Everyday Systems

Day 2! I wanted to make an account to keep me motivated in making this work long term this time.

What I like about NoS is that I can go from being completely out of control with food to having some sanity. Both times now I didn't think that was even possible because I was surely too far gone. Nice to be proven wrong.

I recently gained a fast 12 lbs thanks to some migraine medication that causes weight gain. I already had weight to lose and the medication didn't even work well against my daily headaches, so I'm in a bit of a mood funk right now from the double whammy. (Ironically the medication is an anti-depressant but it doesn't seem to be helping much in that capacity either, grr.)

I am good about working out, at least while temperatures are reasonable. My neighborhood has finally become walkable thanks to new, ritzy development. The NY Times called us a "cultural wasteland" before, but now we have shops and outdoor movies and other things. Cops haven't knocked on my door to ask if I saw anything in years and people no longer tell me they come here for cheap gas after finding out where I live, so that's all good.

The new development has brought lots of Lululemon-like stores with it so there is a new element of uber-fit people around me now. I'm from the South (which the NY Times probably also considers a cultural wasteland) meaning really-fit people are already kind of like a different species. Having them suddenly everywhere doing free outdoor yoga classes is a bit like having a harsh mirror turned on me. Reminds me of this guy I met in college who once said, "this is where I come to watch the beautiful people jogging while I smoke."

Eh, that's more than you all wanted to know, but anyway....hello!

Welcome! Your post made me laugh. I think you'll do well here! NoS is awesome and has helped me to lose almost 40 lbs very slowly.

If you're interested, check out the daily check-in section. There's a bunch of us who check in almost daily. The support I've received there has been indispensable.

Best of luck!

Linda

Hello and welcome. I have to admit your post is a bit like a puzzle and I'm trying to figure out where you live by what you said. I think you should give us one hilariously cryptic hint each week until we figure it out

In any case, this is a very supportive board and I think you'll like it here - Cultural wasteland or not.

Oh my goodness, your post made me laugh! I grew up in the south ( think Appalachia) and now live in a very nice suburb in Ohio...it is a completely different world! Anyway, welcome! I check in daily. Today is day 17 for me( this time around).

We'll getchya so that no one will even reckanize you when you go home to visit.

You definitely sound like one of the tribe. It really doesn't take millions in NHS research money, nor all day, to figure out how to have a few good meals and get some moderate exercise. It's likely only 20% or less of the population needs much more detail than that. Not me (yet) and probably not you. Good news, no?

Thanks for the warm welcoming!
40lbs is what I hope to lose as well. I realize it doesn't come quickly, but I'm already enjoying that feeling of not being crazy with food. Also, I have more time in the day when I'm not preparing snacks every half hour so I'm actually getting stuff done. Yay! Hopefully I can focus on that until I can fit in my clothes again.

In the meantime I guess everybody around me can just deal with me wearing the same thing almost every day. Many moons ago I wore the same Cure t-shirt for a full semester, so I doubt anybody is expecting me to suddenly appear on a best dressed list now.

I wear almost the same thing every day just because I'd rather have a decent retirement 15 years from now than a new pair of shoes today. I'm also pretty lazy and having 5 work outfits really cuts down on decision making energy. . . Call me crazy . . .

When I was in college at UC Santa Cruz, there were two young women who often wore shorts. They took a bet that they could wear shorts every day they were at school for the school year and won. Not sure they were the same shorts, but I doubt they wore that many pairs.

Hello chaps. I'm coming a bit late to this discussion, but just want to add, that the topic of clothes is an interesting one. I've realised that I am always buying myself nice new things, partly because when I was younger I yearned for new gear but couldn't afford it, but mainly because I now lead a fantasy life where there's time aplenty for dressing up and enjoying fun leisure activities. In fact, my life takes place in front of the computer, at the kitchen sink, or on packed commuter trains. The time I spend shopping would be better spent going for a walk or planning healthy No S meals! I'm spending time and money fashioning cunning, bulge-hiding outfits (I'm a big student of Trinny and Susannah!!) when I actually need to focus a bit more on the state of my body. So I applaud the idea of wearing fewer outfits. And saving for the future!

If it's any motivation, it really is easier to buy clothes that flatter when the "lines" are smoother. It's not fair but there is more to choose from in smaller sizes, at least where I shop, which is discount stores like Ross.

I need to spend more time exercising rather than more online writing, but I'm happy to spend some online time here.