Everyday Systems

I have been doing this diet for about 5 weeks. There are some times when I really feel the need to have something in my stomach, like when I am about to go work out and I haven't eaten for 4 or 5 hours. At those times, I eat a large spoonful of plain, non-fat yogurt, which I feel okay with because 1) it's non-fat and has hardly any calories and 2) I hate it, so it doesn't feel like a treat or like I'm cheating, even though technically I am.

Yogurt has a very similar makeup to milk. The Indians mix it with ice, water, and sugar for a drink; Iranians, with ice, water, and a little salt. (They like the tangy flavor.) It's your choice to have a mini-meal, in any case.

I use a protein drink for the same situation just so I'm compliant with the drink part. I think the idea of throwing a spoonful of yogurt in a shaker cup with water is a good one. You'll get hydrated too, which is important for working out. The older I get the creakier I feel if I don't have something to drink before exercise

As for the non-fat, low calories, disliking it, etc, just because food is "healthy" and not a temptation doesn't make it any less non-compliant for a snack. A healthy snack is still a snack. The snackiness of a food is a different issue than if you need it before a workout. I find it best to be very, very clear about this with myself. Otherwise, you get into all sorts of rationalizations and over thinking of food and that leads to Diet Head.

Maybe you could adjust your mealtimes and/or workout time so you aren't going four or five hours without eating before a workout?

Blithe Morning wrote:I use a protein drink for the same situation just so I'm compliant with the drink part. I think the idea of throwing a spoonful of yogurt in a shaker cup with water is a good one. You'll get hydrated too, which is important for working out. The older I get the creakier I feel if I don't have something to drink before exercise

As for the non-fat, low calories, disliking it, etc, just because food is "healthy" and not a temptation doesn't make it any less non-compliant for a snack. A healthy snack is still a snack. The snackiness of a food is a different issue than if you need it before a workout. I find it best to be very, very clear about this with myself. Otherwise, you get into all sorts of rationalizations and over thinking of food and that leads to Diet Head.

I'm like you; I have to be careful not to rationalize things and make excuses for myself. I don't EVER snack, no matter how "healthy" the food supposedly is, because once you start to make exceptions, it can quickly become the rule.

I'm strict. So much so that in the beginning I made a pact with myself to tolerate hunger even if it were uncomfortable between meals.

Why?

Because I'm weak-willed and incredibly good at fooling myself. That just made it easier and I'm kind of lazy.

I'm not saying it works for everyone, mind. But it is what worked for me. I don't really think about eating between meals these days unless I'm REALLY cranky or bored.

I have a protein shake from time to time after a gym workout if it's in the middle of the morning or afternoon... not close to a mealtime. I use skim milk and add some protein powder. I don't beat myself up about it thinking is this a snack or a sweet (because it is chocolate flavored). It's not every day.