Everyday Systems

NoelFigart

May you always be treated the way you treat other people.

NoelFigart

I'm not okay with fat prejudice (or thin prejudice). Just for the record. I don't want to open a can of worms, but reading that someone saw someone fat in Wal-Mart and was disgusted is pretty damn painful since it's going to be YEARS before my body is going to be seen as acceptable. (No-S works, but...

NoelFigart

I grew up a Cold War baby living near Washington, DC. Living in fear of the end of the world just isn't productive. It wasn't that nuclear war COULDN'T have happened. We came close several times. It's that it DIDN'T and I wasted a lot of my life feeling futile that there wouldn't BE any life, so why...

NoelFigart

I didn't have any S-Events this weekend. Why? Didn't feel like it. I've felt grumpy and probably unusually hard to please, so nothing seemed cool enough for me to have. (If offered a "Death By Chocolate" from the Trellis restaurant in Williamsburg, VA, I would have taken it in a heartbeat, mind. Whe...

NoelFigart

(First of all let me say that I haven't read that particular book, so if it's a good source of information I apologize all over the place.) But what's been bothering me is reading in a magazine an article about, say, "10 Mood Buster" Foods. Eat blueberries, salmon, dark chocolate, etc... and then t...

NoelFigart

I'm feeling too grouchy for drinks or sweets. So, dandy on the glass ceiling, and I didn't go overboard for the S-day because I had no S events today. Just wasn't into it. I know, S-events aren't compulsory if you're not into it, but I do feel like it's a waste not to have a small treat of some sort...

NoelFigart

RJLupin wrote:I've made a mode that some might not approve of, but I feel I need in the active weight-loss stage: I have replaced my meals with packaged meals, usually those Healthy Choice Naturals or a can of soup high in protein.

Eh, if it works better for you, it does. Not everyone's hobby is cooking.

NoelFigart

What metric are you using to measure how overweight you are? You give a height and weight that could really go either way depending on frame and musculature, and you imply you're pretty active. Hi Noel: the metric: my abdominal circumference Okay, yeah, there is some adipose tissue to take off. My ...

NoelFigart

What metric are you using to measure how overweight you are? You give a height and weight that could really go either way depending on frame and musculature, and you imply you're pretty active. Weight loss on No-S can be very, VERY slow, especially if you're a chronic dieter. I average 1/2 lb a week...

NoelFigart

Ive been great on No-S and Glass Ceiling. It's the Exercise I've been doing lousy at this week. I really only exercised two days and both of them I just took a walk. Not that walking doesn't count, but I prefer something a little more hard core. The only reason I got in any sort of exercise today wa...

NoelFigart

*hugs* (if you want them, of course!) I won't play armchair shink, but if you "can't make yourself" do something, then the issue is probably something far outside the scope of something a bulletin board is really qualified to solve for you. Several things sound like known issues to me, but it'd be a...

NoelFigart

I already marked my birthday (May 4th) as an S-day on my HabitCal. But today a friend came over and brought me a birthday cake early and we had some. Today wasn't originally supposed to be an S-day for me, but it would have seemed really strange for me to have refused the cake. I haven't had any ot...

NoelFigart

I had an interesting thought this morning while playing stats geek. Since I got really serious about No-S again, I checked out my rate of weight loss, griping to myself that I hadn't lost much. Now, I'm losing about a half a pound a week, when I take in a moving average. While that feels almost excr...

NoelFigart

I'm new to no S - was introduced by an aquaintaence when I expressed I was looking for something I could do on a budget without taking over my life. It's been 1 week and so far so good - it's challenging but doable and very convinient. My question is how does tea and coffee come into the equation? ...

NoelFigart

While you may find you want to tweak down the road, I'd say that anyone who does No-S would do best to try it for a couple of months basic with no mods, if for nothing else than to test for a baseline for their own needs. That means taking things pretty basic and literally.

NoelFigart

I wouldn't consider it so.

I mean good Lord, if you can put a little sugar on your oatmeal. (Not that I do, but it's considered acceptable).

NoelFigart

No-one's saying you HAVE to do anything, of course (and even if they did, you don't have to listen, what with being a grown-up and all. Cool, huh?) But the worst risk you'd be taking by trying Vanilla No-S (meaning three strict one-plate meals a day and weekends and holidays off the hook) is a SMALL...

NoelFigart

I think I could make a good case for a sugar tax, especially in countries that have a subsidised health-service. Not that I'm trying to start a health care debate, but this is the argument AGAINST subsidized health care by many in the US. It's often poo-pooed by proponents, so I find it interesting...

NoelFigart

Disney was great, though I don't even want to think of how I ate. (Though if you're a sushi fan, I highly recommend the Japan pavilion at EPCOT. That's some delicious sushi!) It was easier than I thought to get back on track. Monday at home rolled around and I'm back to my old habits. I did want to ...

NoelFigart

The S days are a problem, the "sometimes" bit doesn't seem to help because S days put ME back in charge of the decisions about food, the same ME who eat myself into trouble in the first place. I can't trust me yet. Well, I suggest you try something. Go ahead and let S-days be COMPLETELY off the hoo...

NoelFigart

For me an S-day is a weekend, a holiday that I'd be off work for if I worked for the Federal government, vacations, immediate household birthdays (there's only three of us and mine is on Christmas) and anniversaries. So this year, Non-weekend S days are pretty thin on the ground. There's sixteen of ...

NoelFigart

I agree with NoelFigart, except that I think that there is no perfect diet . But there are lots of very good ones. No one (except possibly me) found them in a book or a magazine. Many of them don't eat a wide variety of foods. I'd agree that there probably isn't a perfect diet. As far as lack of va...

NoelFigart

Can I eat healthily, and eat all the things that are good for me, without also eating too much? Nope. I do have a recommendation. Stop taking advice on nutrition from popular magazines. Those things have advertisers. Advertisers are out to sell stuff, whether it's oatmeal or diamonds. Writers reall...

NoelFigart

I don't believe the quote implies disrespect to those with differing goals, and I see the quote as very simple and clear, so I find it surprising to see such an interpetation.[/color] Weak and lazy is disrespectful language, and it encourages a smug and self-satisfied attitude. I'm not ragging on y...

NoelFigart

Obsessed is what the weak and lazy call the Dedicated. Here's my Opinion. Lighten up. Food Obsession is okay. Personally, I have no desire to reduce my own "food obsession". I think it's okay, PERFECTLY OKAY, for you to choose to dedicate as much time as you do to being thin. But, I would be very, ...

NoelFigart

Wait, what? I'm not sure I'm following you here. Are you saying it peeves you that many people assume they have to eat before and after a workout, when that's not the case? Not directed at you , but at many popular magazine articles that act like you have to eat within a certain window of exercisin...

NoelFigart

Those of you who have increased your exercise/movement while using No S -- Do you find yourself hungrier after your "workout?" If so, how do you manage that? I would say that I feel hungry fairly often between meals right now. Maybe that's normal. You haven't been doing it long enough to get habits...

NoelFigart

I eat a pretty hearty breakfast.

Either: Optimized oatmeal (1/2 c dry oats, 2 T nuts, 2T seeds, 2 T dried fruits)

or

Veggie stuffed 3-egg omelet.

NoelFigart

I'm 5'2". 135-145 is my fighting weight. (Seriously. When I dropped below it, I'd lose in Karate tournaments, when I went above that, I didn't have the wind to win). You CAN pick a weight and get to that weight, but staying there might be a part time job. I'm not knocking it if that's what you want ...

NoelFigart

4/15/10 4/16/10 I didn't work out yesterday. I spent all day re-imaging my computer because it had crashed and wouldn't boot properly to Windows. I needed to be able to take it on my trip with me, what with it being my office and all. I wish I could be proud of myself for not stress eating. However...

NoelFigart

Guilt sucks and so often we apply it to the oddest things. Okay, you overate and let yourself down. Yeah, it sucks and all. But your goodness as a person just isn't attached to your eating habits. If you've been unkind, lied, hurt someone, or any of that, fair enough. That's appropriate guilt. But i...

NoelFigart

I was asked if I wanted a piece of cake this morning. Without thinking, I comment, "No, it's a weekday."

Yes, I said that. Out Loud.

NoelFigart

4/14/10 I've been walking for exercise lately, instead of swimming and weights, just to enjoy the nice sunshiny weather, and to break in my new shoes for my Disney World trip next week. I found these cute shoes from Champion that LOOK like cute little flats, but are built like sneakers on the botto...

NoelFigart

It's an S-day. Don't overthink it. You want a snack, for pity's sake have one. If it doesn't sound appealing, then don't. I personally don't snack at movies. Got out of the habit when I was a teenager and just... don't. You want power of habit, there ya go. I WAS certainly in the habit of snacking a...

NoelFigart

Over43, if you're in the "I hate oatmeal" club, make sure that you've tried rough-cut or steel cut oatmeal before you completely throw it out oatmeal entirely.

That instant shit is nauseating to me, and I loves me porridge.

If you've tried all that stuff and still hate it, you have my sympathies.

NoelFigart

Wow... that's sad.

Dad thanked Mom for making dinner, and whoever cooks (usually me, but sometimes someone else) gets a thank you.

NoelFigart

*snerk* Not sure how to put this, Lupin, without starting a big ole controversy, but I AM over 100lbs overweight and don't have much trouble finding partners. (Yes, plural). I'm not saying this to hijack your thread or start a debate, other than to point out that "pretty" or "thin" isn't the rent yo...

NoelFigart

Regarding deliciousness, the nurtritionist Bernard Jensen said you should wait to eat until you have a keen desire for the plainest food. Doesn't mean that's what you have to eat, but it's a good measure of whether you're hungry. Even a plain potato tastes good when you're hungry. Well, I'll eat a ...

NoelFigart

4/12/09

4/13/09

I just could not face the weight room today. So I asked my husband if he'd like to walk to the grocery store with me after dinner to pick up a few things. He's almost always up for a walk, so that was nice. As far as I am concerned, a nice walk always counts.

NoelFigart

He's not overweight, but he's only 23. I'm sure when he gets older and his metabolism slows down, his eating habits will cause him to gain weight. My husband was SKINNY until he was in his thirties. He does have to watch his weight now, but exercise and not drinking much seems to take care of it fo...

NoelFigart

Marygrace, I'd say that you need to let this one go. Yes, confining eating to meals is ideal. My husband doesn't really, either, and I don't say anything. I think setting the example does better in the long run. I DO have dinner ready to go on the table when he gets home which makes him squirm a lit...

NoelFigart

Hunger is the best sauce!

NoelFigart

That's awesome, and proves how useful Shovelglove is. Ver' cool.

NoelFigart

Yesterday was a successful S-day because you can't fail on an S-day. Even so, it wasn't an ideal S-day. Not because I overate, but because I didn't eat much all day. I was spending most of the day wrestling with a broken serger, a sewing machine that needs maintenance and trying to get a broomstick ...

NoelFigart

But Matt's book was only 40 bucks...

LOL. I do like having a series of creative bodyweight exercises available for variety, though.

I like it better when you can get ideas online for free!

NoelFigart

Okay, so I can't fail on an S day. Even so, today was the kind of S-day I like to have. I had a normal breakfast. I had a smoothie for lunch, because my daughter was visiting and that's what she asked for. My son was being a poopy-head teenager and wanted to stay in his room all day making films. So...

NoelFigart

Amazing how these lifestyle things can make a difference, yes. Certainly you've been doing No-S long enough that tightening up S-days is no longer going to screw you up. (Though I agree that it's a bad idea early on). I hope that things calm down so you can get your activity level where you want it....

NoelFigart

April 9

We walked down to a local restaurant for dinner last night. T'was fun. I didn't really try to measure my plate against what a "normal" plate would look like. I just ate dinner and was glad to have it. It was late and I was STARVED.

NoelFigart

We live a few blocks from the center of town. It has the general small New England town type things: a few pub-like restaurants, a library, a bank, a theater (okay, an opera house that the town is very smug about). Just your usual stuff. Well, the kids and I were going to go to one of the restaurant...

NoelFigart

Congratulations. I burn with envy at how fast you're losing, but am delighted that you are doing so well.

NoelFigart

No, you're not powerless. Saying you are is going to make it worse. I'm not saying this to try to make you feel down on yourself because you've developed a VERY STRONG habit of eating bread (one I've shared for a long, long, time, by the way. I love bread. Bread is delicious!). I used to consider br...

NoelFigart

April 8 http://www.noelfigart.com/20100409WeightChart.png God, this is going soooo sloooowww. But the trendline is doing what, boys and girls? That's RIGHT, it's going DOWN. (My weight bounces all over the place day to day. Hence the trendline). I'm trying to remind myself that slow is good. Slow a...

NoelFigart

Ya! That's fantastic!

NoelFigart

I lifted today. Standing Calf raises 3x10 75lbs Squats 3x10 75lbs Romanian Deadlifts 3x10 75lbs Bench press 3x10 65lbs (Which was being a bit ambitious. I was shaking at the end). Seated row 3X10 70lbs. Arnold presses 3x10 12lbs. (I know the weight looks light, but try it. The weight sneaks up on yo...

NoelFigart

If you like runny eggs, babyprrr, have you ever tried soft boiled eggs and toast soliders? You get a soft boiled egg, put it in an egg cup, slice off the top, add some salt and pepper, then dip toast strips in the runny yolk. Technically, you're supposed to butter the toast for the true English expe...

NoelFigart

Naw, there's only one reason to eat eggs.

They're DELICIOUS. Saute some veggies, toss 'em in an omelet... Heaven.

I don't do it as often as I used to due to the time factor, but it's a favorite breakfast.

NoelFigart

April 7 Today was an interesting test of willpower. On Wednesdays because my husband has a class to teach in the evenings, I usually serve tea with little nibbles on the "good china". He doesn't like to eat a big meal before he teaches, but he does like for us to sit down as a family and reconnect....

NoelFigart

I'm going to second the Filling Half the Plate with Salad trick. A) You get veggies. Veggies Good. B) You still get more calorically dense stuff that's tasty without going overboard. (Not to imply salad isn't tasty. It is, but you get what I mean). C) You get a visually full plate, so you're not fee...

NoelFigart

Notice I said "chalk it up to weight training" and NOT "gained five pounds of muscle in a few days". That's impossible even if I were a male on steroids.

I am sore, and that's possibly what it is. I've been lifting off and on for about four years.

NoelFigart

April 6 My weight has jumped five pounds. Since a quick perusal of my habitcal will show that I'm not cheating on any habit, I'm chalking this up to hormones and weight training, unless it jumps again. Please don't advise tweaks. If I have to do anything more complex than eat three meals a day (and...

NoelFigart

If you do it, marygrace, videotape it.

I don't know what kind of weight loss help it would give, but I ALWAYS find a laugh helpful!

NoelFigart

You're right. 12.5 lbs isn't going to give you big muscles. I alternate weight training and swimming and do weights twice a week. I'm working out with 55lbs for bench press, and 70lbs for most of my leg work. I don't have big muscles, either! You have to lift very hard, very heavy and have a bit of ...

NoelFigart

Good one! I liked the way you addressed some possible objections to the system. The funny part is that if you do that 14 minutes a day every N day for a year, you get in a bit over 58 hours a year of exercise. If you do one of those body for life style programs and quit after the 12 weeks because yo...

NoelFigart

April 5

For whatever reason, today was easy. I'll take it.

This is going to be my lunch tomorrow.

NoelFigart

*wince* Gosh... I'm having a hard time saying this because while I don't want to be offensive, I DO want to bring an issue up -- and it's an issue I'm bringing up from experience. I found the concept of the glass ceiling a bit daunting and tried to tell myself it was absurd. Then, as I got to thinki...

NoelFigart

April 4

It was a very candy-intensive day.

NoelFigart

April 3 Since it's an S-day, other than drinking too much, I really can't fail. That said, I found today amusing. I had my breakfast. Had my lunch. Both of 'em were pretty much normal. Then I made brownies, and yes, I did lick the spoon! I made the brownies in cupcakes rather than in a pan, just fo...

NoelFigart

April 2

NoelFigart

I went directly to the URL, but the photo's permissions are not set to be able to be viewed publicly.

NoelFigart

Hey, I think a rapid start is good. Just don't get too caught up in the scale and focus on behaviors.

NoelFigart

Okay, you have to have the picture actually ON the internet somewhere, like Flickr or Picassa or your own personal website. Once you've got that, it's very simple. Just click on the button across the top of the screen that says IMG (for image), then after the text appears in your post (it'll be the ...

NoelFigart

Okay, for all that I prefer "real" food, this is where my face gets red.

I might live in New England, but I grew up in Virginia. I stock up on Duke's mayonnaise every time I go down to visit my family, and you couldn't take it away from me with a shotgun.

NoelFigart

Btw, are smoothies off limits? I could do with a smoothie to fill me up if I feel the urge to snack. And how about cereal bars? I consider a smoothie a meal, since I will have one for breakfast if it's a really busy morning. (And honestly, most of 'em have about as many calories as my normal breakf...

NoelFigart

HC, they might be less judgmental than you think. Certainly gyms aren't compulsory, and if you don't find that a pleasant way to exercise, there's plenty of options that DON'T involve a gym. But for myself. I am.... Well, let's just say NOT SLENDER and leave it at that. I do work out at a gym becaus...

NoelFigart

Well, Mark Twain does. I stole that from him.

Actually the story is a GREAT No-S Story.

At the Appetite Cure

NoelFigart

April 1

NoelFigart

I was wondering if I could have some help and advice. I'm going to Disney World with my extended family in a couple of weeks (no, that's not a problem. That's fun!) I'm trying to decide how closely to try to follow No-S while I'm down there. I'm going to be in an environment that will strongly encou...

NoelFigart

I'm five two. I'm losing at a rate of about a pound a week right now, but I have a LOT to lose. I don't have a goal weight. I have goal behaviors. Whatever my weight does on vanilla No-S and exercising five days a week is my ideal weight. (There's nothing bad about a goal weight, mind. I just don't ...

NoelFigart

Thalia wrote:So, sadly, I'm saying goodbye to No S.

Well, good luck! We'll miss you. This might help you out in your new diet.

NoelFigart

Money's been a little tight the past few weeks (I'm self-employed and expect these ups and downs. It's just par for the course). So, because of that, I've been putting off going to the grocery store for things I'd routinely replenish but aren't tagged in my mind as "absolute necessities". One of tho...

NoelFigart

March 31 B: Optimized Oatmeal L: Bento with a turkey on focaccia, strawberries and pineapple D: Chicken leg with artichoke dipped in garlic butter and a small piece of bread, glass of wine. Today was incredibly difficult. I am not sure why. But I was HUNGRY, and I'm not talking wanting to snack but...

NoelFigart

Well, keep in mind that Reinhard combines Shovelglove and Urban Ranger and by his own admission average over an hour of exercise each weekday.

I could see doing my usual half hour gym workouts and then Urban Rangering a half an hour a day, but an hour a day workout? No.

NoelFigart

I buy $10 sneakers at Wal-Mart. I am a Bad Consumer.

NoelFigart

I am not in favor of legislating "Good for your body" ANYTHING. I say this as a non-smoker who detests cigarette smoke and does not like to socialize in smoking environments. The line between that and "Good for your soul" is far far too fuzzy and at some point that gets evil people like me shot. I t...

NoelFigart

Oh, I get the value of being a bit strict part! And I agree. As long as you don't beat yourself up or turn this into an excuse to fail more, you're all good. I took a failure yesterday for a piece of bread the size of your thumb. I did it because I AM concerned with the habit-building that strictnes...

NoelFigart

KCCC is quite right about the fail fast and get over it faster. I failed yesterday. I has made some focaccia and was packing everyone's lunch for tomorrow and had a nibble. We're talking a piece the size of your thumb. I could have approached it in three ways. I could have said, "Oh well, down the h...

NoelFigart

That calorie restriction is pretty extreme and I wouldn't consider it very sustainable. I think the message of the article was that eating overall too much food for one's needs is bad. True. Snacking isn't EVIL. It's just that it makes it far too easy to fudge excess. The point of eschewing snacking...

NoelFigart

I have to agree with Wosnes that cinnamon toast is a bit fuzzy, and might be an individual call.

NoelFigart

No S Glass Ceiling Exercise In the interests of strictness, I'm calling both No-S and Exercise a failure, though neither were all that bad. I nibbled on some bread that I'd made when prepping bento for tomorrow. I also blew off weights, though I did do some bodyweight exercises -- just a few squats...

NoelFigart

Now I go from quite hungry to "ahh, that's better." I do that. In fact, I rather like the sensation. I use it as a motivator not to snack, because I know that I won't feel that way if I spoil my dinner. but also I realize now: If you have to ask, you have your answer: not hungry. How did we let our...

NoelFigart

But who needs denial when you have No S. Amen to that. I overheard two women at the gym a few months ago (both of whom were quite lean) lamenting the fact they had eaten something "bad" last over a holiday. I laughed at them and said that if pie at Thanksgiving is REALLY your biggest eating problem...

NoelFigart

Packing up the night before is a good idea, and putting together several outfits for the week is also a nice plan.

I'd be lost if I didn't prepare for the next day the night before.

NoelFigart

I do believe in eating "real food", but there's a limit, people! I love how our culture has gotten this idea that if you're very very good, and eat the right combination of foods and exercise at just the perfect level and take all the magic supplements you're supposed to, and follow the latest magic...

NoelFigart

March 27 March 28 March 29 I had to attend a meeting about my son going into high school. Now I hate my damn school system anyway (load of anti-intellectuals who don't value a classical education at ALL, damn them) so a meeting scheduled for 6:00 and lasting until 7:30 was irritating as hell. I did...

NoelFigart

I feel for you Emily. I'm not going to get dinner until a couple hours late and I'm grinding my teeth about it. Probably shouldn't.

Go you for stopping at one failure. Baby steps.

NoelFigart

My daughter is reading out loud one of those coupon sheets you get from pizza places sometimes. The combinations of foods is kind of weird. Why do you need garlic bread with pizza? Isn't the point of pizza to be a meal ON bread? Or chicken wings WITH pizza? I mean, don't get me wrong, I like wings a...

NoelFigart

The snack obsession is especially weird to me. As I have pointed out before, hunger has come to be treated as a dangerous (if not fatal) disease that must be prevented at all costs, even if it means a constant intake of food. Well, hunger IS fatal, eventually. That's what makes the constant grazing...

NoelFigart

So I'm a little confused.... I know its three square meals a day but does it matter what you eat during those meals? For example, pizza, wouldnt be considered a sweet but its certainly fattening. Is anything still fine as long as youre not consuming it in large quantities? Thanks for your help! The...

NoelFigart

I am so sorry for your loss.

For what it's worth, I've found sticking to routine during tough times to be a big comfort.

NoelFigart

March 26 I'm not losing weight very fast. Plotting my weight as a moving average I've lost about a pound in three weeks. While I'd rather lose faster, I'm also watching a friend on Weight Watchers who has actually commented that keeping track of points is like having a part time job. I asked her if...

Everyday Systems

Search found 1639 matches

Just Because You Can Doesn't Mean You Have To

Re: Confliciting Information is Crazy-Making

Re: A Much More Positive Update

Re: Is this failure?

LAZYWEBS: Rate of Weight Loss

Re: where does tea and coffee fit?

Re: Excellent nutrition with small portions

A Mild Funny

My Son, the Urban Ranger

Vacation Advice

Re: Quitting No S

Unusually Hungry

Re: am I hungry or not?

"Special Offers"

Re: Newbie help!!

Re: MY SUCCESS