Everyday Systems

I have never posted on a bulletin board, but this plan deserves a few words!

First of all, I tried No "s"ing a year ago and "quit" after about two months because I didn't lose any weight and I guess giving up snacking didn't seem worth it. But heading back into snackville gained me 10 pounds in a year's time, and the sad thing is, I felt like I was depriving myself anyway, because I always try to "cut back." So I decided to try No S again. The most amazing part of this diet, which I haven't been reading much on the bulletin board, is this: I'm finally full!!!!!!!!!!!! Eating a regular whole meal feels really great. This is coming from someone with a pretty good relationship with food, but I really have spent 30 years or so being "somewhere between full and hungry" all the time, because I always ate small meals, thinking myself virtuous, only to snack every single day. I forgot what it felt like to get really hungry and then to eat a complete meal. It's awesome!

Secondly, I will admit I am counting calories this time, but wait -- it's okay -- unlike with previous diets, it's so incredibly easy because I only count three meals worth. No biggie. So I'm shaving around 500 calories a day except on S days, and still finding my meals to be very large and satisfying, unlike the paultry diet meals you have to eat when you allow snacks. So far I've lost five pounds in five weeks, all while feeling extremely satisfied, except for the hour or so before a meal, when a person SHOULD feel hungry (something I often forget).

I also wonder -- many people on these bulletin boards, even after months or years, seem to be finding it hard. I really wonder if they are eating three GOOD meals, or if they are still in the "diet" frame of mind. Because my No S "lifestyle" has saved me from that frame of mind. I always know there's a really good meal coming, and that I will feel very satisfied afterward. A 500 calorie lunch is gigantic if you make it at home.

SORRY this is so long, but I love No S, and I love a sane and satisfying relationship with one of my favorite things -- food! Rinehart -- you are a genius. I look forward to reading any child-rearing "systems" you come up with!

That's awesome! I'm glad it's working so well for you. It really is a great plan.

I have wondered the same thing. I think if you eat three complete meals a day, you shouldn't be so hungry between meals enough to break your N day. I have to admit that I tend to not eat enough at breakfast and lunch sometimes... that I could eat more and be fine. Many times my red days are a result of only having minimal breakfasts and lunches. Some days I just have 2 eggs. I could be having 2 eggs, toast, fruit, hash browns and that would be acceptable and help me get to my next meal unhungry, but eating on the go or in a hurry has caused me to not have complete meals.

It is definitly hard to break the habit of thinking that the less I eat the more I will lose or not gain.

finallyfull
Just curious but why do you think you No S didn't work for you the first time? Was it that you didn't give up snacks?

I can easily see now why I didn't lose the first time (although it should be noted that I maintained my weight) -- it's because I was so freaked out by the fear I'd get hungry between meals that I loaded up too much food at mealtimes. (Note: I believe this would have cleared itself up in time, just as Rinehart says it would, but I got impatient). I see it clearly now because I decided to do the calorie-count thing, and keep it at a reasonable minimum on N days, and lo and behold, I can very happily get to dinnertime on a reasonable sized lunch, and the same with breakfast and dinner. Now I eat more fruits and veggies with my giant sandwich instead of hunks of cheese and crackers or whatever I was larding up on before. Had I known that this would satisfy me going in, the first time, I wouldn't have sabotaged it. Yes, I get hungry before meals, but never starving, just a little preoccupied. I have found I need to get busy ironing or cleaning about an hour before dinner. The funny thing is, before No S I spent the hour before dinner nibbling anyway, even when I wasn't truly hungry! So it's all good. And now my jeans fit AND my ironing is done.

I have to say that the only reason this would be difficult on a daily basis is if we keep to the old way of thinking -- that meals should be little, or that we are too busy to eat a good meal. Eat people! Eat! Treat yourselves to three decent square meals a day and don't buy into the little meal lie.

I propose a corollary to that quote (to paraphrase) "S days should be S days so N days can be N days." I would add that "meals should be real meals so that snacks and seconds are seen for what they are: extra food: the obvious cause of extra weight."

One more thing, which I have found to be vital: I eat three good meals each "S" day too, to keep me from going back into "garbage-disposal mouth" mode. It works.

finallyfull wrote: Treat yourselves to three decent square meals a day and don't buy into the little meal lie.
"meals should be real meals so that snacks and seconds are seen for what they are: extra food: the obvious cause of extra weight."

One more thing, which I have found to be vital: I eat three good meals each "S" day too, to keep me from going back into "garbage-disposal mouth" mode. It works.

I really needed to hear this, thank you! I am going to cut and paste this bit of wisdom on my daily check-in.

finallyfull wrote: I propose a corollary to that quote (to paraphrase) "S days should be S days so N days can be N days." I would add that "meals should be real meals so that snacks and seconds are seen for what they are: extra food: the obvious cause of extra weight."

One more thing, which I have found to be vital: I eat three good meals each "S" day too, to keep me from going back into "garbage-disposal mouth" mode. It works.

Very good point, I love it!