Everyday Systems

Another old catch phrase that's out of style, and I think I am getting it.

I used to wait until I was hungry (okay, just not really full) in order to have a treat. I'd have it a couple hours after dinner, or mid-afternoon. I now see that this allowed me to eat my full meals, and eat full sized sweets. I didn't have a problem with this until my weight crept up. But now that I'm tapering S days to "sometimes" (after nearly a year) I see the value of having desserts right after a meal, if at all. And I can see that I actually need to SAVE room! Because if I don't, then I am overstuffed and very unhappy.

Save room in my meal, save room in my clothes. Sounds good to me.

This is what I have been doing too! I also it helps keep the three meals formula consistent. I have such a bad late night eating habit I try not to eat after dinner NO MATTER WHAT!

All very true.

What I find particularly interesting in your post, and I suppose it's linked to the overall value of NoS for me, which is why I keep returning to it, is the fact that it took you over a year of successful NoS to realise what works best for you in terms of dessert (eg after meals / leaving room). This sort of experiential knowledge about eating can't be forced or rushed...which is what I'm gradually starting to learn.

"experiential knowledge" -- yes, that's what I've gained this past year. I've learned lots of theoretical stuff, but never have I spent a year "watching" myself and how I operate. That's what's been great about vanilla. I have thought of and resisted tweaks (because of my experiential knowledge of many, many unplanned departures from No S) and found out many things first hand. Looking forward to marking a full year.

This is why strict dieting doesn't work very often. People try to force themselves to be satisfied with imposed foods and limits with no real room for much relief if it seems too difficult. With No S, if you're honest, you learn over time what really satisfies.