Everyday Systems

Hi everyone -

I thought I'd introduce myself since after some deep thought I have decided to commit to the No S guidelines. I had previously been on Weight Watchers for years and I pretty much yo-yo-ed ... a big part of it was what would be considered "S" days. Dealing with a big holiday dinner, my birthday, etc would stress me out so much I would just not even bother and binge. Also I found travelling really hard because if I didn't prepare food myself then I would freak out about not knowing the exact amount of calories, fiber, and fat, and I'd talk myself out of even trying to use common sense. So, I think that No-S might really help me to use my common sense - I know what's healthy, I know what my body needs, and I can use that info without having to strive for "perfection". It seems like a much more laid back and less stressful approach to cutting down on overeating. It seems like what a "normal" person would do if they put on a couple pounds and wanted to take them off - and seriously, I just want to be normal.

I'm pretty overweight so I know this is going to be a long road for me. But it seems sustainable which is what makes me so excited.

The only thing that kind of makes me feel worried is that it seems like a lot of the recent posts are from people who are struggling. Overall do most of you who post here feel like you've had success with No-S? What additional guidelines do you set for yourself to help get as healthy as possible?

I am unofficially striving to get in fruit and/or veg with each meal, use whole grains instead of refined carbs when possible, and trying to cut down on processed junk. I do have one other tweak - I have an Rx I have to take at bedtime that must be taken with food. I can't take it with dinner because it is so sedating I have to take it within 20-30 minutes of bed. I was thinking the best way to handle this was to have a scheduled & consistent "mini-meal" with my Rx that does not change, thus preventing it from turning it into a snackfest. Like a single piece of whole grain toast, or an apple with peanut butter. What do you think?

Thanks!
Gillian

Welcome!

The only thing that kind of makes me feel worried is that it seems like a lot of the recent posts are from people who are struggling.

I think on most boards that have to do with weight loss, the majority of posts are from people who are struggling for one reason or another. Doesn't mean that the plan doesn't work. This one is no different in that respect.

My advice about your bedtime med: plan a small snack.

Welcome gilli! You have made the best decision for yourself, I believe, that you possibly could to get yourself on the track of "being (feeling) normal." I am somewhat overweight according to charts, BMI, etc., but that is not what really drew me to No S. What I found so attractive about this lifestyle was the absence of all the multitudes of rules - including weighing, measuring, counting, deciphering, etc. - all of which I found to be so extremely tedious and frustrating for me over time in the past, that I became completely overwhelmed and gave up entirely. I committed to No S in mid-April, and I have been so thrilled with what's been happening to me - both in mind and in body - ever since. You will probably read posts from members declaring the feeling of "freedom" - weights being lifted off - complete feelings of peace, and so on. They're all true, as far as I'm concerned. And when you're faced with tough situations, there's always someone on the board who will come through for you and tell you that you can do it. For me, something as simple as that is all that it takes (thanks paulrone - you've
spurred me on more than once!)
So gilli, give it a try - after all, what have you got to lose?!
mimi

Hiya, Gilli!

Welcome to the club. Sorry, no mouse ears (as I discovered recently ), but this is a great group of people.

I'm also a recovering Weight Watcher, so "I feel your pain" and I know just what you're going through. You'll find an amazing amount of mental freedom when you develop the healthy habit of eating the No-S way. So put away your slide calculators, your QuickTrak journal, and your dining out guide and prepare to make a permanent change.

I'll list some things that helped me develop this new set of habits. I'll even do it for free - but remember what Dad always said, "You get what you pay for."

1. Claim ownership of this new set of rules. If I tell myself this is my new way of living and these are MY rules, I'm more likely to follow them than if I assume they are someone else's guidlines they're letting me borrow.

2. Learn to say no. There will be people who unwittingly tempt you with things. Simply say no and give a short explanation, like "no seconds for me, thanks" or something like that. When you make others aware of your changes - without wearing it like a millstone around your neck - you'll get support from those around you.

3. Enjoy your S-days without guilt. Eat that second helping of chili cheese fries, wash it down with super sugar fizzy soda, and end it all with Mississippi mud cake! Enjoy it! You don't eat like this every day, so don't worry about it.
I found that my S-days weren't as bad as I thought they would be, because my habits from the rest of the week had leaked into my S-days. Not a bad thing to have happen.

4. Create a check in and post to it often. I'll support you, as will many people on this forum, but you have to tell us how you're doing. Ask for help when you need it and if you need a standing ovation, we'll give it to you.

5. Really try to get that first 21 days accomplished. It doesn't matter how many tries it might take, just get 21 straight days successfully to make this a habit. It will really help.

I hope these little tips help you out. See you in your check in!

Hi Gilli-

I'm new, too. I started on Sunday, which is the first time I ever started a diet on a weekend, but it was the easiest start day ever!

Yesterday morning was a little difficult, as I was concentrating so hard on filling up at breakfast so I wouldn't snack, that I didn't realize until last night that I had seconds on bread!

No biggie, but at least I didn't snack.

Hi Gilli and Groovia...Welcome to No-S!

Thank you everyone for your welcomes & your thoughts/suggestions.

It's my second day doing No-S and I'm kind of surprised at how easy it was for me to give up my afternoon snack. I get a little hungry, but I'm learning that a little hunger isn't going to kill me. I can wait until dinner.

I feel kinda guilty about my night time snack that goes with my medicine, as I mentioned above. I'm keeping it small, like 1/2 cup cereal with 1/4 milk or a piece of toast with jam. I guess I need to stop feeling like a control freak about everything.

Gilli,

I really like your idea of making your nighttime snack the same every single night. You don't have to feel guilty about it, really. Like Paulrone said, these are YOUR rules. You make them. But what is wise about always having the same half piece of toast with peanut butter (or whatever you choose for that @snack@) is that it becomes default. It's not an opportunity to eat more than that, not an opportunity to savour flavours or anything. It's just the half piece of toast you take with your pill.

Good luck-- Zoolina

Gilli, I have started nos for real just recently after playing with it last year and I do think it does get easier. Obviously if you have to take the RX with food you should, whatever medical needs you have come first. But the dieting itself, I am finding it gets easier, I do feel hungry at night sometimes but that mainly reminds me that I should go to bed and eat in the morning like a normal person!

It is true that American habits have gotten very bad I think. I grew up in the 60s when there were no McDonalds and no SuperSizes and I think it's just so easy to be tempted now...maybe eating normally in the AM does help?

Personally I am just trying to keep going because I just got above the weight I considered my current maximum, and I didn't want my clothes not to fit! I am trying to keep to it but I do think as time goes on you get used to it. Good luck!