Everyday Systems

I'm on travel in one of those places where they serve a breakfast buffet included with your night's stay. Since I'm a tightwad, I've been making that breakfast my big meal.

The plates are smaller, mebbe 8", but I tend to be a literalist, and just say "A plate is a plate" and be done with it. I consider overcomplicating things contrary to the No-S philosophy.

Did you know a heavily-packed smaller plate can be a bit too much food? I'm somewhat fuller than I like to be after a meal. I probably overfilled the plate partially due to boredom, and partially out of awareness it WAS a smaller plate than I usually use. I'm stuck in a snowstorm as business won't be conducted today, but will be tomorrow and it's not worth it to travel home for one day. I'll be working on other projects, but I can tell you that very little tests my No-S resolve like being stuck alone without too much to do.

No, a heavily-packed 8" plate is hardly a failure. It's not that. But it's interesting that I was concerned that I should eat plenty because I didn't want to be tempted to fill an empty day with food.

What's even scarier is that this is probably still less food than I'd eating if I were allowing myself to snack all day.

Hear you on the temptation-to-snack-out-of-boredom.

We're on Day 3 of "Snowcation" here. Usually, at-home days are S-days, and we've just come off holidays, so I am a little more "at-risk" than usual for breaking habit. I am focusing on planning/preparing VERY satisfying meals to combat the tendency to just wander into the kitchen...

Bonus: Regular mealtimes are anchoring me into a positive routine, and helping the family to stay on track too. Also, since I have a little time to be creative, I'm trying new recipes, things that take a little longer, and using up leftovers in creative ways.

Another trick... I tend to forget to drink enough when I'm at home, so I set a glass of water in the kitchen. If I do mindlessly wander in, I see it and drink a bit, and that pause is usually enough to make me realize I'm not hungry, just looking for something to do. So I find something else.

(Of course, that won't work for you in your situation. But you sound very aware, which should work in your favor.)