Everyday Systems

After four perfect N days to start, I was hoping for a successful first S weekend. This is my second go-round with No-S, and S days were my downfall the last time, so I thought maybe I'd already learned how repeated excess can derail weight loss, to the point where I become to discouraged to continue... It wasn't the worst weekend ever, but I felt sick both days from the candy and other junk that I normally would not even eat. I do feel that I undid all my hard work from the previous four days.

The one point on which I feel successful is that DH had brought home ice cream because I was determined to have a sundae at some point. Both Sat. and Sun. I was just too nauseous from everything else to even get to the ice cream. Bizarre, I know, but a small part of me was dying to eat that ice cream at 11 p.m. last night just because I knew I had a whole week in front of me before I could have it again. But I resisted, and for that I'm proud.

How long did the "wild S" period last for most of you? I know the book says that S-days will likely be excessive "in the beginning," but I'm curious what that meant for others.

Welcome Kathi! 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 overdoing it. Everyone has over the top S Days now and again but over time, you'll determine what is "enough" for you. It is a learning curve.

How long did it take me? Hmm. Well, I restarted No S at the beginning of the year and determined pretty quickly that I do best if I use the basic 3 meal structure as my guide and plan some special treats in advance. I can eat whatever I want but I don't permasnack. I find that question: "Am I being an idiot if I eat this?" to be useful measure if something is really worth it or if I'm eating something just because I can. That cuts down on a lot of crap that really isn't S worthy.

Reinhard has an excellent podcast on "S Days Gone Wild" which many of us have found to be very insightful. It is worth a listen.

It really varies from person to person. I think the more "dieting" you've done, the longer it takes.

(I actually don't want to tell you how long it took me, lest you run screaming. But it was a gradual process, and my definition of "wild" toned down a lot during it.)

I agree with Sophiasapienta about the "S days gone wild" podcast. You might also find "the stages of No-S" (stickied above) helpful.

The breakthrough for me was remembering that S-days were supposed to be PLEASANT, and realizing that feeling stuffed/sick was NOT pleasant! As I built better habits, I actually enjoyed S-days more.

But it took time. Part of the usefulness of S-days (in my opinion), is that they eventually convince the emotional-part-of-your-brain-that-is-not-amenable-to-reason that you WILL feed it. Regularly. And it really truly won't be deprived forever. Just takes a while to get that across.

Good luck!

Honestly, I think it's when you decide S days won't be wild -- or at least all of them won't be wild.

Because there's so much freedom in exactly what we eat, some things I might go wild with on S days, chips, for example, I can include in meals and not feel the need to go wild with them on S days.