"s" days seem hard for me

[larry ziegler]

I'm afraid I'll overdo it, but yet don't want to deprive either.

plus, I just began the diet,+it's the holiday season

Oh well

[TexArk]

Yes, S Days can be difficult to navigate, but as you are new to this I would follow the advice to work on your N Days and not worry too much about S Days. They are not meant to be binge days...just an opportunity to eat something special and enjoy.

I can appreciate a little bit your challenges having to function from a wheelchair. I broke my foot after Thanksgiving and have to stay in wheelchair and hospital bed until the middle of January. Do you have upper body mobility? If so, do you have a regular workout routine that builds strength as well as cardio? I know I am not burning as many calories now since I am officially sedentary.

[wosnes]

Larry, take a deep breath and relax -- and don't worry in advance. Enjoy the holiday and if you overdo, take it easy the next day or two. Still three plates of food, but maybe lighter than normal if you've over done.

[oolala53]

Yes, don't worry too much right now, but also don't be afraid of thoughts of deprivation. If you sincerely want to eat something and think you will enjoy it, go ahead. If you don't, don't dwell on ideas about missing out. I think that has been one of my mistakes. I keep eating on weekends because I think I can and will be sorry if I don't, but I've finally had a few times of just forgoing it because I knew it wouldn't be that enjoyable. Waiting to get hungry on S days is also very satisfying, too. In fact, I am starting to feel deprived of enjoyment when I eat when I'm not hungry.

I started a thread just for people struggling with wild S days. Unfortunately, probably not a lot of people will be checking in this weekend, but if it helps, just go there and post a little when you're on the fence. I've never been sorry I put off eating with posting. Sometimes it will help me think of something else to do with my time as well.

I've often paraphrased a therapist who spoke on drinking issues who said the real question is not why we eat, but what we would do if we didn't eat. Basically, we have to fill the time we would spend fixing food or eating it when we are not truly hungry with other activities. In the beginning, it may just be zoning out on a movie, but eventually, it can be any pleasurable or productive activity. Over a period of time, the unhungry urges for food will be paired with the new activities, and it will feel more natural not to eat in response to them. That's the brain explanation for habit, which is what Reinhard is all about. And he is right. However, I've had a problem with unstructured time, esp. on Sundays, for most of my life. This last weekend in 2010, I am thinking of it as the kickoff for handling this issue as a continuation of No S in 2011. I know it's the next piece in my puzzle.

I recommend giving No S from now, the beginning of winter, until at least the beginning of spring a good, solid chance. Three weeks is a nice beginning, but it's just getting things going.

Have a fabulous weekend!

[larry ziegler]

THANKS JIM:I exercise on an exercycle, so can do sprints too!

thank you for the support,larry