty decent eating day today. I still need to reduce my meals, but I'm not eating as much junk, and I'm determined to not binge tonight. Breakfast: Homemade zucchini muffin, chicken apple sausages, peaches with whipped cream and cinnamon, coffee with creamer. Lunch: Pa...

clarinetgal

Thanks, Linda! It seemed to work okay. I just have to time it, so I'm hungrier for dinner. Yes, I completely agree that you have to make the plan doable for you, whether it's a sweet treat, or a mocha.

clarinetgal

I hope taking a break from the rowing machine helps your back to feel better. Your idea to limit caloric drinks is good, and it's definitely doable.

clarinetgal

How exciting for you!

those sound like good first steps!

clarinetgal

I tried a new experiment today. I'll see if I can stick with it. At 4 PM, while my older son was in his home therapy, and my younger son was napping, I had a planned sweets meal. I had a mini almond milk ice cream sandwich, and one coconut milk, coffee flavored ice cream bar. My hypothesis is if I a...

clarinetgal

I have got to nip this eating after dinner habit in the bud! I failed again tonight. There are a couple of nights where I have to eat at night, because I have band, which means I eat my dinner in the 4 PM hour (and that is too early for me). On those nights, I'll just have to plan something to eat, ...

clarinetgal

Ironchef, That was a lovely story, about your family's cooking traditions, and about cooking all of your grandmother's favorites, to celebrate her life.

clarinetgal

I'm glad you figured out about your plates! I've definitely piled my plates too high, also. I agree with Sonya. I think if you pile your plates with more fruits and veggies and less high calorie foods, it should help.

clarinetgal

I loved your testimonial! I think you have done great, and I think it's good that you are authentic in sharing your struggles. Too many testimonials just give glowing reviews of how great a system is, and the person never shares his or her struggles, which makes the program seem unattainable to the ...

clarinetgal

That is exactly the way I feel, ironchef! Drinking some nice tea does feel like somewhat of a treat, so I will continue with that tradition.

clarinetgal

Today wasn't too bad of an S Day, but I did make a couple of observations for my eating (and this is for me personally, other people could respond totally differently). 1) I don't do well with really high carb breakfasts. Today's breakfast needed to be quick (we had church), so I had a bowl of raisi...

clarinetgal

Tessytwinkle, I'm so sorry to read about your pain right now. I can empathize a little, since the AVM in my right leg has given me chronic pain for awhile now. I'm glad you're finding ways to relax, and it sounds like you're making strides, on the food front.

clarinetgal

Your S Days are looking good! The no mindless snacking rule is a good one. How fun that you are teaching Zoe to cook! I definitely want to do that with my boys, when they get a little older. My mom didn't teach me how to cook until late in life, and she only showed me a few basics, so I didn't start...

clarinetgal

I will sometimes have chips or fries with a meal, but I try to be careful. There are certain kinds of chips that really increase my cravings, so I limit those (like Doritos and Ruffles). I allow the other salty snacks I like, but in moderation. Thankfully, there are not too many salty snacks I like ...

clarinetgal

I, too, am about at that point. I have investigated a number of diet plans over the years, and I keep coming back to No S. While I have modified it a little bit to fit my needs (for example, I'll sometimes do 4 meals because of reflux, and I'm still working on the No Sweets rule), I am at the point ...

clarinetgal

I think my thinking on eating is very similar to yours. I don't snack too often and I rarely get seconds, but I can't seem to give up sweets. I would honestly rather allow myself a small amount of sweets each day than restrict them and end up bingeing on them. The bingeing is something I'm still wor...

clarinetgal

I second everything Linda said! I'm sure taking some time off will really help.

clarinetgal

I have the Internet back! Woo hoo! :D DH bought a new modem tonight. Anyway, starting tomorrow, I will begin getting back on track with my eating (such as cutting way back on eating out). O 43, Yes, my library does have free Internet. However, I did most of my free wifi time while my son was in ther...

clarinetgal

How scary about your DH being rear ended! I'm glad he's okay!

clarinetgal

Thanks, Linda and Eschano!

clarinetgal

Thanks, Linda! :D My Internet has been down at my house for a few days, so I've been hanging out at spots with free wifi, when I get the chance. All of the free wifi spots sell food, and I've been buying food there, because a part of me feels obligated to buy something, since I'm using their wifi. W...

clarinetgal

Aspencer, I hear you on needing some structure! I can also relate on craving healthy foods, after eating a bunch of junk! I'm continuing to work on finding a balance, in terms of the foods I eat, and for how much structure I need.

clarinetgal

That is a tough decision! It sounds like, if you can afford it, homeschooling is the way to go. Do the babysitters homeschool your kids? The nice thing about homeschooling is you can customize it to your child's needs.

clarinetgal

I'm sure you'll figure out how much to take for lunch over the next few days. Indian food sounds SO good!

clarinetgal

That is a great attitude, just mark it and move on.

Yes, that is the nice thing about S Days.

clarinetgal

Yesterday was a great, and a very moderate S Day. I did have some treats, but the portions were moderate, and I ended the day feeling pleasantly full, but not stuffed and bloated. Today has been a fail, but not a horrible one. Breakfast was moderate enough. I ended up eating lunch at Meconis sub sho...

clarinetgal

That casserole sounds very interesting! The lattes sound good. I would love to try a peach chai latte, sometime!

clarinetgal

I've heard raw honey has a lot of health benefits.

I hope you feel better soon.

clarinetgal

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, about meals. There is a part of me that wants to lose weight, and I think that all of my meals have to be super Paleo, and healthy. I did this for several months back in 2013, and while I lost some weight, I was SO bored with Paleo, after awhile. Honestly, I...

clarinetgal

Good for you for listening to your body, and stopping when you were full!

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