Everyday Systems

vmsurbat

I'm over it, thanks in large part to the helpful and kind comments on this site. ..... I want a life time change, not a quick to arrive, quick to leave event. Bravo for "getting over it," for getting the *right* perspective. Slow and steady with peace and sanity really is a formula for success. Her...

vmsurbat

A big glass of water helps, and probably aids digestion, too. When I first started NoS, I found that what might be taken as hunger was actual thirst. By eating less food, I was ALSO taking in less water--not by drinking less but because all the extra food I had previously been eating had provided w...

vmsurbat

I just don't eat when I'm not supposed to, and eat a lot when I do. I don't have to think about it and I don't have to reconcile any numbers at the end of the dayâ€” just how good I'm feeling and how my body reacts to what I do eat. This has been my experience (4.5+ years and counting!). I am still...

vmsurbat

I'm also 5'2" and in my mid-fifties. I lost the first 30 lbs just following Vanilla NoS. After that, because I wanted to, I added walking as my fitness of choice (I use a pedometer for motivation) and aim for (not perfectly, but as a general rule) to plate my food according to the 1/2 veggies/salad,...

vmsurbat

Excellently done! Thanks for sharing. I'm also in maintaining mode on NoS... As much as I liked to think that I can get on without NoS, focusing on the habits really nips creeping excesses before they do any real damage.

Congratulations again!

vmsurbat

Welcome, Chris! For testimonials, I highly suggest reading through the posts on the NoS Testimonial page: http://www.everydaysystems.com/bb/viewforum.php?f=13 You'll see NoS successes of all kinds: binge eating, the last stubborn 10 pounds, 50+ lbs, sanity with food, and more. It is quite inspiring ...

vmsurbat

I agree with germanherman. I love NoS but I don't think it is THE answer for everybody, either! Unless you have a medical condition, there's no reason why vanilla No S can't work for you. Ahhh. I didn't say NoS wouldn't work or be a help or anything of the sort. I personally LOVE vanilla NoS as I s...

vmsurbat

Thalia, it's true. It seems like no one can agree on what we are supposed to eat- however each of us is individual and can/can't handle different foods. I guess it makes us all special. I am a little sad to see people throw down the idea of Gluten free as a fad. For me, it's not. Please don't stop ...

vmsurbat

Welcome back! Good to see you again.

Don't look back with regrets, but enjoy the journey going forward. I do!

vmsurbat

Congratulations! but the weight crept back on a few pounds a year, even though I was conscious of eating healthy and avoiding sweets most of the time. This was my experience pre-NoS as well--generally watching what I ate may have slowed the pounds creeping on but they did creep. One thing I LOVE abo...

vmsurbat

wosnes wrote:
Over43 wrote: but what could that new super food be?
You piqued my curiosity. It's chia seeds.

This is an interesting, quick look at chia vs. flax vs. hemp seeds that I recently read:
http://nutritiondiva.quickanddirtytips. ... -flax.aspx

I wish the "super food" trend would just stop.....

vmsurbat

I've probably been eating less sweets/snacks on No S than before but I think my problem is that my meals are a lot bigger/calorific than they were before. Calorie counting taught me that I could be satisfied on a lot less food than I was eating and I suppose I've been using the theory that in the e...

vmsurbat

Welcome back to food sanity!

vmsurbat

I think you can definitely follow NoS while nursing--just make sure you are getting enough fluid. The rule of thumb back when I had little ones was to drink 2 or 3 cups of water each time I sat down to nurse--I had one special cup that I used which made it easy for me to do so. Congrats on a new baby!

vmsurbat

jellybeans01 wrote:stress and overweight can cause problems. I have been no sing since my second baby and am expecting number 5.

Congratulations! I started NoSing 10 years after baby number 5!

vmsurbat

I will now see red days only as learning opportunities. This week I have learned that I truly dislike spoiling my appetite, and that when I eat full meals, overdoing it makes me uncomfortable and unhappy. I may have to have this reinforced through future failures, but it's the journey. Why would I ...

vmsurbat

I know Reinhard is rather a fan of shame, but I don't think he ever felt the deep sense of self-denigration that many women feel from eating. I'd say getting over the sense of shame and not mixing it up with the very real unpleasant effects of overeating was central for me. Objectivity is empowerin...

vmsurbat

I don't really like the concept of self-sabotage. ... Plus, I just think it is natural for the habit to put up a fight. It is a neurochemical pattern. ... In fact, just about everything can be thwarted if you just outlast it. Believe that you are bigger than the habit. You "just" hold on longer tha...

vmsurbat

One of the long timers here, I think it might have been vmsurbat, wrote recently that she's almost never had a perfect week or at least not a perfect 21 days. And she's lost weight. I'm not a fan of perfectionism. I think most folks waste too much time trying to be perfect. Good enough is good enou...

vmsurbat

I would greatly welcome the input here of any long-term posters here who began No S with a personal BMI above 35 , and who now have,â€¦ and have maintained for at least 3 years , â€¦ a BMI of around 25 or less . regarding how much Effort that achieving this, has been personally required of them. I ...

vmsurbat

It is rather outrageous that American foods end up with such an amazing amount of crap in them that eaters in other countries don't have to deal with. Although this is true, I can assure you that people eating the "healthier" European versions are getting just as fat and unhealthy. We live in south...

vmsurbat

Ok so I have probably tried No S a dozen times and failed each time before the 21 days. I don't track on habitcal or check-in, but I sincerely doubt that I've perfectly followed NoS for 21 days straight in all the 4+ years I've been NoSing. And I consider myself a very successful NoSer! It truly ha...

vmsurbat

Aren't chips allowed during a meal? :D Yes, they are! We had chips yesterday, along with sandwiches, veggies, and dip. Yum! But when they are part of the meal, chips are much less likely to be consumed mindlessly and in surprisingly large quantities. The smallest bag of chips I can purchase easily ...

vmsurbat

Fuji apple with lemon and ginger is delicious. Other combos I like are sliced oranges with u sweetened cinnamon, same with apples, in the summer I love watermelon with lime juice and if I have mint I add that too. I might try bananas with cinnamon later. More for a reminder for me, I find it helpfu...

vmsurbat

So, snapshot: First year NoS: 4 desserts every weekend. Today: 1 small serving on Sunday. Why? Because that is what I *now* enjoy most! :-) I admire this and wish I could get to this point regarding sweets. That is my problem area, not plating. I can virtual plate non-sweets to my heart's content a...

vmsurbat

You're right, I was being unrealistic in my expectation! Sulk over, thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it! I've woken up in a much more practical frame of mind and ready to get on with it. Also thinking of starting the 'no solitary snzcking' and only eating when 'sitting at a table with a p...

vmsurbat

I would personally consider taking from a second plate to be a mod or an advanced manoeuvre! I'm pretty sure I could not pull that one off yet, but my habit is still quite new, and I'd like to think that a few years in I will be able to act a little more naturally. The wonderful thing about NoS is ...

vmsurbat

Vmsurbat, I sometimes do the same thing, a plate of sliced fruit to share after dinner, but I considered it a mod. Do you virtual plate it? Well, I put the fruit/nut plate on the table at dinner time as a reminder to us all that it is part of our meal. But, I don't serve from it until after I've fi...

vmsurbat

We almost always have a fruit and nut plate: An assortment of cut up fresh fruit, dried fruits, nuts sprinkled over. I prepare a moderate portion. For example, today's fruit/nutplate: 1 pink grapefruit peeled and separated, small handful of dried apricots, small handful of dried plums, and almonds s...

vmsurbat

Terrific!

vmsurbat

It has been both fun and inspiring to see your progress over the years. Congratulations!

vmsurbat

Best wishes for good success! I think you will really enjoy the freedom of building habits of moderation. If you don't have the book, it really is worth getting. Our brains/thoughts/diet-head need just as much training as our eating habits, and reading (and re-reading) the book really helps with that.

vmsurbat

My question is-- what does everyone do for the occasional "minor" holiday? The kind where the banks might be closed, but the stores are still open and many people still have to work, etc. Do you count them as S days? For example-- MLK Jr. day, Valentine's, Labor Day, Memorial Day, etc. I know ultim...

vmsurbat

Wosnes said it all and very well, too! The closest I get to "exercise" is that I choose to wear a pedometer and it helps me to remember to move a bit more. It is amazing to me that by choosing to do more around the house (water the garden, taking the laundry upstairs rather than assigning a child to...

vmsurbat

Yesterday: Homemade Ranch Burgers (Burgers with Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, and BBQ sauce); 3-bean salad, veggies with homemade ranch, corn on the cob. Today: Beef Vegetable Stew with butter dips (log-shaped biscuits made w/o butter, but rolled in melted butter before baking. Mmmm), fruit, l.o. salad Sun...

vmsurbat

Welcome! NoS is about sanity and moderation. You are going to love it; I do! Since Nicest wonderfully covered so much territory, I'll add just two more things: 1. Retrain your thinking 2. Make your meals satisfying. Since this is my standard advice for newbies (and the two most significant factors i...

vmsurbat

Yesterday: Green Chile Verde, Corn muffins served with a bit of butter and honey, carrot sticks with homemade ranch, fruit plate. Today: Omelette (mushroom, cheese, greens), bacon, toast, l.o. green beans, fruit salad. Tomorrow: Falafels with homemade pita, all the fixins (yogurt sauce, tomatoes, le...

vmsurbat

I'm one of the successes. I don't track on the check-in thread--it isn't helpful to me. I don't feel the need for that level of accountability. So, the Check-in Thread is a very limited snapshot of *some* people using NoS who want to take the extra time to maintain a thread. It seems to me that thos...

vmsurbat

Welcome! I predict that your experiment will be a grand success. You'll gain healthy, sane eating patterns at the very least (and that is extremely valuable, IMO) and most likely will come to learn, over the course of the year, the types and amounts of food you like to eat that keep you healthy... L...

vmsurbat

Glad to have you join us.

vmsurbat

Thanks for sharing your success story. I think you really nailed the essence of NoS here: This was definitely more a lifestyle/habit change than a diet. I don't feel deprived, and I didn't have to give up any of the food I like, I just had to change how/when I ate it. I doubt if I'll lose any more w...

vmsurbat

Sixty wrote:I mentioned the gradual weight gain to my wife, and she promptly implemented her own advanced eating technique. Maybe it's my imagination, but it seems like the general size of servings at meals has gotten somewhat smaller recentlyâ€¦

You married a smart woman!

vmsurbat

I think what is helping me the most to stick to No S over Christmas is that my main focus is not really on loosing weight (although with a BMI of 34 I do need to loose at some point) but on modelling healthy eating habits for my daughter. I don't deprive her of snacks (she is only 2!) but I believe...

vmsurbat

I agree with enjoying the unexpected blessing of a Snow Day. But, I wouldn't look at it as a free-for-all S day to eat seconds, snacks, sweets whenever and however. That would likely make you feel sick! Bake your cookies, enjoy your book, and savor a pre-determined number of cookies/sweet treats. Pe...

vmsurbat

What kind of corrective action do you take when you're above your weight target? I'm good about tracking my weight - but it's been going up the past few months and I haven't responded yet to the increases. I'm thinking about making some flash cards with advanced eating techniques to remember such a...

vmsurbat

I almost wish I wasn't coming up on 4 S days all in a row (the weekend, Christmas Eve my birthday, and then Christmas)....but if I try to restrict on those days I 'll go batty. Looking forward to testing out three months and from there a year if I think I can do it. JustForToday, May I wish you an ...

vmsurbat

What happens if you are a cook? I cook all our food and am finding tasting is a challenge. I have to taste but realise now perhaps I have always snacked on the food I am cooking. Any advice from any keen cooks out there? I do a lot of cooking, too. After beginning NoS, I came to realize that I was ...

vmsurbat

It is hard to say if it is the norm (the stopping and restarting). I think there are also a lot of people like me: I adopted NoS four years ago and have never stopped. I *did* learn new habits, and the "old ways" have lost their appeal. Sure, I've had some "bad" days (according to how well I followe...

vmsurbat

It's rather lame to report success when I started No S at 215 on September 8, 2008, got to a high of 222 on August 29, 2012, and have dropped to 211.4 yesterday. I am making a testimonial now because I think I've finally figured out how to lose weight and stay sane using this diet as a framework. K...

vmsurbat

Yesterday: Homemade Falafels with trimmings, flatbread, garlic yogurt sauce, Spicy Carrot Salad, mandarins Today: Italian Beef Sandwiches, Oven Fries, Hearty Salad (lettuce plus plenty of chopped veggies--including the last tomatoes from the greenhouse), cheesecake cookies for dessert (Fri=S day at ...

vmsurbat

Yesterday: Leftover Curry and Rice, rounded out with a fried egg on top. Big Salad (Lettuce and assorted chopped/diced veggies), homemade toast, and fruit to fill the plate. We have a "Breakfast for Dinner" meal at least once a week. Today: Mushrooms in Port Sauce over Popovers, Sauteed Green Beans ...

vmsurbat

Congratulations! And I think you are quite right to include your frame size. At 5' 2", I was amazed to recently discover that I actually have a med/large frame based on wrist size--my wrist is 5-6cm larger than yours! The beauty of NoS, is that by following the rules (I'm a straight Vanilla Gal as w...

vmsurbat

Congratulations! Definitely worth a post in the testimonial forum!

vmsurbat

What is the common link between all of these success stories? I know they all stick to healthy eating and exercise, but what makes them stick to it? What makes all those people overcome the bad habits they've had most their life once and for all?? I'm not sure that I can come up with "the common li...

vmsurbat

Congratulations! Celebrating with you new life and your weightloss accomplishment!

vmsurbat

Welcome!

It works for me--I'm at 4+ years and counting. Read through the testimonial board for some inspiration and examples of NoS successes through all the stresses and joys of everyday living.

Best wishes for your NoS journey,

vmsurbat

In reading about the French I've noticed that they often have chocolate daily -- there's even a chocolate "sandwich" that children may have at their daily snack. They don't seem to consider dark chocolate a sweet or a treat OR a health food. Chocolate is almost another category of food. Our Danish ...

vmsurbat

I've never experimented with IE, but I can say, that after 4 years of NoS (not perfectly, but ever continuing), I really do believe that I am "in tune" with what my body wants. However, I think I needed (and continue to need!) my NoS habits FIRST to train my body in the way it should go and now it t...

vmsurbat

That's the great thing about S days, you don't have to worry about when or what you eat, but you can still pay attention to when you are full and how you feel :) Absolutely! But believe me, the time has come for me, given my long term NoS habits (4+ years), it sometimes really happens that dessert,...

vmsurbat

I decided to make Wednesday and Saturday my S days. Actually, those will be more like 'S events' - something sweet after dinner. If I include a lot of S's in the same day, I don't feel good. Is anyone else doing something similar? From the very beginning my S days were Friday and Sunday--they fit i...

vmsurbat

...I am actually dreading getting on the scales Monday. I am only three weeks into this so bear with me. I know my body needs to adjust. A little scared though. May I suggest that you not weigh on a Monday, assuming that you use the weekends as your S-days? I always weighed myself on Friday morning...

vmsurbat

I made rules for tasting food while cooking: Use a teaspoon to taste while cooking, not a larger spoon. One taste per spoon- no double-dipping (that's disgusting, anyway). You may only taste when you have made a modification of some kind to the food since the last taste. These are my basic guidelin...

vmsurbat

I've managed several since starting NoS. For me the core, key, supreme element in my successes is Reinhard's saying: the minimum should be the maximum. Previously, I'd make resolutions/attempts at a new habit and wisely start with one small step, have success, add another step to the habit, have suc...

vmsurbat

Welcome! I think you will quickly come to appreciate the sane, sound, sensible habits you'll gain eating with NoS principles. Changing eating habits goes beyond mere physical habits; it also includes mind habits. I encourage you to especially look through the Testimonial forum as well as the sticky ...

vmsurbat

Happy Birthday!

vmsurbat

ironchef wrote:
So, thanks all who chimed in with great ideas and moral support. It really helped me view this as a positive thing, instead of an obstacle. You guys rock!

Congratulations! Isn't it wonderful how NoS flexes with all the good things in life?

vmsurbat

Hurray! Yay for you! I'm thrilled that you are doing so well, enjoying the journey, learning what works for you and your wonderful body. It really IS a great feeling when food is no longer the "enemy."

Congratulations again!

vmsurbat

Congratulations and blessings to you all!

vmsurbat

It sounds weird, but I 'mummified' my wallet and stuck it inside of the camera bag I carry with me all of the time. Keep various electronic gizmos and gadgets in there -- yes it's a camera bag, not a 'man purse' ..Even has Nikon logo on it. The wrapping consists of handkerchiefs wrapped around it, ...

vmsurbat

Hey! I made my own treadmill desk with cheap lumber scraps and screws. There are also videos on you tube on how to make your own VERY CHEAP! Good luck Thanks, I'll look into it... Right now, as a quick and easy fix, I converted my desk set-up to be a standing desk... Fortunately, it is in the famil...

vmsurbat

Yes, I spoke with a dietician when I was first diagnosed... basics of what they said are essentially the same as no s, but with snacks... one place, 45-55 carbs, 1/3 or more of plate should be green. I really enjoyed learning about low glycemic index carbs (low gi) which evaluates how much a servin...

vmsurbat

A favorite summer meal we had today: Mediterranean Tuna and White Bean Salad. This is a classic recipe and versions can be found all over the internet. The way I make it: In a bowl, whisk together dressing 2 T lemon juice 2 T olive oil 1/4 t. salt fresh ground pepper to taste 1.4 t. crushed red chil...

vmsurbat

I've been surprised by just how easily these 21 days have gone by. In fact, I'm a little bit spooked that it isn't harder - diets should be tough right? This was my experience beginning NoS as well. I couldn't believe it was all about 3 wise little habits.... I've been eating whatever I want for ma...

vmsurbat

I passed my 4 year NoS anniversary in July and I'm so pleased to be able to write this FOURTH testimony in praise of NoS sanity. For those who want all the background, here's last year's testimonial post (with links to previous years): http://www.everydaysystems.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=7858 So, what...

vmsurbat

Can anyone else (especially anyone who's petite) speak from experience of living the No-S way while keeping their weight the same? ~Peri ME! ME! ME! I'm a 5'2", 50+, and hypothyroidal woman, so I fit the bill! I've been following NoS for the last four years. I did lose my weight on NoS but have mai...

vmsurbat

What we would call dessert they had once a week and bought only enough on the day of the event for everyone to have one serving. Even though we get two S days following NoS habits, I am finding that one dessert per week is ENOUGH. This said after 4 years of NoS!! The first year I had dessert/someth...

vmsurbat

b) Now, I'm acknowledging my failure and just get right back on track. This obviously means that my failures have been very contained - they're in fact nearly in a grey zone - and I don't feel like my habits have been affected too much. Happy Failures to all of us so we can succeed enthusiastically...

vmsurbat

Thank you! I was already aware of how much US sizes have grown, but found it extremely interesting to see the averages differences in size between the same items in modern-day Paris and Philadelphia.

vmsurbat

Today is my first day. Wish me well and point me in the right direction! Welcome! NoS is a wonderfully sane, sustainable, and SATISFYING way to eat. Smart move to come over here. I'm the same age as you and have had wonderful success (just passed my 4 year mark--I need to update my sig and post a n...

vmsurbat

Oh, and one thing I was going to note for the record: My mod of taking S days on Fridays and Sundays is still going strong, a little over two years after I started using it. It still works better for me to have one working day a week be an S day, and to have the two S days separated by an N day. Th...

vmsurbat

I'm on the other side. I wouldn't count it as a snack/red light, but rather as the cost of doing business--finding out if my family would enjoy this new (and presumably somewhat costly) cheese. Limited in scope, little chance of happening mindlessly. Not knowing how big the slices were (slivers? sla...

vmsurbat

Thanks for your support. I'm actually looking forward to surprising everyone when I lose weight. Maybe then I'll tell them about No S. (Maybe...if they're nice!) HL You'll love the sanity of NoS habits. (I do--I am about to write my 4th year testimonial!!). But just so you know, I lost 30 pounds th...

vmsurbat

Glad to hear you are still going strong! Congratulations on 3 years of NoS success.

vmsurbat

I find the whole topic of "thinking about food" interesting and finally have time to jot down a few thoughts of my own. I think it is quite normal to be thinking about food a lot of the time. Historically, much of life revolved around getting food on the table. Gosh, it seems that much of my life (f...

vmsurbat

06/13: While cleaning up after dinner, snitched a dried fig off the plate. Ooops!

vmsurbat

6/07: Had a guest over, put out peanuts and fruit for him, but ate some (too much!) myself. A true WTH moment.

vmsurbat

Well, The NoS Catch Phrase Glossary (3 pages worth of great inspirational quotes and maxims!) is right here and I highly recommend you read through it: http://www.everydaysystems.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=3883 Some of my favorite pithy statements include: Mark it and Move On (my very own contribution) ...

vmsurbat

I wouldn't consider two red days in a sea of green to be reason to throw in the towel--focus on celebrating your successes!!! IMO, you are doing WELL. In the off-chance that you may find it helpful, take a look at my "Oops" accountability thread here: http://www.everydaysystems.com/bb/viewtopic.php?...

vmsurbat

In my own case, I think I'm still able to eat a pretty decent amount of food, even after losing (and continuing to lose!) over 55 pounds. One thing that I think is a critical factor is that my rate of losing has been "slow" (1st year: 30lbs, 2nd year: 10; 3rd year: 10 lbs; mid 4th: 4-5 lbs.) I know ...

vmsurbat

I can see where penalizing slip-ups might come in: I may go to a wine dinner next week, with a different wine with each of four courses. Unless I only drink a half glass of each wine (tough to do), I'll go over my self-imposed limit. Well, I can eat a reasonable amount of food at a buffet, so I sho...

vmsurbat

5/26: Took an extra piece of pizza. No excuse, just did it.

vmsurbat

Again, so glad to be of help. I think on my next testimonial (coming up in July!!), I'll link THIS thread as well, because it may help people see what one successful NoS lifestyle looks like: NoS compliance almost all the time except for those "oops" moments--not 100% perfection. If you think about ...

vmsurbat

I don't like leaving food on my plate, and I like full plates. Over time, I've gotten into the following practices: 1. 2 meals (for us, breakfast and supper) are on smaller (what used to be called "luncheon") plates. 2. Lunch (our main meal) is on a normal dinner (not oversized) plate. 3. I opted to...

vmsurbat

5/22: Ate a cookie while having coffee with a friend.

vmsurbat

5/17: A neighbor brought over some apple strudel, still warm from the oven. I ate some, so a fail. Again, it was just a few bites, so no weight-control damage. But...not strict NoS compliance. And that is what THIS thread is all about.....

vmsurbat

He also says the numbers show it takes a long time, like three years, for weight loss to stick since it takes that long for the body to reach a new equilibrium. I wish he would have explained a little more about that. I guess the take home message is don't expect this to be quick. All of the mathem...

vmsurbat

One of the best things about NoS is how *easy* it is to keep on, keeping on. I'm past the 3.5 year mark with NoS (successfully, but not perfectly) and it really does get better and better.

Congratulations! Post in the testimonial section, too!

vmsurbat

Congratulations! Enjoy your family AND your good health.

vmsurbat

5/03: With a long stretch between lunch and dinner due to an evening meeting, I opted for a glass of milk (legal) but then snitched the one lonely roasted asparagus leftover from a previous meal. Again, not a biggie calorie-wise/healthwise, but a disappointment in keeping habits.

vmsurbat

4/24: More Virtual plating--this is really my downfall. I'm not gaining weight (and since I don't have much to lose anymore, I've not been losing at any great rate) but still, I feel like my habits are derailing--more "diethead chatter" than in a long time. One=done is SO FREEING.

Everyday Systems

Search found 499 matches

Re: Better now

Re: Delighting in strictness

Re: Get ready for the new diet craze...

Re: never going "off"

Re: Mental Focus

Re: Do you count "minor" holidays as S days?

Re: For all you daily weight trackers ...

Re: What is it?

Re: S Days Wednesday and Saturday

Re: S Days Wednesday and Saturday

Re: Freaking out over carb intake

Re: Back from vacation

Re: treadmill desk

Re: No S is awesome: 21 days, 6 pounds

Celebrating 4 year of NoS sanity! (and success!!!)

Re: Thanks for your responses!

Re: Happy Failures

Re: New kid.....

Re: What the numbers say