frugaltexan's check in

Counting carbs/calories is a drag. Obsessive scale stepping is a recipe for despair. If you want to count something, "days on habit" is a much better metric. Checking off days on a calendar would do just fine, but if you do it here you get accountability and support. Here's how. Start a new topic in this forum called (say) "Your Name Daily Check In." Then every N day post a "reply" to that topic as to whether you stayed on habit. A simple "<font color="green">SUCCESS</font>" or "<font color="red">FAILURE</font>" (or your preferred euphemism if that's too harsh) is sufficient, but obviously you're welcome to write more if you want. On S-days just register that you're taking an S-day. You don't have to do this forever, just until you're confident you've built the habit. Feel free to check in weekly or monthly or sporadically instead of daily. Feel free also to track other habits besides No-s (I'm keeping this forum under No-s because that's what the vast majority are using it for). See also my <a href="/habitcal/">HabitCal</a> tool for another more formal (and perhaps complementary) way to track habits.

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Dandelion
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Post by Dandelion » Fri Feb 19, 2010 3:00 am

I"m sorry to hear you've been going through a rough patch. Anything we can do to help, besides cheer from afar?
'I do think the way to a full and healthy life is to adopt the sensible system of small helpings, no seconds, no snacking, and a little bit of everything. Above all, have a good time.' Julia Child

frugaltexan
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Post by frugaltexan » Mon Feb 22, 2010 3:36 am

Thank you Starla and Dandelion.

It makes me really sad how far off track I've been now for at least a month. :X The only thing I can think of is that maybe it started out as a reaction to getting out of the stressful/toxic landlady's home and into my new residence. And then it continued on and on, and my bad habits of old reappeared with a vengeance. What really makes me sad about the whole thing is that I was able to do the holidays this year with limited/flexible No-S compliance, and get right back on track for three weeks!!

I think I'm not going to worry about a 5 day green week, or even a 21 day streak. I'm going to just focus on one day at a time. What has been happening the past few weeks is I'd have one green day, and then slip, so throw the rest of the week under the bus purposefuly. This last week M-Th were all red, and then on Friday I was doing well until something in me said "the whole week so far's been red - go ahead and make today red too!" And, I did. :(

So, maybe if I don't look at it as 5 green days in a row - but look at it as ONE green day at a time, I can get my focus back. I can get back to being able to look at chocolate on an N day and say "Not today buddy!"

I'm a little afraid to step on the scales. But I probably should do it, just to see how much damage I've done.

Speaking of damage. Tonight I was going downstairs to do laundry, when my foot slipped out from under me. I traveled a couple steps and landed on my tailbone, and was stopped by my right heel/ankle. Ouch! I was really planning on getting up and exercising in the morning (something I've sorely neglected this past month) but now ... Ugh!
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

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Dandelion
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Post by Dandelion » Tue Feb 23, 2010 11:59 pm

Oh, no! I hope it's not too bad. Take care of yourself - not just the injury, but whatever is going on with the eating thing, too.
'I do think the way to a full and healthy life is to adopt the sensible system of small helpings, no seconds, no snacking, and a little bit of everything. Above all, have a good time.' Julia Child

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Post by frugaltexan » Wed Feb 24, 2010 1:36 am

Thanks Dandelion. The ankle mostly only bothers me when I'm going up and down stairs. I live in an upstairs bedroom. :) The tailbone mostly is a problem when I'm sitting - you know, at the computer, driving in the car, at a table tutoring ... Yeah. It'll get better I'm sure, just have to give it some time.

Monday
Tuesday

I made it through the past two days by the skin of my teeth. Yesterday afternoon I was opening the freezer to get something for lunch, and my hand automatically went to the baggie of little chocolates. I stopped it in time.

As you can see I have managed to regain 8 lbs this past month. I'm not going to be able to do much in the way of exercise until my ankle is better - so whatever weight I lose in the next few weeks will have to solely be from watching what I'm eating. So ... it'll be slow going. But then again, maybe it's not such a bad idea focusing only on what I'm eating and not worrying so much about the exercise part for a little while.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

Starla
Posts: 398
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Post by Starla » Wed Feb 24, 2010 2:19 pm

Congratulations on successive green days, Laura. That's SO important, especially when you've been struggling. I really like the way you're approaching this. Your injury could have been an excuse to give up until you could exercise. But I think you're absolutely right - you can use it as a way to focus on No S right now.

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Dandelion
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Post by Dandelion » Wed Feb 24, 2010 4:28 pm

I'm glad you made it - skin of teeth or not. Success is success!
'I do think the way to a full and healthy life is to adopt the sensible system of small helpings, no seconds, no snacking, and a little bit of everything. Above all, have a good time.' Julia Child

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
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Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Thu Feb 25, 2010 2:57 am

Thank you Starla and Dandelion.

One day at a time, that's all I'm asking for.

Wednesday

My ankle is feeling a good bit better. So, tomorrow morning I think I'm going to try an easy walk around the neighborhood. If all goes well, then I can at least get some walking in. I don't think I'll try for running though till my tailbone feels much better. Too much jarring.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Fri Feb 26, 2010 3:08 am

Thursday

I didn't sleep very well last night due to my tailbone bugging me, and when I did wake up this morning, my ankle was throbbing. So ... didn't go for a walk. Guess I just need to give it a little more time.

I wish I knew what it was that turned the "switch" on and off for me in regards to the N day habits. Before the holidays, I felt I had a pretty good handle on N days. Almost like I was on auto-pilot. Then I relaxed the habits for two weeks. But was able to come back and go right back into auto-pilot. Then, I'm not sure what happened, but my auto-pilot switch got turned off for a month. Now, it seems as though it may have been turned back on.

Here's hoping that the auto-pilot switch STAYS on!
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Sat Feb 27, 2010 12:11 am

Dare I say it????

I completed one week completely back on track!

Woo Hoo!

Friday

I still have supper to eat, but since I know I won't want to come back and edit this, I'm not worried. :lol:
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

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Dandelion
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Post by Dandelion » Sat Feb 27, 2010 5:33 am

Yay!
'I do think the way to a full and healthy life is to adopt the sensible system of small helpings, no seconds, no snacking, and a little bit of everything. Above all, have a good time.' Julia Child

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
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Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Tue Mar 02, 2010 2:17 am

:D

Monday

I tried a new concoction tonight for supper. Both in the interest of trying to actually *cook* and also use up stuff from the pantry that's been there awhile. :)

I made enough for probably 4 servings.

3 cups water
2 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast
1 1/2 cups quinoa
1 can light cream of broccoli soup
1/2 cup Rice Milk
1 small can mushrooms
1 cup frozen veggies

I cooked the quinoa in water with nutritional yeast. While it was cooking, I plopped the soup into a large microwavable bowl and added the milk and stirred. Then microwaved it for a 1 1/2 minutes - then added the mushrooms and frozen veggies and microwaved everything for another 3 minutes. By that time the quinoa was pretty much cooked, so I dumped the soup mixture into the quinoa pot, mixed, and cooked it on low for another 5 minutes.

It actually tasted pretty good - and now I have 3 meals ready to go for the week. :) (downside is how high in sodium the cream of b soup is - but hopefully with it divided in 4 servings it's not so much)
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Thu Mar 04, 2010 1:25 am

Tuesday
Wednesday


Although the day isn't over yet, I'm calling it a green. There is a situation going on right now which really, really makes me want to reach for the junk food. But I'm working on finding other ways of dealing with it ... at least long enough to hold out till Saturday.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Fri Mar 05, 2010 2:48 am

Thursday

Today was gorgeous weather outside, and I had an hour before I had to be on the class chat (school) ... so I decided to test my ankle and go for a walk. No problem! :D I also decided to test my tailbone and see if it could handle me doing some light jogging --- and, I think the answer is yes!

So, tonight I got in my first 30 minutes of exercise in nearly two weeks - and I think I should be able to keep it up! This will help tremendously in shedding the pounds I regained with the multiple red days in February. Yay!
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Sat Mar 06, 2010 2:33 am

Friday

I was working on a class assignment from noon till seven today. Didn't eat lunch. I was tempted to make my supper extra large due to missing lunch. But then I made a normal portion of my quinoa mix, and took half a roll of ritz crackers. After finishing my quinoa mix, I looked at the roll and decided that I didn't need that much. So I measured out 8 crackers, and ate those. I am comfortably full.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

Starla
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Post by Starla » Sun Mar 07, 2010 1:19 pm

Laura, I am so impressed at the way you've fought back instead of giving up. Congratulations on all that GREEN!

frugaltexan
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Post by frugaltexan » Thu Mar 11, 2010 4:49 am

Thanks Starla. :D


Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday


My stepdad today offered me a chocolate covered apple. I nonchalantly told him, "Oh, thanks. That looks good. If there's any left on Saturday, I might have one."
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:57 pm

Thursday
Friday


Thursday I came very close to having a red day. I'd eaten a larger than usual lunch, and then not even 40 minutes later, I had this overwhelming desire for chocolate. Anything! Thankfully I couldn't do anything about it right then because I was waiting for my tutoring student. By the time I was done with him, and on my way home, the desire had completely passed.

So, today, marks my 21st day of "taking it one day at a time" (including the two previous S days.) :D

Tomorrow morning I'll update my weigh-in. Although I did sort of "count" these days, I am going to continue to take it one day at a time. Somehow that seems to work best for me now.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Sat Mar 13, 2010 8:36 pm

I did my March weigh-in today. :D

235 lbs. So, in the last 21 days with mainly just sticking to No-S habits and maybe two walks, I have lost 4 lbs. Probably some of it was water weight ... but I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth. Ya know what I mean. :)

Maybe by April I'll be back to where I was in January, before I slid off the habit track. If not, I'll still keep chugging (not soda! water!) :D
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Tue Mar 16, 2010 2:29 am

Monday

I'm declaring tomorrow a NWs day. I'll be getting together with a really good friend and her two children for lunch and a movie - someone I don't get to see very often at all. If you notice, the S is lower-case. That means while I'm allowing myself to have seconds/sweets, it is NOT an S day.

I very rarely eat treats at a movie theater, but we'll be having lunch at Ci Ci's and I really like their desserts. Then after the movie we might stop at McDonalds (where the kids can play while we talk) so I might get a *small* treat there as well.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Thu Mar 18, 2010 1:23 am

Tuesday
Wednesday :?
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Fri Mar 19, 2010 1:06 am

Thursday
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Sat Mar 20, 2010 2:05 am

Friday
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Fri Mar 26, 2010 9:54 pm

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
:lol:

I had a few sketchy patches this week, but I managed to cope by taking a nap (lol!) or just getting busy doing something else.

Today I pulled into Walmart's parking lot for my weekly grocery shopping trip. However, I started thinking about exactly what I was going to get. I realized that there really wasn't anything I *needed* for the week ahead, which meant that if I went in, I'd end up buying junk for the weekend and possibly picking up a few other "healthy" things to "balance" my cart. (Does anyone else do this, or feel like you have to do this? Being a very overweight person, a lot of the time I end up buying more than I need just so it doesn't look like I'm only buying sweets.)

So, anyway, I sat in my car thinking for a few minutes. And then pulled out of the parking lot. I decided that I didn't need to buy anything special for the weekend - I have a small container of ice cream, whip cream, syrup, etc. If those truly are not enough, then I can always go out later and pick something up --- If I *truly* want it. (And for me to make a special trip ... I'll have to really want it.)
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

Starla
Posts: 398
Joined: Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:55 pm

Post by Starla » Sun Mar 28, 2010 1:23 pm

Congrats, Laura! You are doing great.

I laughed at your story about buying things you don't need so it doesn't look like you're just buying sweets. I can't tell you how many times I've done that, but not since starting No S. I don't feel guilty about the treats I eat, which is an accomplishment all on its own if you think about it.

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
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Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Mon Mar 29, 2010 10:55 pm

Thanks Starla! :)

I hope someday I'll be at the point where I can put just a treat (or two) in my basket and not care what anyone around me is thinking. Maybe when I get in the 100's ... That'll be a long time, so maybe sooner. :)

My stomach was growling by 3:30 today. It's now nearly 6. If I go eat now I'll be starved by morning. So, instead I'm going to go take a walk. Then I'll eat supper. :)

I'm calling it early: Monday

Oh, and I ended up finding a box of brownie mix this weekend in my cupboard. Between my step dad and I we ate half of them - the other half I cut up and put in the freezer for next weekend.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Fri Apr 02, 2010 3:39 am

Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday


I normally do my grocery shopping on Friday's. But I don't have to go anywhere tomorrow, so I decided to shop today. So I have my S day treats already in the house (besides the brownies in the fridge) plus my mom brought over some "Easter cookies" that are out on the counter in the kitchen. Don't even tempt me. :)
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Fri Apr 23, 2010 9:54 pm

It's been an interesting few weeks since I last posted. School has kept me very busy. I have a big research paper due on Wednesday, one more large assignment in another class, then a final in another class. All will be finished by May 6. Yay!

The week after Easter was all red. I'm not really sure exactly what set me off, but boy howdy was I ever set off! (Actually, I think it may have been a comment my mom made to me. She'd given me an Easter basket and saw that I'd eaten everything in it (not that much!) and expressed surprise that I'd eaten all of it, and that I must have failed on my S day. Ugh! The next day, with the best of intentions, I stopped at Walgreens and picked up some clearance candy - kinds I really wanted but wouldn't pay full price for. Fully intending on them lasting the rest of the month. They didn't last a week.) I really need to learn to not let judgmental comments make me go haywire like that - especially coming from my mom!

Since then, I've been recovering from that week. As of today, I'm back to where I was on March 13. Kind of depressing in a way, but at least I'm back on the not-gaining momentum!
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Sat May 15, 2010 1:24 am

I finished my last final a week ago for the Spring semester. That final week was dripping with red ... and this past week had a good bit of red as well. But yesterday I told myself it was way past time to stop the insanity, and Thursday and Friday are green. So, I AM back to Vanilla S. Two days back.

I'm not going to beat myself up over the redness of the past two weeks. What's done is done. What matters now is what I do today and tomorrow and the next day.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Starting Again - Eleven months later

Post by frugaltexan » Sun Jun 13, 2010 10:02 pm

I have had a difficult time the past few months with self-control in my eating habits. I had many more red days than green - in fact the few green days that happened seem to have been more of an accident than anything.

I am now only 5 lbs less than my starting weight here nearly eleven months ago. Starting tomorrow I *am* back to looking at sweets as "window dressing" and not something I need. To begin, I know it will need to be a very conscious and thoughtful endeavor, but it will eventually become habit again.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

Starla
Posts: 398
Joined: Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:55 pm

Post by Starla » Tue Jun 15, 2010 1:27 pm

Hi, Laura -

I've been wondering about you; I'm glad to see you're still here. It's too bad things have been rough lately, but you KNOW you can do this! You already have!

Remember, consistency is more important than perfection. I know you'll be able to work yourself back into the habits that made you successful before.

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Tue Jun 15, 2010 3:07 pm

Thanks Starla. :)

So far so good. Monday
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Fri Jul 02, 2010 4:54 am

Including this week, in the past three weeks I have had 10 Green Days! The first two weeks Monday thru Wednesday went easily (well, mostly easily) but then I'd go grocery shopping on Thursday, and somehow having my sweet treats in the house ... But today I went shopping like I did the past two Thursdays, and I have my sweet treats ... not even tempted.

I think I may be back on board!

Woo Hoo!

My mom and stepdad and I bought a little Maltese puppy a week ago. We named him Buddy- he's about 11 weeks old. Cute as a button, and starting to relax enough around us to let his orneriness shine through. :) I'm also about half-way through my summer class, and will be SO glad when it's over. :)
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Tue Jul 06, 2010 2:21 am

Well Friday was a green day, and today (Monday) is green as well. So that puts me at 12 green days (total of 16 on target). The weekend was definitely not overboard -- in fact, I think I almost ate less this weekend than on a normal N day -- except that I had sugary foods. My family went to this neat place called YougurtLand where you can serve yourself as much as you want from the yogurt machines (about 20 different flavors) and then add your own toppings. Yum!! They charge by the ounce. I only drank one soda this weekend, which is a major improvement.

And ...the big news is, for the first time in a long time, the scale had a lower number on it on Monday morning than was there on Friday!!

I just feel so much better eating this way and not giving in to the "Why should I care?" monster.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

oolala53
Posts: 10059
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Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Wed Jul 07, 2010 1:03 am

Good news on your green days. And on getting a puppy! Do you ever watch The Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic channel? Not everyone agrees with his tactics, but I don't think anyone would disagree that dogs need to walk every day. He says twice a day. That will be convenient exercise for you, no?

Keep up the good work.
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

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Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Wed Jul 07, 2010 3:46 am

Thanks Oolala. Yes, I've heard of the Dog Whisperer and seen one of the shows. Cesar Milan's book is also one of about ten puppy/dog training books I've read in the past couple weeks. :D

I am taking him for psuedo-walks in our backyard for now. Once he has all his shots completed, then I'll start taking him out on longer walks "in the real world." I want him pretty well leash trained before we go out with lots more distractions to compete with me. :) (He's a tiny little thing, barely 4 lbs. So a "long" walk for him would probably be a half mile or less, at least to start out.)

I've had to make a slight modification to my No-S. Every time I feed the puppy I have to eat something in front of him (what a pack leader does/higher ranking member). Since right now he's eating 4 or 5 times during the day (not free feeding) I am letting myself have one cracker or a handful of grapes as a "super mini meal". Although I also do count them as part of the plate for whatever the next real meal is. So far it seems to be working.

Tuesday
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Thu Jul 08, 2010 4:32 am

The scale was up a bit this morning, but I think it is because I ate a sandwich and veggies later Monday night than normal (heavier than normal supper). Today I was getting some major hunger pangs not too long after eating lunch. I distracted myself by watching a couple episodes of the Dog Whisperer. :D Tonight's supper was much lighter - applesauce/cc/salad.

When I was in the "media room" there was a container of chocolate chips leftover from my stepdad's tv viewing the previous evening. It was "just decoration". :)

So ... Tuesday :P

I got some marvelous news today ... I was awarded at least one scholarship! I'd applied for around 8 of them back in February/March. It's not a lot, but about enough for a month's worth of groceries or gas. Better than nothing. :D
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

oolala53
Posts: 10059
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:46 am
Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Thu Jul 08, 2010 5:05 am

Free money! Good for you and kudos for being enterprising enough to apply.

Hunger pangs after eating lunch? What a drag. Do you think you didn't eat enough? I've been lucky in not to be feeling much hunger until it's close to meal time for awhile. But maybe it's not lucky. Distracting oneself in the face of desire is a very laudable skill.
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Fri Jul 09, 2010 2:42 am

Thanks Oolala. I'm not sure what it was. My lunch was pretty normal, in fact I even added some extra veggies and fruit to it.

Wednesday and Thursday

At the moment I am extremely frustrated with how the new puppy is being handled by one certain family member. I almost feel like throwing my hands up and saying, fine! It's your dog - you do whatever - and you'll reap the "benefits." When that certain family member tells me about the puppy's "bad" behavior, and then tells me he wasn't on a leash at the time --- well ... duh!! He's a puppy! An unsupervised puppy is a puppy chewing on shoes or getting into houseplants .... and on and on. He's very good for me -- of course, I have him on leash just about 99% of the time (only take the leash off when he's on my bed or I put him in the expen.)

But .. I'm not going for the chocolate. No way, no how!
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Wed Jul 14, 2010 2:50 am

Okay, Friday went well, and the weekend wasn't too over the top. But Monday I didn't resist the bowl of ice cream I passed on on Sunday. Thankfully, though, today (Tuesday) went fine.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Thu Jul 15, 2010 2:20 am

Wednesday
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Sat Jul 17, 2010 2:56 am

Thursday Friday

I was really tempted tonight to get into my S day treats. I wasn't really hungry, just tired and didn't feel like eating normal foods for supper. I persevered and had cc and applesauce plus a piece of cheese, but no chocolate!
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

oolala53
Posts: 10059
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:46 am
Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Sat Jul 17, 2010 4:15 am

What is cc, please? Oh, and congrats on your days of success.
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Mon Jul 19, 2010 1:16 am

Thanks! :) CC is cottage cheese.

Well, this weekend is essentially my one-year mark since discovering No-S. I managed to lose 11.6 lbs, so almost an average of a lb a month. Overall, I think I practiced successful No-s for about 10 mos of the past 12. I know I feel better when I'm on track with my N days and not letting the little monster rule me. More often than not, I am beating the monster down. I feel hopeful for the upcoming year due to the knowledge I have gained in the past year, as well as knowing that it IS possible to go without chocolate for 5 days at a time for weeks on end.

Now, coming up in the next few weeks .. I have two planned NWS days. On Wednesday I'll be taking my mom and stepdad to the airport to head out on their cruise. On the way back, I pass by a California Pizza Kitchen. So I plan on celebrating having the house to myself for 10 days by eating there. I may take half of it home and not get a dessert, so it may still turn out to be a regular N day. But on the 29th I'll be meeting some friends from out of state at a really neat yogurt place. The last time I saw them was about two years ago or so. That will be a definite NWS day.

This morning I was supposed to get up and do my long run, but stayed up too late last night + the puppy let me actually sleep in a bit today. Will definitely do it tomorrow morning. With the temps here (high 90's to low 100's humidity) the only sane time to go is right as it gets light enough to see (around 6:30).

Tuesday we take Buddy for his next round of shots. So I may take him for his first walk around the neighborhood Wednesday morning. So my schedule will be running M(long), W (the walk will be pretty short I imagine because it'll be part training, part exercise), F and Sun; walking w/Buddy W, TH, Fri, Sat.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

oolala53
Posts: 10059
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:46 am
Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Mon Jul 19, 2010 1:30 am

Happy Anniversary and congrats on your loss and improved health!
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Mon Jul 19, 2010 2:13 am

Thanks! :P
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Wed Jul 21, 2010 3:10 am

Ugh!

Monday morning I went out for my run. Not even 6 minutes into it I get rammed by a dog. Fall flat on my back, breaking my hair clip. According to the homeowner (not the dogs owner, but the owner of the home where the dogs owner lives) the dog had shot across the street and we would have missed each other, but I turned around. I really don't know why I would have been turning around, because I hadn't made it the the area where I do a little stretching (after warming up). But who knows.

The end result is that I hurt. Not enough to go to the doctor - although we did get the homeowner's information in case I decided to do so. But enough to make anymore running (or much walking for that matter) this week not happen. What's really weird is that it was the back of my neck/top of my back/shoulders that were really bugging me Monday, but today its the front/side of my neck and my mid adominal area (front) that are really sore.

The dog also got hurt. I guess we kind of bounced off of each other.

At any rate, I am not going to hold myself to making this a green week. My main focus is going to be on recuperating. And if that means my body is demanding comfort food, I'm going to give it. But it all ends on Monday. One week off is it.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

oolala53
Posts: 10059
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:46 am
Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:24 am

Sorry about your mishap. I know how it could happen. I was at a dog park a few months ago. A dog came whirling around me while I was walking and it knocked me down! I was surprised. I'm lucky that I didn't get hurt. I hope you feel better soon.
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:31 pm

Thanks Oolala. I'm feeling better today. Was even able to get up out of bed without too much groaning and moaning. :)

A dog park is most likely one place I will not be taking our new puppy to. He's so little, and won't get too much bigger. Even if I knew I could trust HIM, I don't know that I'd want to rely on the behavior of the other dogs (and their owners).
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Sun Aug 08, 2010 11:50 pm

Well ... it has been three weeks since I last posted an update. The two weeks my mom and stepdad were gone, pretty much turned into a non-s compliant time period. However, last week I had a 5 green day week! So, I think I'm back to it.

I still haven't gotten back to my jogging though - first it took me a bit over a week to recover from the dog slamming incident, then I slipped on the stairs *again*, although thankfully didn't land on my tailbone! Then I interviewed for, and was hired for a position two-hours a day from 8am to 10 am. Which means that I leave the house by no later than 7:15 a.m. Xnay running. But ... I am taking our puppy for a walk every night. So far not very long, but it is at least moving my body a bit.

I am really going to try to check in again everyday ... at least until I feel like I've got myself back on the No-S Success path!
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

oolala53
Posts: 10059
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:46 am
Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Mon Aug 09, 2010 12:25 am

Glad to hear of the recent green days. I hope to report something similar next weekend.
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Thu Aug 12, 2010 3:28 am

Thanks Oolala.

Been a busy few days here. But no problems keeping the decorations in the decorating aisle. :D

Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Oh, on Tuesday night I ate at Ci Ci's Pizza. I gave myself permission to have an S event, but ended up not eating any dessert, just had one extra slice of pizza. A LOT less food than I would normally eat going to Ci Ci's.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Sat Aug 14, 2010 3:08 am

Thursday Friday

12 days down, 9 to go. :)
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

oolala53
Posts: 10059
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:46 am
Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Sun Aug 15, 2010 1:00 am

More than halfway through!
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Fri Aug 20, 2010 4:16 pm

Although Friday is just barely halfway over, I think I can safely say that I have successfully completed another 21 days on No-S. I'll wait till today is over to post on the 21 day thread though. :D

I wish I knew why I go off track sometimes. These 21 days have really been fairly easy for me -- perhaps because I had an established habit, but then just seem to go off track for a week or two (or three) at a time once in a while. Before going off track, I was getting to the point where my S days weren't quite so important. The last few S days have been somewhat controlled, but not in the category of "sometimes" yet. Once I get to the Sometimes then I think my weight will start going where I want it to again.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

oolala53
Posts: 10059
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:46 am
Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Sat Aug 21, 2010 2:26 pm

Yahoo! 21 days!

I think the habit of overeating has become so hard-wired chemically into many of us that the least little thing can set off the impulse-reward and bring the urge to repeat up again. Each of us is different, too, so there's no telling how long we have to go before the connection is extinguished. Maybe never, completely. We may always have to exert stern judgement at least some of the time. Even slim people do that sometimes, though I don't believe it's very often.

Seems it should be obvious, but the Center for Weight Control (I think that's what it's called) says that the longer a person has kept off lost weight , the longer he/she will continue to do it. That's why shooting for a stretch of strict compliance with the habit is so important. It increases the odds it will stay. But they're only odds. That means statistically, some people regain weight even after years of maintenance. That's proof to me that we're waging a difficult battle with biological processes that don't always seem reasonable. BTW, the center also says that most losers made many unsuccessful attempts before they were able to lose and sustain for years.

But it's possible. I have less weight to lose than you do, but the means are still the same. We both have to eat moderately most of the time for the rest of our lives! Yikes! The good news is we have to do it only a day at a time and it usually gets easier.

Congrats again on 21 days!
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Sun Aug 22, 2010 5:42 pm

Thanks Oolala!

I definitely see what you are saying. I know for me, the three times in the last 7 years or so that I actually got down to 200, or slightly less, I only managed to maintain once for about six months. Then little by little I'd go back up. In the past year, it seems that 232 is the lowest my body will let me go before I have yet another setback.

I think all we can do is to keep on moving forward. When lapses happen, just get back up and go again. Hopefully, little by little, our minds(et) can be retrained. That is my hope at least - what keeps me moving forward and climbing back up the cliff when I go over.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Tue Aug 24, 2010 5:54 pm

Another set of 21, off to a good start. :)

Monday
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Fri Aug 27, 2010 3:42 am

Still going ...

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

I'm looking forward to the weekend. I bought a struesell[sic?] coffee cake from the Walmart Bakery half-off bin today. Yum... coffee cake. (Hate coffee, love coffee cake.)
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Wed Sep 01, 2010 3:12 am

Friday

Saturday Sunday

Monday
Tuesday


Monday I considered allowing myself an S event. I picked my mom and her new "friend" up from the airport. She picked up pizza for supper, and also offered to get me one of those fancy do it yourself frozen yogurts. I didn't debate very long - not NWS day worthy event.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

Starla
Posts: 398
Joined: Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:55 pm

Post by Starla » Wed Sep 01, 2010 12:55 pm

Hey, Laura, I just popped in to say congratulations! You are in a groove; long may it last!

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Fri Sep 03, 2010 12:23 am

Thanks Starla!

Wednesday
Thursday


My mom is having back surgery on Tuesday morning. 3 discs in her upper back will be removed (at least I think that's what she said.) I have the feeling I will be at the hospital on Tuesday, and may make it a NWS day - but only if necessary.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Mon Sep 06, 2010 3:07 am

Friday I am calling a success. It was a crazy day, and technically I *did* have a snack - but it was just before leaving to help move someone out of a bad situation. It was too early for supper, but I knew it would be at least three hours before I'd have another chance to eat. So I made a conscious decision to have a small snack.

So .... weekend went fairly well. I didn't go too overboard with my S's. I am probably going to call tomorrow a modified NWS day because I'll be going out to eat with mom and stepdad after mom gets her blood drawn. She's having neck surgery on Tuesday.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Sat Sep 11, 2010 2:06 am

Well ... Monday was an NWS day, and Tuesday ended up being one as well due to visiting my mom in the hospital without having eaten supper -- so eating what snacks were available. Neither day was overboard.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - no problems getting back in the habits.

Thus ends another set of 21 days (as of Sunday).

I'm getting very frustrated by my weight. I need to keep my focus on refining the good habits and adding in more consistent exercise rather than the numbers on the scale.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Fri Oct 29, 2010 3:32 am

Okay .... So I'm back again. Since my last post the weeks have generally gone like One week GREEN! Yay! Then the next week red :( Boo! Then the next week GREEN! Yay! And so forth.

Drumroll -- An additional 5 pounds found me in this process. :(

My mom had been making some really annoying comments about my weight. She has started going to this place where they measure your weight by water/fat/muscle, etc. She told me that I could come with her and get measured. Um no, thanks.

But anyway ... She'd also made some comments about her own Diet Coke habit, and that she just could never completely give it up.

So, I challenged her. Starting Monday October 25 through November 25, she is to only drink one twelve ounce can of soda. For my part, the only sugar/sweet I'll have is one spoonful of brown sugar on my oatmeal. She accepted.

Tomorrow is day 5, and so far I've 4/4, and she has 3/4. :D
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

oolala53
Posts: 10059
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:46 am
Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Sat Oct 30, 2010 3:17 pm

You're talking one a day, right?

You're so right about our just having to pick ourselves up and keep going. Hoping to have a sane eating weekend. Tomorrow is taken care of as I will be hiking with a friend and having either breakfast or lunch out. That will carry me, as I will probably have a bit heavier meals. I've had a few chocolates already today! So be it.
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Sun Oct 31, 2010 3:46 am

Oops! I should have made that more clear. Yes, it is per day. :D

I hope your hike with your friend went well.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Sat Nov 06, 2010 4:04 am

Another week of green! I'm doing my part on the challenge, although my mom is having a bit more of a difficult time with her part. I have to say, I'm really, really liking the results. *And* it isn't all that terribly difficult.

First of all, since Oct. 25 when I started the challenge (1 spoonful of brown sugar in oatmeal 7 days a week/no junkfood) I have lost nearly six pounds! I also have saved a lot of money that I was previously spending on my S day indulgences. I've come to the conclusion that the best way to do indulgences is to have them be *part* of a one plate meal. That way you get your sweet, but you aren't mindlessly eating it all day long. (Which is what I would do previously on S days.) I think the only exceptions to this might be actual holidays and a slightly looser reign on vacations.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

oolala53
Posts: 10059
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:46 am
Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Sun Nov 07, 2010 4:33 pm

Great news about your new habits and their results!
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Mon Nov 08, 2010 4:34 am

Thanks Oolala!

I didn't keep strictly to the challenge this weekend, but all my sweets *were* part of a meal. -- and definitely not anywhere near overboard.

My church is planning to do a ten week weight seminar sometime soon. I volunteered to be one of the group leaders - depending on which night the meetings are on. I won't change my eating plan, because I know what works for me. But, I may be able to use this to get myself back into exercising again. I've really fallen off of that.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Sat Nov 13, 2010 4:07 am

Three weeks into the challenge with my mom and .... All N days have been Green!

My scale is acting up on me, so I'm not totally sure how much I've lost, but it's right around 7 lbs since Oct. 25. :D
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

oolala53
Posts: 10059
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:46 am
Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Sat Nov 13, 2010 6:45 am

Wow, that's pretty fast! Good for you for all your Green N-days.
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Mon Nov 15, 2010 12:36 am

Thanks Oolala!

Yes, I've been thinking it was pretty fast too. I've been considering *gulp* recording what I'm eating everyday into a calorie counter like Sparkpeoples. Not to make sure I'm staying under a certain amount, but to make sure I'm eating *enough!* LOL!
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Wed Nov 24, 2010 3:07 pm

Well, the streak has been broken. :(

This past weekend and the weekend before I kept giving myself more and more latitude on the constraints of the "challenge". I think it then bled over into Monday and Tuesday.

Today is a new day!
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

oolala53
Posts: 10059
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:46 am
Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Wed Nov 24, 2010 3:30 pm

Oh, well. You can still salvage things by getting back on the horse. I don't know about you, but it's perfectly possible for me to treat Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday as regular N days. I did that even before I started using No S, and I had much happier holidays. I still got to eat great food and wasn't stuffed. Hope you find the balance that feels best for you.
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Been Awhile ...

Post by frugaltexan » Sat Jan 14, 2012 1:20 am

It's been quite awhile since I've been here on the No-S boards. Quite a few changes - I graduated with my MA in Library Science May, 2011, and then moved to New Mexico in August. I am the librarian/computer teacher for a school of about 200 students (Pre-K - 8th) near a Navajo Indian reservation. I LOVE it!!

My eating has stunk donkey balls, and at one point this past summer I set a new high for my weight. :( However, since starting my job my weight has held within about 6 pounds (up and down, up and down) due mainly I think to the increased activity level.

I'd really like to get back to No-S because it was a really good way of eating and living. However, on M, T and F I frequently have time to only eat a handful of trail mix, so by the time I get home I *have* to eat something. So for those days I will allow myself two meals and two snacks (because really that is about what the trail mix is -- a snack!)

I'm glad to see some names I recognize here :) Ooola and a few others.
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

oolala53
Posts: 10059
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:46 am
Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Sat Jan 14, 2012 5:44 am

Hi, and welcome back! Congrats on getting your degree. I'm so glad you're enjoying your job and New Mexico.

You know yourself and your schedule best, but I want to suggest that you consider using milk as one of your "snacks." It's been shown to provide similar qualities of satiety as solid food, but doesn't reinforce that chewing reflex. Then you would be having two regular and one small "meal" a day. I know some of my breakfasts probably have about as many calories as a handful of trail mix.

Just an idea.

What's the altitude where you are? Are you able to get any walking in? I can imagine that the air quality must be pretty good!
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Sat Jan 14, 2012 4:28 pm

Thanks Ooola.

Milk really isn't a great solution for me - I try to stay away from it. Pretty much every time I drink it I get extra stuffed up and/or gassy. It didn't used to affect me that way (I used to drink it constantly) but in the past five years or so it has. Other dairy products don't have quite the same effect - although ice cream can (I don't eat that as much as I used to either.)

Right now the temperature/weather here isn't too conducive to walking outside. Currently at almost 10 a.m. it is 14 degrees F. We may be getting snow tomorrow. I have an elliptical and weights at my house (which unfortunately have sat unused since I moved in here this past August.)

On M, T and F I have roughly 20 minutes for lunch. More often than not I have someone (a teacher) come in during that time ... so I might actually eat my "lunch" closer to 2 pm! Once in awhile I actually make it over to the cafeteria and have a real meal on those days - though a rushed meal.

I've thought about taking a hardboiled egg with me for those days, to maybe add to the trail mix and make more of a "meal," but I worry about bacteria, etc. with no access to a fridge to keep the egg cold til I can eat it.

One thing I've done in the past couple of weeks to both get a handle on my junkfood eating and spending is to challenge myself to not have more than one spending day per week. Even though the nearest real grocery store is 30+ miles away, we do have two gas stations, a Family Dollar and a small expensive mom and pop grocery store here. It still is way too easy to get junk food during the week. I go to church in the big town 30+ miles away, so then I stay for potluck and chit chat and then visit the library, etc., and then once the sun sets I hit Wal-mart. Tonight I also need to hit Lowes to get a part that wasn't included with my new countertop dishwasher. :)
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

oolala53
Posts: 10059
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 1:46 am
Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Sat Jan 14, 2012 6:03 pm

I've taken my lunch to work without refrigeration for years and never had a problem. However, I would wrap the egg up well for insulation, maybe rolled in a dish towel. I do sometimes throw the veggies or even a piece of chicken in to the container still frozen; that's my refrigeration! I have a panini grill at work because I just don't like microwaves, and it is fast! I'm a teacher, too, so I know about short lunches. It's a drag because I live alone and don't actually have a social group that I fraternize with often, so lunch is one of the times I can eat with others, but there are days I don't get to my little lunch klatch. Even if kids or others come in, though, I sometimes tell them I'm going to eat while we talk. And I've sometimes had lunch at 2. It does mean it's a long stretch from breakfast, but I do have coffee in between. For a long time, I would give myself permission to have dinner at the same time even if I did have a late lunch just so that I didn't feel I was eating too late. I just try to have dinner anywhere between 5:30 and 7:30 depending on what's going on. The longer you're involved, the easier it gets.

I know you've heard it before but there's nothing like months of N days to help combat bingeing. If you read my testimonial, you know it took 23 months for me, and I can't say it's all over, but I do feel I turned a corner, and in the mean time, any green week was an improvement over the past no matter how things got on the weekend. I know it can seem we undo all our work, but looking back on it, I don't think that's the case. Even having the wild weekend build-up may be part of reaching the breaking point.

I hope you have a nice weekend, esp. if you have Monday off.
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

There is no S better than Vanilla No S (mods now as a senior citizen)

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Sun Jan 15, 2012 2:26 am

That might work to wrap the egg in a dishtowel or something like that. The extra protein/calories would help me not to feel so ravenous by the time I get home - especially on Mondays when we have staff meetings after school!

Yes, we do have Monday off. :D

The store didn't have the part I needed for my dishwasher, so I'll probably spend part of tomorrow doing dishes and figuring out how to hard boil eggs in my food dehydrator (the lady I rented from in TX before moving here did this all the time, so I know it is possible.) :)

I plan to focus just on doing vanalia no-s until Feb 13, and then if that goes well I'm going to add the goal of ten minutes of focused exercise three times a week. Small steps. :)
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

Who Me?
Posts: 969
Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2011 2:18 pm

Post by Who Me? » Sun Jan 15, 2012 4:37 pm

Just to put things in perspective -- the human race survive for tens of thousands of years without refrigeration.

frugaltexan
Posts: 343
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:40 pm
Location: New Mexico

Post by frugaltexan » Sun Jan 15, 2012 6:59 pm

Good point :)
5'9 -- Laura --

Started July 23, 2009 -- 246.6
Restart: June 13, 2010 - 241.6
July 18, 2010 -- 235 .... - 11.6 lb loss in ~1 yr.
Back Again: January 13, 2012 -- 242.2 lbs

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