Everyday Systems

sophiasapientia

There are other good brands but I use an Omron and have been very happy with it. http://www.amazon.com/Omron-HJ-112-Digi ... 373&sr=8-1
There are other "more advanced" Omron pedometers as well.

sophiasapientia

Hi there Kathi! Thanks for visiting my thread and congratulations on nearing your 21 Days! You are doing great! :D I think the fact that you've been maintaining your weight, Wild S Days and all, is very promising because, as you naturally start to adjust your portions a bit and up your movement a bi...

sophiasapientia

Many communities here are designed so folks have to take cars. Public transport is pathetic and places aren't set up for walking. This is certainly true for much of Michigan where I live ... in large part due to the auto industry and maybe the weather too. Thankfully, it really doesn't take a huge a...

sophiasapientia

Weight has been consistently at 119.4 all week. Not a big shock. I know from many months of graphing my weight that my body "clings" to weight for a few days during mid-cycle. It does this every month. :P No S fail yesterday. We picked up cupcakes from the bakery next to where kiddo takes piano less...

sophiasapientia

... by the time my meals got smaller and my S-days more sane, it felt GOOD. Not like a diet, like a way of eating that was normal and comfortable. In fact, I would honestly say that I enjoy food MORE than I ever used to. But where I am not is not where I started, and I don't think I could have gone...

sophiasapientia

Aleria -- I've struggled with this over the years as well and my rule of thumb is "fake it until you make it." If somebody says something nice about how I look, I just smile and say "Thank you!" (There was a time when I couldn't accept a compliment and it drove my sweet DH crazy.) Affirmations can h...

sophiasapientia

What I lack is the knowledge and the path to be set upon. I don't have money to buy treadmills and Bowflexes. Nor do I have the money to buy special diet food every week. I can work to buy normal, healthy food from a store (Which is going to be better overall because I can't just eat special diet f...

sophiasapientia

It really depends on what feels right for you. Some folks have difficult histories with the scale and do best to weigh themselves infrequently, like once a month. Others prefer to check-in daily or weekly so that they can become tuned in with normal body fluctuations, nip any potential problems in t...

sophiasapientia

Jammin' Jan wrote:Our daughter graduates from college today, so this is a very happy S Day for me.

Congratulations!

Have a wonderful celebration!

sophiasapientia

Weight has been between 117.8-119 this week. This morning it was 118.4. We went out for kiddie sized ice cream after DD's swim lessons again last night. A small treat on Friday night is becoming a habit. Since I'm happy with where I am at weight-wise, I'm not concerned about it at this point. If the...

sophiasapientia

I agree with Marygrace about the accountability partner idea. In fact, I recently read somewhere that if you have an accountability partner and have a set time to check-in with your partner to discuss your progress, there is a 95% chance that you'll meet your goal. (The success rate is 65% if you ha...

sophiasapientia

Hello everyone! I'm struggling a bit and really losing inspiration and need a bit of advice... I have been on the No-S diet since August 18th and haven't really lost anything. This wouldn't seem like a big deal since no S is suppose to be steady, but I'm about 170 pounds overweight and No-S has cha...

sophiasapientia

Had not planned to go see Mom this weekend (Sis's turn), but... she's back in the hospital. So, I'm going to go tomorrow. Life is too full. I am looking for islands of peace within it. This board is always one. Later. KCCC -- I'm sorry to hear of your mom's setback. Sending healing thoughts to her ...

sophiasapientia

Hmmm? I am pretty much a newcomer....been here before, but back again! This is only day two for me. This convo is a bit confusing to me though as I thought No S was all about No Sweets, No Snacks, No Seconds...end of story. All this counting discussion here makes this sound like all the diets I've ...

sophiasapientia

Besides, depending on habit, I find that it helps if I: Exercise. Helps me to cope, mentally & physically. I figure I can do something , even if it's setting the timer for 10 minute segments and walking around the house. Meal plan. I set aside a small amount of time each week, regardless of what is ...

sophiasapientia

I absolutely agree with the others. Figuring out what is "enough" is a highly individualized learning curve, based on many factors such as what satisifes you, what fits with your lifestyle, how active you are, your height/weight. KCCC's steps are brilliant/right on target, IMO. If you are naturally ...

sophiasapientia

According to the American Society of Training and Development, the probability of completing a goal is: 10% if you hear an idea 25% if you decide to consciously adopt it 40% if you decide you will do it 50% if you plan how you will do it 65% if you commit to someone else you will do it 95% if you h...

sophiasapientia

Happy birthday, Mimi, & congratulations on your weight loss!

sophiasapientia

Hey Denise -- Thanks! It was a lovely weekend. Lots of fun, nice weather and the autumnal colors are just beautiful.

I suspect that you have the better end of the bargain in CA during the bitter cold and icy winter months, though.

sophiasapientia

I agree with all the good advice given so far. I think it is wise to get a baseline to see what you average and start from there. :wink: Around the time I started wearing my pedometer again several months ago, I read a book that said that an average of 12,000-15,000 steps a day is recommended for we...

sophiasapientia

Welcome Kathi! :D Excessive or seemingly excessive S Days do tend to be the norm in the beginning for many of us No Sers. It seems that how long it takes for these to moderate varies greatly from individual to individual. A lot of it has to do with finding a balance between treating yourself and not...

sophiasapientia

We went out for ice cream at Coldstone following DD's swim lesson last night. I had a kiddie-sized serving and it was yummy. Technically a No S fail. Honestly, I don't officially keep track of Green days/Red days anymore, though I attribute being very strict about staying within the No S rules earli...

sophiasapientia

That's what "diets" do -- make you obsess about what you eat. No-S truly isn't a new method -- it's how we ate before we obsessed about food. I absolutely agree with Wosnes. I suspect that if you give it time and focus on building a solid habit, eventually eating in this manner will feel natural. F...

sophiasapientia

wosnes wrote:Read this and recommend No-S in the comments!

Done.

sophiasapientia

Ashleigh -- Thanks for sharing your update and the pictures. You look lovely! Congratulations, too, on the news of your growing family!

All the Best,

sophiasapientia

Hi Victoria, Former carb police here. I lost the bulk of my excess weight -- I was 193 lbs at my highest non-pregnancy weight -- via low carb over a couple of years. It worked but was not sustainable for me. I managed to keep about 50 lbs of this off completely through exercise and sheer will. I yo-...

sophiasapientia

Just wrote a check-in and it got deleted somehow. Ugh. The short story is that No S and exercise continue to go well. My family did a charity walk this past weekend which was fun. This morning's weight was 119.4 with TOM. :) Otherwise, very busy week. Lots of meetings and I've gotten myself organize...

sophiasapientia

Hi KCCC, Thanks so much for the compliments and advice! I really appreciate it. You are right on. I too tend compare another person's "best" with my "worst" and it just isn't all that helpful. When I look at how I spend my time, I do think there are some definite areas where I could make better use ...

sophiasapientia

Just popping in for my weekly check-in. Weight has been staying between 119-120 this week which is fine by me. This morning it was 119.8. I've read in the forums that several people attribute planning to a major key in their success and I concur that this has been true for me. Every Sunday night, I ...

sophiasapientia

Woohoo! Congrats on breaking into the 120s! You're doing great!

sophiasapientia

Hey Shannah, I think it is great that you are nipping in this bud. Your plan sounds very reasonable. Personally, I think adding 1 & 2 may be enough turn things around. I certainly wouldn't add anything more than 1-3 to start. Whatever you do, aim to make the smallest changes neccessary so that they ...

sophiasapientia

Hey Shannon. Things are going really great. I'm experimenting with breakfast. I haven't been eating it, except when I get to work at 11:15 and eat some fruit and rice cakes. Well for 2 days I've had a small breakfast at around 10:30 and it seems to be taking care of my hunger later iin the day. Hen...

sophiasapientia

I'm where you are Mimi. I'm now trying my own rules out. Based on No S, but rules that work with my life. This is what I'm doing but will reevaluate in time. 3 meals a day No Sweets (exception is bible study if available and a tiny amount) No 2nds, 9 inch plate or smaller (breakfast for example) Sn...

sophiasapientia

Thanks KCCC! I'm also a fan of the babysteps approach. One of the added benefits of No S/Everyday Systems for me, besides weight loss and dietary sanity, has been reinforcing the importance of habit and breaking problems into managable solutions/parts. **** Spent a fun NWS day with the family yester...

sophiasapientia

Thanks so much for the encouragement Denise. Yes, it is definitely a hurdle to be limited in my driving and it limits me, too, in the person I want to be and the things I want to do. Plus, it is embarrassing and not something I'm all that comfortable sharing IRL. :oops: I recognize that everyone has...

sophiasapientia

I drove on the highway this morning. I just went up and back one exit but this is a major success for me. Prior to today, it had been over a year since I attempted to drive on the highway, although I drive around town -- taking back roads if need be -- on a daily basis. I feel jittery but I did it a...

sophiasapientia

Congratulations on your sweet little girl! I agree with Denise ... She's a beauty! :D And congrats, too, on being so close to your pre-pregnancy weight so soon. 8) That's awesome! You were very attentive to your health/diet during the pregnancy and it has definitely paid off. You are a terrific role...

sophiasapientia

I definitely agree that it isn't a teacher's place to offer unsolicited dietary advice for all the reasons given. The issue of whether to take 2 bites or save the goodies for the weekend depends on the individual. I think some folks are perfectly OK with just taking 2 bites and for others "Building ...

sophiasapientia

I just checked an interesting new release coffee table-style book out of the library called "What I Eat: Around the World in 80 Diets." It looks at 80 individuals, from around the world, in varying economic positions and looks at what they ate on a given day, including any snacks, and giving a calor...

sophiasapientia

Extra post.

sophiasapientia

I love being at my kids school. Keeping an eye on my teenagers is a huge bonus. Me too, Denise. :wink: :D I love being able to volunteer in DD's class/school, get to know her teachers and friends and keep an eye on her. Of course, she is 7 and still happy to have me around at this point. LOL! Your ...

sophiasapientia

Audiomama -- Way to go!!! It is inspiring to read how No S has changed your life in addition to your weight. I've found that to be true as well. Thank you for sharing your wonderful testimony!

sophiasapientia

We've been settling into the back to school routine. Everything is going well. I've taken on some new responsibilities recently, like being the PTO Treasurer at kiddo's school, and we have a very busy Fall in general ... but everything seems completely doable. My weight continues to slowly drop. It ...

sophiasapientia

And then I took one of my rare NWS days for one slice of cake. It was totally S-worthy - homemade chocolate cake with a chocolate-peppermint icing. Oh, my goodness KCCC. That cake sounds divine and completely NWS-worthy! Would you mind posting the recipe here or PMing it to me sometime in the futur...

sophiasapientia

I think you should tell her the truth! "I only eat sweets on weekends, so I'll save it for the weekend." If it's something that wouldn't keep well until the weekend, share it with someone (or more than one someone). Ditto. If the bringing of sweets was a once in a blue moon event, I probably wouldn...

sophiasapientia

Pretty standard fare planned for this week. Here's what I have planned for dinner: M-- Salad (Grilled chicken over baby spinach w/ dried cherries, cubes of sharp cheddar, candied walnuts, apple slices & poppy seed dressing) & fresh baked bread T -- Corndog casserole (a favorite of DH & kiddo) w/ fre...

sophiasapientia

Aw, thanks so much Katie!

I had a lovely weekend ... I hope that you did too and that you're having a good trip!

sophiasapientia

Hi Jellybeans01 -- I'm basically a Vanilla No Ser but I do watch my portion sizes, especially on N Days, and exercise -- I'm a pedometer-wearing nordic walker -- on a daily basis. I'm 35 years old and somewhat short so I've found that these are essential components to maintaining a lower weight for ...

sophiasapientia

Yes. No S has worked for people of various sizes, including folks who are very trim. The premise of No S is that your body will settle naturally at a sustainable weight that is right for you. Of course, personal habits (i.e. whether or not you exercise, your portion size, food choices, etc) will pla...

sophiasapientia

Hi Katie! It's great to "see" you!

Have a wonderful vacation ... It certainly sounds like an active trip with looking after 2 toddlers.

sophiasapientia

Starla -- Wow! 65.2 pounds!!!! That's incredible!!!

Congratulations on your tremendous success & thank you for sharing your inspirational story ....

sophiasapientia

This may be like housekeeping, which I think of as a "cluster" of habits as opposed to just one. I'm not exactly a financial wizard, but here are some tried-and-true habits that we use... - "Pay yourself first" - savings comes out before we even see the paycheck. It's there in case of emergency or ...

sophiasapientia

Smile. Breathe. Move slowly. Focus on what matters. Be gentle with myself and others. Attend to basic health for myself and my family, to help with stress-management. Very wise words. I'm so sorry for your family's loss, KCCC. :( Continue to take care of yourself and know that you and yours are in ...

sophiasapientia

Thank you Denise! :D *** Well, I've slacked off on checking the No S Boards ... but not on No S, although I've relaxed a bit. My weight range has dropped a little. This morning's weight was 119. Over the past couple months, I've especially developed a sense of how to balance out my eating (i.e. eati...

sophiasapientia

Hi Denise -- I apologize for the delayed response! The past couple of weeks have been somewhat crazy, but it a good way, as we soaked up the last bit of vacation. :wink: Everything is going well and my MIL is improving a little in that the tumors aren't growing and her liver levels are better too. W...

sophiasapientia

Denise -- I'm glad that everything is going so well!

... Do you teach or are you taking classes? The summer has zoomed by. School starts here after Labor Day so we are nearing the end of vacation as well. I can't believe it!

sophiasapientia

Thanks so much Denise! It was a very nice, relaxing vacation and it was lovely to spend time with family. We all get along well anyway but I think being on "neutral turf" was especially nice. :wink: We got back from the trip late on Sunday. My Monday morning "post vacation" weight was 124.4 and my w...

sophiasapientia

On a mountain retreat with my family/extended family. Lots of fun and a goregous setting. I'm sticking to a basic 3 meal structure but allowing myself treats if I really want them. Extended family -- all of whom are fit/thin -- are major snackers. I'm eating fairly mindfully all things considered an...

sophiasapientia

(((KCCC))) Just seeing this. Sending lots of good wishes to your mom, you & your family ...

sophiasapientia

The only time in my adult life that I was able to forgo portion control while losing weight was on a food elimination type plan (low carb -- I did the Carbohydrate's Addict Diet) combined with a 3 meal a day structure and daily exercise. I was able to lose a lot of excess weight by doing this but it...

sophiasapientia

I put down seconds and sweets. Sweets (namely, good quality baked goods, chocolate & ice cream) are my big weakness and what I look forward to most on S Days. :wink: But, honestly, seconds -- aka finishing food off my kid's plate :lol: -- were probably my primary problem in terms of excess weight ga...

sophiasapientia

Thursday morning weight: 120 I had an intentional failure last Friday. We had lots of good news our little family and in our extended family and a celebration felt in order. We went out for ice cream after our homemade pizza dinner and I enjoyed my cone thoroughly. :wink: My S Days on Saturday and ...

sophiasapientia

(((KCCC))) I hope that today is brighter and that you have a lovely, fun weekend with your family.

sophiasapientia

Hi Shannah, I hope that you have a good visit and are able to carve out some time for yourself during your trip. I'm an introvert -- meaning, I need to go within to refresh and get my energy -- and I've found that I absolutely need that time everyday to be healthy, happy and sane. :wink: Normally, w...

sophiasapientia

We go to Itasca State Park (headwaters of the Mississippi) on Friday and we leave in two weeks for a week of camping in the Boundary Waters (Minnesota's boundary with Canada) and on the North Shore (of Lake Superior). I'll have time to think. If I can just get through this month, I'll see if I will...

sophiasapientia

Thanks so much Osoniye!

Everything continues to go well. Weight this morning was 122 with TOM. Nothing significant to report. We'll be vacationing with family in a couple weeks and I'll do the S Event mod during our trip.

Happy August, all!

sophiasapientia

If this is true, then we can expect no S people who don't drink diet sodas to have an easier time than no S peole who do. Any thoughts, disagreements . . .or agreements? **Shrugs** I drink diet sodas/beverages on a semi-regular basis and don't particularly feel that No S has been a struggle. Is it ...

sophiasapientia

Denise & KCCC -- Thank you so much for your kind words. I appreciate them and truly enjoy reading both of your posts as well. :D Everything -- apart from still being under the weather. I'm finally going in to see the doctor later this week, though -- is going quite well. I think backing off a bit fr...

sophiasapientia

Nothing major to report. S Day yesterday was definitely unrestricted. :wink: Nothing completely crazy but lunch was somewhat large and I had a few goodies along the way. I'm still congested and, between that and the crazy weather we've had over the past few days, my step count has been a little lowe...

sophiasapientia

Hello Shannon, I just wanted to say a belated thanks for your encouragement. I've been doing really well so far. I see that you seem to be doing great as well! It was really nice to be welcomed to the No S fold so soon. I think this whole bulletin board community is a great secret to success. I'll ...

sophiasapientia

Depends what you count as a "mod" - I'm 5'3 and I've realised that three meals a day just leads to me maintaining my weight but two meals a day with a weekly 24 hour fast leads to weight loss. But vanilla No S doesn't tell you how many meals a day to eat so what I do is technically not a modificati...

sophiasapientia

Thanks to all for the responses so far! The reason I created this poll is because I've had the impression, based on my own experiences w/ No S & what I've read on the forums over time, that shorter folks, and especially shorter folks who have less weight to lose, often either need to do some tweakin...

sophiasapientia

I do a slightly modified version of Vanilla No S. I've found that I do have to watch my portion sizes and use smaller plates. If I ate 3 regular meals a day on our "regular" plates (12"), I'd gain weight, unfortunately. :roll: Beyond that, I just eat 3 meals a day and have unrestricted S days (thoug...

sophiasapientia

I know that some of us are "vertically challenged" and I'm curious as to how that has impacted No S for you. Have you had to adapt No S to work for you? Or has vanilla No S, with no modifications, worked great?

sophiasapientia

idon'tknow wrote:For me, it's my chest - just where I can't afford to lose it from!

Ditto.

sophiasapientia

Yep, absolutely an individualized learning curve. It took some time and trial and error but I reached a point where I can generally "eyeball" how how much is enough for me. "Enough" meaning my portions are sufficient that I'm satisfied after I eat and hunger doesn't register very highly on my radar ...

sophiasapientia

I bet that new flooring will be goregous when it is all done!

Amazing how having work done around the house can take over, huh? ... (We need to redo our flooring too. )

Hope you're having a good week!

sophiasapientia

Thanks Denise! I'm getting better ... feeling more "functional" at any rate.

Thursday morning weight: 121
Exercise has decreased this week due to being sick but my portions have decreased slightly too. (I haven't been overly hungry.)

sophiasapientia

I have a sinus infection. Mostly trying to rest and keep my green days green. Hopefully I'll be up and walking soon ...

sophiasapientia

Though Reinhard doesn't talk about it, people tend to be satisfied with about the same volume of food each day, so experimenting with replacing some of the denser foods with lighter vegetables and fruit may net you fewer calories for the same satisfaction with very little pain. I agree with Oolala....

sophiasapientia

Oh no!

I'm glad that your family is safe ...

sophiasapientia

I actually just received my invitation to join the National Weight Control Registry on Friday. 8) I just have to send back my paperwork and my before & after pics and I'm officially "in" ... (FWIW, I've successfully maintained a 48 pound weight loss for years. No S has been a godsend in providing a ...

sophiasapientia

It is such a relief to not be in a constant struggle with food, isn't it?

Absolutely!

sophiasapientia

Congratulations on your first week! It sounds like you're doing great! :D Your S Day sounds like it went very well. :D You treated yourself to some goodies that you really wanted and felt satisfied. 8) :D For me, those are the best S Days ... not the days when I've eaten everything in sight, just be...

sophiasapientia

Thanks Kathleen! Fascinating article! I asked my DH if he thinks I am "self-controlled" and he laughed and said "That's you!" Granted I'm not self-controlled about everything -- I have a tendency to waste far too much time on the computer, for example -- but I am exceedingly stubborn and once I firm...

sophiasapientia

Vicki -- Happy 2 year anniversary & congratulations on your continued success with No S!!!

Thanks so much for sharing your story ... It is helpful to see how things have shifted over time.

You're a great role model and an inspiration!

sophiasapientia

Hi Kathleen,
I just wanted to let you know that I received a packet from the Weight Control & Diabetes Center today, inviting me to participate in the National Weight Control Registry.

Your encouragement inspired me to apply so ... thanks!

I hope that everything is going well with you,

sophiasapientia

Thanks for posting this! While I agree that using smaller plates shouldn't be a top priority/first step -- it may not be necessary for everyone or even helpful when someone is establishing habit -- I have found it to be a very easy and painless way to keep my portions in check. I think the smaller p...

sophiasapientia

Yup, I too have found a pedometer and a timer to be useful tools in my quest to be a more active person. I don't live in an area that is all conducive to urban rangering so, most of the time, I still need to walk (or nordic skiwalk) for 45 minutes to an hour to get my step count to the range I want ...

sophiasapientia

Amen to both articles! This past winter I came to the conclusion that even though I was working out for 45 minutes to an hour a day, I was, in actuality, an "active couch potato" ... It is the subtle shift of instead becoming an active, non-sedentary person -- combined with No S, of course :wink: --...

sophiasapientia

Thanks so much ladies! :D Denise, I do feel like I've found a rhythm ... occasional wild S Days notwithstanding. :wink: :roll: Congrats on your new low! I think you're doing great, if you're eating and exercising in a way that makes you happy than that's the goal right? Your body will stop losing we...

sophiasapientia

Thursday morning weight: 121.6 Swoosh! My weight has dropped to a new low range again. It has been under 122 most of this week. There is a definite pattern to changes on the scale. I'll reach a new low, hang out there for awhile and then the scale will drop a couple pounds again. I imagine there wi...

sophiasapientia

Hi Scrybil -- I think scale issue really depends on what you can handle. It sounds like you have had a bad relationship with the scale and the "pants check" method has worked well in the past. How are your clothes fitting at this point? Have you taken your measurements at all? What are your No S goa...

sophiasapientia

KCCC -- What I've done in these types of situations is talk to my kiddo privately ahead of time and say that while it is fine to have an ice cream (or whatever) once in awhile, as a special treat, it isn't something that I want us to make a regular habit of, everytime, especially so close to dinner ...

sophiasapientia

Welcome to No S & the Boards and congrats on taking the plunge!

It really is an enjoyable -- and sane -- way to live.

I look forward to hearing about your progress.

sophiasapientia

After years of watching me be on all kinds of crazy diets -- low carb, Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers, Sommercizing, Slimfast, you name it -- my DH thinks that No S is brilliant . :lol: :wink: My DH has always been able to maintain a good weight naturally so he doesn't really follow No S himself, alth...

sophiasapientia

Thanks for the warm welcome! Wow, we do have lots in common already! We are in Northern Lower Michigan, how about you? 7 year olds are the best, aren't they? We sure are having a fun summer here!! Hope you are too!!! We are in southern MI ... It certainly has been a goregous spring and summer. I'm ...

sophiasapientia

Wow! I hadn't seen that one before. Thanks for posting it! ...

sophiasapientia

It's been a great weekend. The plans turned out interesting, met some quirky people, but we had a fun time. Sat. was my birthday and I really didn't overdo it. Had my 3 meals, but for lunch my parent took us out to mimi's and I had a small salad with a blueberry muffin, than afterwards we went to m...

sophiasapientia

Monday morning weight: 123.2 We had a lovely, fun, moderately active staycation and I'm thrilled to pieces that, even with eating out waaaay more than usual and with the S Events, I maintained my weight. Woohoo! :D No deprivation, no counting, no worrying. I'll definitely use the S Event vacation m...

Everyday Systems

Search found 919 matches

Re: Spread the word

Poll for "Vertically Challenged" No Sers