Everyday Systems

Another newbie in search of food sanity.

I've just read the book and absolutely loved it. Not a new concept for me, since I have tried no snacking before, but didn't keep it up. I love the simple sanity behind Reinhard's approach, and intend to make this a life long habit. It just makes so much sense to me, and the times when I have been able to kick the snacking habit I felt so free. The best feeling was looking forward to my meals, knowing that I could eat whatever I wanted because I was truly hungry. All the overthinking about food just fell away.

I've had several eating disorders in the past and have had a complicated 'relationship' with food for almost as long as I can remember. I've definitely been a longtime permasnacker. But I'm sick and tired of all of that. I'm committed to becoming a 'normal' eater. For me that means applying No S - no snacking (except on rare occasions), occasional sweets, and no seconds. I'm modifying No S to cut out all snacks, even on S days as I know how easily and quickly my brain can slip back into the old snacking habit. If it is a special occasion or someone's birthday and I'm offered food outside of mealtimes I will allow it - just like a normal eater would. But that is an exception.

Have already chalked up 2 Green days, so feeling great about that. I know from doing this before that the first week is the most difficult and from then on the urges to snack get less and less and its much easier to dismiss them. Excited to do this and looking forward to regular check ins to keep me accountable. Also looking forward to losing weight - both mentally and physically

Welcome Amanda!

Welcome!

Good luck, and well done on your two green days. You sound very positive.

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

Yay for 4 green days! The urge to mindlessly graze on something when I go to the pantry is disappearing, as is having an extra bowl of cereal at breakfast. Now it just feels like some flicker of a thought which I can dismiss.

Another plus is forgetting about foods. I have some roast chickpeas in the cupboard which I used to snack on, and the last few days I've given myself full permission to add them to my salad. But then when meal time rolls around I forget to add them which is annoying coz I do want to eat them

It hasn't all been easy though. I've been feeling nauseous and angry between meals so I really need to work on my meal timing and food amount. Yesterday I'd eaten breakfast at 5.30 and because I was out and about doing stuff, and wanted to sit down for a meal with my husband, I didn't have lunch until 1.30. I usually would have had a snack before heading out but since No S that's not an option. Intellectually I know a big gap between meals isn't going to kill me but the physical response is a bit tough. I feel like I turn into the Hulk I know this part will get easier. My body just needs time to adjust.

Remember you could get a latte or something to tide you over.

Thanks automatedeating. I'm definitely depending on lots of cups of milky tea to get me through. Thankfully yesterday I wasn't nearly as hungry, so I think things are evening out a bit.

5 green days and counting

Yesterday was a red day. I decided to bake biscuits in the afternoon and learned a valuable lesson - don't bake when hungry. I ended up picking at some of the little bits of biscuits that fell off while they were cooking. The last two days have actually been challenging. I'm fearing getting really hungry. I haven't experienced this since having anorexia in my late teens/early 20s. I try not to blame things on an eating disorder I had 20 years ago but its as if doing this has made that neural pathway light up all of a sudden. I think it just requires some reframing. Reinforcing that I am choosing to do this and if I get too hungry I can go ahead and eat a snack. Now, ideally I won't, but perhaps just telling myself that will calm down that part of my brain. Interested to hear how other people with a history of restriction/anorexia have experienced No S in the early days.

Hi Mandy,
I tried to write a couple different responses, but suffice to say I don't have experience, knowledge, or wisdom to give your situation a good reply. I just want you to know I care about you, and I'm sorry that you have to wend your way on this complicated path. That said, I know you will find your way.

Hi from me too. I don’t have experience of anorexia myself, but just wanted to add my support. I have a history of anxiety attacks which makes it scary sometimes when I get hungry - though I know that’s not remotely comparable to what you’ve been through. I hope that getting through this challenge will take you to an even stronger place. All the best!