ZippaDee Do Da Days...

[ZippaDee]

Quick Intro here. I'm a 45 year old mother of 4...ages 16,12,8 and 7. I did not have a weight problem as a child. I was very active in high school...ran cross country,track,cheerleading,band. I was nice and trim, but of course "thought" I was fat. My weight issues did not start until the age of 28 or so, which was when our first child was born and I began staying home full time. All of my children are adopted, so it was not pregnancy weight that was the issue, but staying home around food all day that was the issue. When my weight started creeping up I joined WW in 1993 and lsot the weight becoming a lifetime member of ww. I lost 15 pounds to acheive that goal. Over the years I have gone back to ww NUMEROUS time...I honestly have no clue how many?? At one point I lost 60 pounds to get back down to my goal. Sadly, for me with ww the weight ALWAYS comes back...plus some. I am now about 70 pounds over that goal.

I am very excited about No S because I just can't fathom anymore counting, measuring, eating separate meals than my family, etc. etc. It's just not doable for me long term. I've proven that over and over and over again! No S just makes sense!! As I've grown older my goals are not so much about a number on the scale as they are about improving my health and FEELING more energetic and healthy. I want to feel good in my own skin! I ultimately would like the focus to be off of the food and onto living my life!!! Traditional diets involve way too much focus on the food!!! BLECH!! I'm D-O-N-E with that! I want the freedom that No S offers!

I turned 45 on Oct. 5. My gift to myself is taking steps to a healthier me by my 46th birthday a year from now. My official start date Oct. 13, 2010...Day 1. First goal is getting through the first 21 days without slip ups.
First three days..
GREEN, GREEN and GREEN

ONWARD....

Wishing you all a great weekend!

[tobiasmom]

Welcome! I'm new here myself. Been on No-S two weeks now. I am just LOVING it. I've been on WW more times than I can count...literally 20 times or more. I've struggled with my weight my entire life.

This is OUR year!!!! Hope you had some great S-days this weekend!

[ZippaDee]

Thanks for the welcome tobiamom!! Yes...YES!! This IS our year!!! Woot woot!

I didn't feel to well this weekend. Bummer. On the plus side...my S Days didn't get too wild. Ha!

Have a great Monday!

[tobiasmom]

Just checking in with ya! How's it going??

[emd1212]

Welcome from a fellow former WW-er! Best of luck this week.

[ZippaDee]

Thanks for the welcome emd1212.

Thanks for checking in on me tobiasmom! Having a great week!! GREEN and GREEN Tomorrow it will be one week for me......not long I know, but I'm really enjoying it so far!! Not sure exactly what was going on with my stomach over the weekend, but I'm feeling much better........so, hopefully it was just a little bug of some kind.

ONWARD to day 8!

[ZippaDee]

Day 9: GREEN!!

Things are going very well and I am very happy and satisfied! I find myself fighting the diet mentality though. Today for lunch a ham and cheese bagel sandwich sounded really good. I knew that a regular sandwich would be a bit better of a choice "point wise". So, I began preparing my sandwich and thought NO...I should enjoy my lunch. And so I opted for the bagel sandwich.

Today:
B: raisin bran with lowfat milk
L: ham and cheese bagel sandwich, pretzels, yogurt and crasins
D: grilled chicken salad with ranch dressing, a piece of french bread with butter

[tobiasmom]

YAY!!!!!

[ZippaDee]

Thanks tobiasmom!!

ONWARD to day 10......

[ZippaDee]

Day 10: GREEN

Another great day! This is starting to get a bit easier now. My thoughts aren't all about what I am missing. I was most definitely a grazer...just kind of snacked and ate all day long. Those types of nasty habits are difficult to break, but after just 10 days it is already much easier than it was in the very very beginning! My meals are much more enjoyable because I am truly hungry at meal time...what a concept eh??

B:2 sausage links, yogurt, peach
L: grilled ham and cheese, craisins, pretzels
D: chicken spaghetti, garlic bread, salad

[AnneK]

Sounds like you're doing great Zip.

It's getting easier for me too. For me the only hard part has been feeling anxious that I would get hungry between meals. But so far, it's been fine. In fact, it feels pretty good to get to the next meal and have a really sharp appetite. And then eat anything I want! And with each passing day, I get less concerned about feeling hungry. I THOUGHT I needed snacks to tide me over, but that's not really true at all. Three meals works and feels better for me. So surprising!

[ZippaDee]

WELCOME NO S DAY!!! Phew! I'm very happy to see ya actually! I'm afraid my second S day weekend was a bit on the wild side. I started out on Saturday morning with really no interest in sweets or snacks at all, but by Sunday eve I was back to enjoying the sweet and snacks thing a little too much!

ONWARD to day 13......


oh...thanks for the encouragement Anne!!

[tobiasmom]

Sounds quite a bit like my weekend! It's amazing how given enough time our brains kind of go crazy! ha.

Here's to a wonderful NoS Day!

[ZippaDee]

Day 13: GREEN!!

It's been a very busy and hectic day. I work in title I in an elementary school...mornings only. I was asked to sub this afternoon and only had 20 minutes for lunch and I didn't take a lunch with me since I didn't know I was staying. So I ended up making a quick trip to McDonalds. Anyway, still stayed within my No S guidelines!

B: Raisin Bran and lowfat milk
L: McChicken sandwich, small fry and water (lunch for only $2.28..not bad!)
D: meatballs, corn, fresh peaches, biscuit

I'm wanting to add exercise in soon. Trying to figure out WHEN I want to do this. Usually when I exercise I like to do it in the mornings so that nothing gets in it's way, but I'm already getting up at 5:30. Not sure if getting up earlier than that can work long term?? Don't really want to wait until later though and have to end up taking a second shower for the day. We shall see. Still thinking on this.

[tobiasmom]

Could you do some walking at lunchtime? Or maybe just a walk after dinner? I've been just walking, and it feels soooo good not to have some crazy workout routine that I can't stick to. And my dog loves me for it!

[ZippaDee]

Day 14: GREEN!!!

Even though I stayed within the No S boundaries today I feel like I ate too much.....it's all about building habits and learning.

B: Raisin Bran and lowfat milk
L: Grilled ham and cheese, craisins, yogurt, wheat thins w/laughing cow cheese
D: 2 pieces of pizza

Ya know walking sounds nice...I just need to put one foot in front of the other and walk out the door and "just DO IT"!

[ZippaDee]

Day 15: GREEN!!!

Long and tiring day here! All went well with No S though. Yay!

B: Raisin Bran and Lowfat Milk
L: ham and turkey sandwich, almonds, apple
D: chicken and dumplings, green beans, mandarin oranges

ONWARD....

[tobiasmom]

Looking good!

[ZippaDee]

Day 16: GREEN!!!

Another good day! I've decided not to keep a food journal here as it just puts more focus on the food for me........and I want the focus off the food and onto my habits. The goal for me is not for the food to behave, but for MY behavior to change. It doesn't really matter what I ate at my three meals, but what does matter is that I had no sweets, no snacks and no seconds.

The past couple of days I have felt like I ate too much at dinner...it all fit on one plate, but perhaps my plate is a bit overloaded. I think I'm wanting to make sure I don't get too hungry before bedtime. Breakfast and lunch seem just right portion wise. Breakfast and lunch are both a bit rushed for me though....I have to get done and get going. Dinner is more relaxed and leisurely with the family. I'm not overly concerned with portion sizes just yet though since I'm really just getting started with this.

Have really enjoyed a few almonds with my lunch the past few days....YUM!!! Extremely satisfying!

[AnneK]

Yo Zippy,

I love what you wrote: "The goal for me is not for the food to behave, but for MY behavior to change."

The food diary feels a little obbessive and over the top for me too, but it's also helped me notice things--like the fact that I wasn't eating so many vegetables. But you're right, the whole point is establishing new habits around portion and timing.

And it makes so much sense. Because eating the right foods wasn't an issue for me. I've been eating healthy for years--and gaining weight the whole time!

[ZippaDee]

Day 17: GREEN!!!

Went to a play tonight and turned down the intermission cookies! That's a biggie. I just said "NO, NO, NO"...just like the goose in the Charlotte's Web play I was watching!

Happy S Days everyone!

[tobiasmom]

Yay!!! Have a wonderful weekend!

[ZippaDee]

Day 18: S Day
Day 19: S Day

Had a fun weekend here! My third weekend since beginning No S. Still on the wild side, but am seeing some changes. One change this weekend is that I had no desire for sugared drinks. Before No S I was drinking quite a bit of lemonade and orange soda. And my previous two weekends since beginning No S I have indulged in both. This weekend water sounded better, so that's what I continued to drink all weekend. I did snack on Halloween candy. Too much of it. I also love potato chips. I've intentionally kept them out of the house on N days because they are a trigger food for me. I would have trouble staying away from them if they were here. I enjoyed chips and dip with my lunch on Saturday. Tomorrow is day 21 for me.

ONWARD to day 20! Have a great GREEN day everyone!

[ZippaDee]

ok...it's 3:50 and I'm fighting the urge to eat candy. The house is filled with Halloween candy. I'm making a conscious decision to clean house instead of snack right now!! Just sayin'! I shall clean!

[ZippaDee]

Day 20: GREEN!!

My overwhelming craving for the Halloween treats was pretty short lived this afternoon. Got over the hump and then was much better. And, the house is looking pretty good! In my quest to take better care of me I'm trying to get to bed at a descent hour....the goal is 10 pm. So, I must scoot for now. zzzzzzzzzzz

[ZippaDee]

Day 21: GREEN!!

So, I made it 21 days with no reds! I'm truly enjoying this way of eating. I feel good! I'm have a book that I'm going to begin reading tomorrow. "100 Days of Weight Loss...The secret to being successful on any diet plan" It has a short motivational chaper to be read every day for 100 days. Perhaps it will help me stay focused. 100 days will put me way past the holidays! I'm nervous about the holidays already!

[tobiasmom]

Awesome job!!! Here's to 100 days and more! I'm right there with ya!

[mkat]

Wow! 21 Days! Congratulations! Woooo!

[AnneK]

Congrats Zippy!

If you read anything really helpful in your book please share it with us!

[ZippaDee]

Thanks for the encouragement ladies!

Day 22: GREEN!!

[ZippaDee]

Day 23: GREEN!!

I feel like I am getting into a nice routine. My habits are clicking easier now, which is good! I know from past experience though that can change like a dime. So, I am on my toes with eyes wide open. The chapter in my book yesterday was about being committed. I can either be "interested" in losing weight or "committed" to losing weight. If I am merely interested as soon as the first opportunity comes along to get off habit I will. I am committed!!! Committed means "no matter what"! Nothing will distract me from my committment! Slow results won't distract me, circumstances won't distract me, temptations from friends won't distract me because of my committment.

I turned down homemade donuts after church on Wednesday night. I turned down spinach dip from a co-worker yesterday because I am committed to this plan NO MATTER WHAT! Hear ye, hear ye....come homemade donut or spinach dip...you will not distract me for I AM COMMITTED!!!

Onward to day 24......

[tobiasmom]

Great job! You can dip that donut in spinach dip this weekend!!!

[Sienna]

Yay! Way to face and conquer that challenge! I think donuts taste waaaay better on S-days anyway

Have a fantastic day 24!

[ZippaDee]

Day 24: GREEN!!

[mkat]

Great week! Happy S Day!

[ZippaDee]

Day 25: S Day
Day 26: S Day

Once again Saturday was much more controlled than Sunday. Sunday was definitely on the wild side. I didn't all out binge. Ready to get back to No S Day for sure.

Onward to day 27....

[ZippaDee]

Day 27: GREEN!!

Feels good to be back to a No S Day! My body feels so much better on No S Days!! I know that probably means that I am overdoing it on S Days. I'll get the right balance here eventually!

[mkat]

I know how you feel about the S Days! I felt kind of out of control on those days, too. But looking back, I think I was more moderate on the S days this past weekend than I would normally have been on *any* given day before NoS!

[tobiasmom]

You're doing awesome! Thanks for the encouragement!

[ZippaDee]

mkat...that is SO true for me!! Even though it seems like my S days are out of control at times. My S days now are MUCH more moderate than ANY given day before I was doing this!! That's progress!

Thanks for the encouragement ladies!

[ZippaDee]

Day 28: GREEN!!

Had a dessert sports awards banquet at school tonight. Soooo, I baked peanut butter cookies this afternoon and did not eat ANY!! I didn't even lick my fingers! Didn't eat any dessert at the banquet either.....and....it wasn't all that difficult. It was a good day. I'm lovin' this way of eating. I feel so good!!

[tobiasmom]

Awesome!!!

[AnneK]

Now THAT is truly amazing!

[ZippaDee]

Day 29: GREEN!!

Have to make this quick because in my quest to take better care of myself I have resolved to get more sleep which requires going to bed at a descent hour!! It's amazing what sleep can do for the body! Have discoverd that it is SO worth going to bed earlier. What a concept! So, night night!

[mkat]

Me too - time for bed! Minutes on the computer really start slipping away after 10 pm if I'm not careful. Great to see you doing so well - tomorrow is day 30! Wow!

[ZippaDee]

Day 30: GREEN!!

Another good day! I've basically been drinking just water since beginning No S. I quit all diet drinks quite a while ago because of the aspartame. I also haven't been drinking caffiene for quite some time. So, before No S I was drinking a lot of lemonade and some regular soda. Last couple of days I have been feeling like I want something to drink with a bit of a taste. So, I got some peppermint herbal tea today. Hmmm? It was just ok. I'm not doing backflips over it or anything.

Hope everyone has a happy Friday!

[Sienna]

So, before No S I was drinking a lot of lemonade and some regular soda. Last couple of days I have been feeling like I want something to drink with a bit of a taste.

I hear you, I love juice and lemonade and such!

Have you tried cutting fruit juice with seltzer water for something with a little flavor? Less calories, but still a little something sweet - it's not really my thing, but I have a friend who swears buy it.

I keep lemon juice in my fridge and put a squirt in my water. Similar to adding a lemon wedge but a lot easier and cheaper. And if you like tea, I'd recommend Almond Biscotti for something a little different to help satisfy.[/quote]

[ZippaDee]

Day 31: GREEN!!

Thanks for the tips Sienna!! I think I'll give the lemon juice a try. I happen to have that in my fridge right now!

Happy S Day everyone!

[ZippaDee]

Good Morning. Happy S Day everyone! Today marks one month for me on No S. I began on Oct. 13. I decided that 13 is going to be a good number for me! As I've said before this is not the first time I have attempted No S, but this time I am COMMITTED to JUST DO IT NO MATTER WHAT!! This month has been quite enjoyable. Enjoyment does not always come without effort. In fact, enjoyment is often much sweeter when effort is involved. The first week was difficult because before No S I was a grazer....ugh....and grazing on not the right foods! Those habits are hard to break. I just keep thinking that everyday that I overcome will make the next temptation easier and that has been the case! I still have rough days obviously, but not everyday and I KNOW that I can overcome! The "no snacking" rule seems to be working well for me because it's very cut and dry...just STOP IT! Just DON'T DO IT! It's just that simple. It's not like ww where I can continue to munch if I'm snacking on the "right" foods. I'm changing ME....my bad habits! NOT making my food behave! It makes sense!

What I love the most about No S:
*I get to plan and enjoy delicious meals with my family. We have four kids ages 7, 8, 12, 16. It's important to me that we sit around the dinner table and enjoy dinner every evening as a family. I can be taking care of myself AND continue to enjoy this...eating the SAME meal as my family! LOVE this!!!

So, for my first monthly weigh in I am down 12.2 pounds!! Yay!!

In 2000/2001 I lost about 60 pounds on ww. I quickly gained it all back. Over the past 8 years I have lost and gained the same 10 pounds that I just lost over and over again. I never stick with anything long enough to go any lower. I feel different this time. This is doable!!! Time will tell. This just makes sense!!

[kccc]

Congrats on the weight loss! You sound so happy that it makes me smile just to read your post!

And I totally understand about how nice it is to have normal family meals. (Just think what a great example you're setting for your kids, too.)

[AnneK]

TWELVE POUNDS!!!!!

Holy cow! That's amazing. How wonderful. And I know you've been enjoying the diet a lot too. I'm very happy for you Zippa! This is so great!

[ZippaDee]

Thanks so much for the encouragement ladies!!!

Day 32: S Day
Day 33: S Day

Had a great weekend. The weather was beautiful here! Got a lot of yard work done. Enjoyed a cup of mint hot cocoa while watching the movie Prancer with the family on Saturday night. Doesn't get much better than that!

ONWARD to day 34......

[ZippaDee]

Day 34: GREEN!!

Busy day! I'm late for my new bedtime ....so, gotta scoot! Got a second part time job today. YAY! Should be good. Will put my lunch back a few hours though. I'll be busy though. We shall see how that goes. Night.

[tobiasmom]

You're doing awesome! So inspiring!

[ZippaDee]

Day 35: GREEN!!

I don't watch a lot of tv, but I do watch The Biggest Loser every week. So, tonight I'm sitting watching The Biggest Loser and was fighting the urge to eat. I haven't had this problem in the evenings for a while. I associate sitting in front of the tv with eating. Sad, but true. And since I haven't been watching a lot of tv I haven't practiced watching without eating. Tonight I did! Tonight I practived building my new habit.

[tobiasmom]

I, too, love to watch Biggest Loser. I know not everyone on this board would agree with me. But I just like something about it. I love the raw emotion on there.

Anyway, I USED to sit and eat chips or pizza or all kinds of snacky foods while I watched it. But now I actually just sit and watch it. It feels so much better!!!

[ZippaDee]

Day 36: GREEN!!

Real quick check in tonight. Busy day. Time for bed. Night!

[AnneK]

Zippy, i loved what you said about practicing your new habit. The next time I am resisting the urge, I am going to keep in mind that I'm not just doing a negative thing (not eating) I am doing a positive thing (strengthening a good habit). Thank you!

[ZippaDee]

Day 37: GREEN!!

Past my new bedtime again. Yikes! Haven't been doing too well with that the past few nights. Just not enough hours in a day these days. Eating is going very well, even with these hectic few days.

Thinking lately about living my life deliberately! Making sure that you can tell by my life what my priorities are. Actually living my life and not letting things or happenings control me. Does that make sense? Just some random thoughts.

Night all!

[ZippaDee]

Day 38: GREEN!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

[funfuture]

Thinking lately about living my life deliberately!

It certainly does make sense - You've set me thinking!

[ZippaDee]

Day 41: GREEN!!

Had a great day! Am now wearing one size down in jeans. YAY!

[funfuture]

Well done! That must feel good.

[tobiasmom]

You're doing SUCH a good job!!!

[ZippaDee]

Thanks for the encouragement ladies!!

Day 42: GREEN!!

Getting ready to head out of town for the holiday. YAY!! Looking forward to it. Will leave tomorrow after work. I will be surrounded by food the entire time I am gone. It is a major part of all family get togethers. The plan is that Thanksgiving will be the only "special" day. It also happens to be my son's birthday....he will be 13. We will officially have two teens in the family as of Thursday. Must get some shut eye. I'm past my new bedtime tonight, but only by an hour.....not too bad considering all the extra things involved in a trip.

Wishing you all a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving. I hope it finds you all basking in the love of your families!

[ZippaDee]

Day 42: GREEN!!
Day 43: Thanksgiving S Day
Day 44: GREEN!!
Day 45: S Day
Day 46: S Day

Had a great time with family over the break! Did manage to keep my N Days green, which was a huge accomplishment. These holidays with family are just one eating marathon! The S Day were wild!! I'm still considering it a success though since I stuck with the basic "rules" of No S. My body does not feel well though because of all the junk on the S Days. This week is important for me. In the passed I have fallen off the wagon SOOOO many times returning from trips like these. I will fight to stick with the No S rules this week!

ONWARD to day 47!!

[ZippaDee]

Day 47: GREEN!!

Back to the normal routine today. All went well. Three of the kids are fighting pretty nasty colds! Ugh. Kept one home from school today. I'm hoping it doesn't hit me. Heading to bed early for some extra shut eye just in case. Have been thinking about these new habits I'm forming. The Thanksgiving S days proved to me that the new habits can very quickly fall back to the the old well known way of eating. I wonder if these habits will EVER become engrained....probably not. It may get much easier, but I will always be able to fall quickly into my old mode if I don't keep my eyes wide open.

[ZippaDee]

Day 48: GREEN!!
Day 49: GREEN!!

Fighting the crud here for the past few days. Feeling yucky right now, so I'm heading to bed. Hoping I feel much better in the morning! Have a happy Thursday everyone!

[ZippaDee]

Day 50: GREEN!!

My cousin passed away today very unexpectedly. He left a wife and two small children. My heart is very heavy tonight.

[ZippaDee]

Day 51: GREEN!!

Things have gone very smoothly this week. I felt that this week was very important coming back from the holiday weekend with my family. It's a time when I would usually..in the past...throw in the towel and give up. BUT, that was my past and today is my present and I am committed to improving myself. And ya know what? It feels GREAT! I do not feel deprived in the least. I just feel good! I actually enjoy eating this way! It's awesome! I'm not even white knuckling it until my S Days anymore. Who would have thunk it. Have a great weekend everyone! I am off to a high school wrestling meet tomorrow.

[ZippaDee]

Day 52: S Day
Day 53: S Day
Day 54: GREEN!!

Onward to day 55

Have a great day everyone!!!

[ZippaDee]

Day 55: GREEN!!

My check ins seem a bit boring lately. I don't have a lot to say. Things are just going very smoothly! It's feeling less and less difficult and more natural. YAY!

[Hoeka]

Zippa, if boring = things going smoothly, less difficult and more natural, then, by all means, give us boring posts!
Well done - great inspiration for all of us

[ZippaDee]

Day 56: GREEN!!
Day 57: GREEN!!
Day 58: S Day Daughter's 17th birthday today. Had some cake.

Two pretty cool things happened today. About six years ago I was given a really nice sweater. I was unable to wear it.....too small. I kept it though because I think it is so nice. On a whim I decided to try it on this morning and it fit. I wore it to work today!

Also, had someone comment on my weight loss today. It's the first comment I have gotten. That was nice.

Have a wonderful weekend! It's all about high school wrestling for me tomorrow.

[funfuture]

Fantastic on both counts, Zippadee!

[ZippaDee]

Day 59: S Day
Day 60: S Day

Today is my monthly weigh in day....the 13th.

Month one: down 12.2 pounds
Month two: down 3.8 pounds

Grand total: 16 pounds!

It's working and it's very doable! YAY!

[sidney202]

ZippaDee--

Congratulations on the 3.8 lbs this month. It must be all the sweeter when you can lose weight and it is practically effortless!

Your success is encouraging! Congrats again!

[ZippaDee]

Hello! Wow! I haven't posted in a week. It's a busy time of year huh? Last week went well. I've decided to quit counting days here. But, will continue to pop in. So far I've had no red days since Oct. 13. This is going so well. The next two weeks will be very difficult though! I'm off work...and so are the kids. So much food everywhere. The kids and I will do some baking today...cut out Christmas cookies and chex mix. I really enjoy Chex Mix! But, it is not an S Day and since I am committed to changing my life I shall not have any today.

At the beginning of my journey I decided to look at this as changing my life long term...looking at this one year at a time and getting to the end of the year one day at a time. Doing that by taking baby steps and not changing everything at once. Over the past few months I have been working on getting the basics of the eating habits of No S down. No Sweets, No Snacks, No Seconds. I've been very successful with that. I think I'm ready to add exercise to the mix now. I think over Christmas break would be a good time to do that. So, I will begin that.

Happy Monday everyone!

[ZippaDee]

Yesterday was GREEN!!

Even with all of the baking I did...the Chex Mix, Christmas Sugar Cookies, Puppy Chow....and then two friends brought over plates of MORE goodies. I'm only able to do this because I'm not just "interested" in doing it, but "committed" to doing it even when it is not convenient!



ONWARD!!!

[ZippaDee]

Oh, wanted to add here that my husband is insisting that Friday...Christmas Eve is a special day. I haven't decided yet if I want to make Friday an S Day or not? Hmmm? Debating that one.

[ZippaDee]

Checking in.....and some rambling thoughts..

Enjoying this holiday season immensely!!! I work at an elementary school so I have two weeks off..along with the kids. It's been sooo nice! I did decide to make Christmas Eve an S Day. I enjoyed all the goodies over the holiday and was able to get right back to my regular N days on Monday. I really think I'm onto something here. This program is so sane and so simple. It's not a "diet" for me...it really feels different. It's a lifestyle change. I've been reading some weight loss blogs over my break. I've come across three blogs of folks that are "throwing in the towel" so to speak. They are quitting their weight loss blogs and want to move away from the "diet" mentality....onto "fat acceptance" It's because they have been white knuckling it for so long and they just can't do it any more. These restrictive programs are just not doable long term.....well, not for most folks....not for me! This is about so much more than a number on a scale for me!! This is about my quality of life. This is about me as a person...mind, body, and soul! I want to nurture my whole being and NoS is helping me do that. Yes, the number on the scale needs to go down...and it is!...but, it's not my focus! The food is not my focus. Calories, points, fat grams, carbs are not my focus. My life is my focus! My health, my attitude, my energy, how I FEEL....not so much what I look like. I feel free to live my life.......to get on with it....to be healthy and happy. The scale is going down, but I'm not possessed with it. It's a wonderful place to be! Thank you Reinhard!

ONWARD to 2011

[ZippaDee]

I've recently come across the idea that in place of New Year's Resolutions a more subtle gentle approach is coming up with a word of intent for the coming year. Yes, a single word. I really like this idea and have decided to give it a whirl. After much thought and contemplation I have decided upon the word EASE for my word of 2011.

The No S Diet has been a major factor in choosing this word for myself. I've learned so much in the past 2 1/2 months since beginning this journey on the No S Diet. I'm having success. I'm experiencing change naturally and without a lot of pain and agony as has been my experience in the past.


This is a picture of a Chinese finger trap. The harder you pull and pull the more trapped your fingers become. In order for your fingers to be released you must EASE up on the pressure.

This has been true of my life in the realm of dieting. For YEARS I have been trying too hard. I've been hyper focused on the weight. I've been making too many rules for myself to the point where I am frustrated and trapped and unable to move forward. I've been making this too difficult. I've been stuck. All it takes is common sense. I need to EASE up on myself and just BE.

I can apply this to so many other areas of my life as well....parenting, finances, my spirituality. The list could go on and on.

In my quest of researching this and learning about this I have discovered that phychologists actually have a name for this. It's called the paradoxical theory of change. MY uneducated understanding of this and how I am applying this to MY life right now is that in order to truly change I need to stop trying so hard to change. I need to accept where I'm at right NOW! I can't move forward and change until I am ok with where I currently am now. I will continue spinning my wheels so to speak, which is exactly what I've been doing for years. I count calories and deprive myself in a quest to lose weight because I hate the way my body looks. Instead I need to love myself where I am at first...exactly as I am. When I do that I will naturally take care of my body that I love and change will occur naturally and with EASE!

So, thus my word for 2011 EASE!

[ZippaDee]

Had a GREEN week!

Had a great first week back to work. I continue to work on incorporating more EASE into my life. I'm trying to focus on just BEING. I did get on my exercise bike one day this week. I haven't been exercising so that's a start.

[sarahkay]

way to go with your first green week of the year!! And that's awesome that you got on your bike! I'm trying to exercise more too. You can do it! And I love the Ease concept!!

[ZippaDee]

Month 3 weigh-in today. Lost 4.6 pounds this month. YAY!

I started this journey on Oct. 13.

Month 1: Nov. 13 -12.2 pounds
Month 2: Dec. 13 - 3.8 pounds
Month 3: Jan. 13 -4.6 pounds

That brings my total to 20.6 pounds! I'm very happy with that. I continue to enjoy this way of eating SO much! I'm very content with my rate of weight loss. Slow and steady gets the prize. I ran across a quote from Winnie the Pooh that I like "Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there someday" I'm focused on the habits day in and day out. My health will improve and my weight will come down with time.

I have still not commited to exercise on a daily basis, although I am exercising some now where I was doing none before. I'm taking this nice and slow. I'm not jumping in and changing everything at once. I feel like I'm doing pretty well with my eating now, so this month I'm going to focus on daily Bible study....daily!

[Starla]

Congratulations! It's especially impressive to see you lost weight during the holiday season, which can be so difficult. You sound very calm and certain in your post - I think "Ease" is working out for you!

[ZippaDee]

4 Month Check In

Month 1: Nov. 13 -12.2 pounds
Month 2: Dec. 13 - 3.8 pounds
Month 3: Jan. 13 -4.6 pounds
Month 4: Feb. 13 -3.8 pounds

Grand Total: 24.4!!!

I continue to absolutely LOVE this way of eating! What a relief! I was and am just ready to do this. Ready to make a change! I've had no red days since Oct. 13. I've been gradually bringing exercise into my life. I want to commit to 30 minutes per day 5 days a week...M-F. To help me do this I will start reporting in here on my exercise.

I have a wedding to go to tomorrow. Yes...a Valentine's Day Wedding. Sweet huh?! I've decided that tomorrow will be an S Day.

Have a Happy Day everyone!

[r.jean]

What a great weight loss in four months! Better yet is the fact that you have stuck with it for four months. I am at 2 months and settling in for the long haul.........

[tobiasmom]

Oh, how awesome you're doing! This is just what I needed, as I've struggled this past months trying to get into my groove with No-S. I KNOW it works. I know this is the plan for me. I just do the opposite of what I SHOULD and WANT to do!!!!

Great job!

[kerrycrow]

Have loved reading about your progress...I have gone the WW route myself...and this time I just say no! No S that is I haven't been doing this very long so it is cool to see how it has worked for you. Way to go!

[NoSRocks]

Also just popping in Zippy to say MANY, MANY congratulations on your weight loss/ongoing success on No S!

I am really enjoying reading your posts by the way - so inspirational and I can almost FEEL your sense of excitement jumping out at me as I read the words if you know what I mean ! I am in my second cycle of No S, having been silly and impatient enough to want to try another diet with quicker/more effective results...ha!! It just cost me 10 lbs of unwanted weight and worry. This time I am in it for the long haul and I seem to be managing to dust myself off and get down to it without being TOO hard on myself as in mentally harping back to the 'good old' days.... still, I could be better.

I've started upping my exercise as in taking more walks. I can now walk outside again - YAY - since the snow has almost gone now. I hope it lasts!! (as in snow disappearing).

Anyway - good luck - not that you will need it - with your No S journey and as mentioned, many congratulations on your success!!!

[ZippaDee]

Thank you so much for all of the encouragement!!! I do so appreciate it! Hard to believe another month has come and gone since I've posted here. Today marks 5 months on No S for me. Here are my stats

Month 1: Nov. 13 -12.2 pounds
Month 2: Dec. 13 - 3.8 pounds
Month 3: Jan. 13 -4.6 pounds
Month 4: Feb. 13 -3.8 pounds
Month 5: Mar. 13 -1.4 pounds

Grand Total: 25.8!!!

So, this month my eating habits continue to be GREEN. I've had no reds on my eating since beginning on Oct. 13. I have added exercise this month, although I have failed to record it here. I have exercised 3 to 5 times every week this month. When I say exercise I am doing 30 minutes on my stationarey bike. I'm fighting feeling disappointed with the lower weight loss on the month that I added exercise, but it IS a loss right? I WANT to be happy with it.....I'm trying to be happy with it!

On the positive side....
*I hit the 25 pounds mark! Yahooo!
*Many folks have commented on my weight loss this month, which is very nice to hear...although in the past I know when folks start noticing it seems to do something negative to my efforts (I've noticed this in the past). Anyone else notice this about themselves? weird huh?! I'm aware that this happens to me and am keeping my eyes open.
*I have begun to add exercise! yay...

Things I aim to commit to and focus on this month
*getting here daily to check in on exercise....I want to exercise for at least 30 minutes on NoS Days

Also wondering if I need to have more control on SDays. Perhaps work more on the "Sometimes" part?? hmmmm? My S Days are not particularly wild. I don't have unconrolled binges for sure, but maybe I should have fewer treats?? Thinking on this.

[Over43]

Very good!

[ZippaDee]

Thank you Over43!!

I'm a tad late, but I'm here for my daily exercise check in.

Yesterday was GREEN for exercise! I exercised for 30 minutes on my exercise bike.

ONWARD!

[ZippaDee]

Heeeeelllloooo! Yes, I'm still alive and kickin'! I've been missing in action for a few months here. I'm back! I NEED to be back. I've not been doing well these past few months. I'm sad and disappointed about that, BUT I'm NOT giving up! I've still come so far since November. I'm a work in progress. I still have a lot to learn about myself and how I tick and WHY I do what I do to sabotage myself! hmm?

One question is WHY when I have some success and people start noticing my success do I begin sabotaging myself?? Why then? Strange!

Why do I feel the need to be perfect? Even on No S. Once I had ONE Red day.......well, it got ugly! It only took one.

As you can see below I have gained 3 pounds in the past 2 months.

I'm here to get back on track. I am going to make a big effort to report in everyday on both my eating and my exercise. I'm choosing to dwell on the positive....the 22.8 pounds that I HAVE lost and kept off over the past 7 months!


Month 1: Nov. 13 -12.2 pounds
Month 2: Dec. 13 - 3.8 pounds
Month 3: Jan. 13 -4.6 pounds
Month 4: Feb. 13 -3.8 pounds
Month 5: Mar. 13 -1.4 pounds
Month 6: Apr. 13 +.6 pounds
Month 7: May 13 +2.4 pounds

GRAND TOTAL: 22.8 pounds

My monthly weigh ins occur on the 13th of every month. I am striving for a good month! I am a school employee. June 13th will put us to the end of the school year. YIPPEE!! Want to end the year feeling good about my efforts. Weight loss would be nice, but it is MORE about good habits!!!

Today is obviously an S day. I will be back to report in on Monday.

[Who Me?]

I wouldn't torment myself over the three pounds. It sounds like, overall, you're doing very well.

[tobiasmom]

Glad to see ya around!!! 23 pounds is awesome!

[ZippaDee]

Daily Check in:

EATING
May 16:GREEN
May 17:GREEN
May 18:GREEN
May 19:GREEN
May 20:
May 21: S Day
May 22: S Day
May 23:
May 24:
May 25:
May 26:
May 27:
May 28: S Day
May 29: S Day
May 30: S Day
May 31:
June 1:
June 2:
June 3:
June 4: S Day
June 5: S Day
June 6:
June 7:
June 8:
June 9:
June 10:
June 11: S Day
June 12: S Day

EXERCISE
May 16:GREEN
May 17:GREEN
May 18:GREEN
May 19:GREEN
May 20:
May 21: S Day
May 22: S Day
May 23:
May 24:
May 25:
May 26:
May 27:
May 28: S Day
May 29: S Day
May 30: S Day
May 31:
June 1:
June 2:
June 3:
June 4: S Day
June 5: S Day
June 6:
June 7:
June 8:
June 9:
June 10:
June 11: S Day
June 12: S Day

[ZippaDee]

Well, once again it's been a while since I've posted here. I've had a rough summer as far as NoS goes...a good summer otherwise! My routine is so different during the summer than it is for the rest of the year and that threw me for a drastic loop...ugh! I work at an elementary school during the school year and am home all day with my 4 children during the summer. It wasn't good for my eating habits. We are back to our regular schedule now and I'm ready to get back to taking care of me. NoS is really not difficult...WHY do I make it difficut. I feel SOO much better when I'm doing it. I just want to FEEL better! I will report in her daily. I think it will help me at this point. ONWARD>>>>

[NoSRocks]

WELCOME BACK!!!!!!