Blithe Morning's Action Research: Doable Fitness

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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Blithe Morning
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Post by Blithe Morning » Tue Oct 11, 2011 1:56 am

Today, I ate a late but normal breakfast and dinner (roast chicken, potatoes, gravy, salad, bread) because that was just the way it worked out, schedule wise. I had to go into work for a bit this morning even though I was officially off.

I did have a pumpkin bar after dinner as it is a quasi S day. I took it as a NWS event in honor of Native American Day (which is what we call Columbus Day) and my oldest son's birthday, even though he is not here.

I did walk the treadmill this morning using a setting I've never used before. The program fluctuated the treadmill's incline and speed so it was a good 45 minutes. I also did yard work AND housework.

Speaking of housework, I'm working on reducing the amount of housework I do. I've been trying Flylady's Weekly Home Blessing Hour but I have yet to complete a drive by cleaning in an hour. Her list of tasks does not include mopping floors or cleaning the tub which I do during my weekly cleaning. Even with the extra tasks I do, it took me way longer than it should have because I got hung up on fingerprints on the kitchen cupboards. This time of year, the sun comes in the window in such a way that every cobweb, every smear, every speck o' dirt is clearly visible. Drives me crazy.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Wed Oct 12, 2011 2:15 am

Weight lifting class in the morning. Boy was I tired. Can't say I rocked the class.

Food was fine though I popped a cucumber in my mouth before dinner and one chip afterwards. I've been feeling a bit petulant and rebellious lately. I picked up some ice cream for DH tonight and felt an unexpected flash of resentment that he could have ice cream and I couldn't.

My bad attitude is not just with eating either but a whole host of other situations too. (sigh)

I'll blame it on hormones.

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Post by NoSnacker » Wed Oct 12, 2011 8:50 pm

Hi, wanted to stop by to say I ordered the book on my kindle, so I started to read it..hope it can shed some insight on my binging.

Thanks again for the suggestion!
Age 56: SBMI=30.6 (12/1/13) CBMI 28.9 (2/2/14) GBMI-24.8

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Post by Blithe Morning » Thu Oct 13, 2011 2:22 am

NoSnacker wrote:Hi, wanted to stop by to say I ordered the book on my kindle, so I started to read it..hope it can shed some insight on my binging.
Well done! Being kind but firm with yourself is the best course of action.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Thu Oct 13, 2011 2:31 am

Today was a travel day.

Had late breakfast of buttered toast with some oatmeal. The oatmeal wasn't that good so I didn't finish it.

Skipped lunch because the timing didn't work out and had dinner with a friend I haven't seen in 20 years. We shared an appetizer, salad and 12" pizza and a half carafe of wine. I think it was pretty close to one plate but I defaulted to the mod of "only one of everything when virtual plating is difficult". Sometimes, you just have to go with what works.

Didn't do much official exercise though I ended up walking around Arlington National Cemetery more than I intended. I got the wrong grave site number and closing was looming as I frantically walked up and down the rows, looking for my son's platoon mate. Fortunately when I was just about to give up I found a directory and was able to find the correct grave and pay my respects properly. Very, very sobering seeing all the headstones. Very very sobering to see all the empty space remaining.
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Post by Blithe Morning » Fri Oct 14, 2011 12:15 am

Food wise the day was meh. I stayed compliant but all my meals were eaten out so the quality was so so.

I didn't exercise because a recurring medical condition flared. Again. Out of town. Fortunately, there was an urgent care place close by so I was able to be seen w/o paying an emergency room co-pay of $150.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Mon Oct 17, 2011 3:17 am

I really tucked in on Friday to the chips and cookies. (Fail) Then I went to dinner and feasted there. Then Sat. was a travel day which meant no workout and way too much sitting. Between my illness and travel I didn't get in my workout which makes me feel bloated.

I am on the road again this week as well. However, it's in state travel which means I can manage my meals a little better. I'll bring soup and salad for dinners in the room and the lunches will be with the Hutterite colonies. Or not. I can bring PBJs. I usually manage a walk or do some pushups and situps in the room along with a little cardio stuff.

Since I am still on antibiotics, I don't have to worry about a recurrence of my condition which always lays me low. But I do think I need to see a specialist.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Tue Oct 18, 2011 2:29 am

Today was a little different in that I didn't have many veggies at lunch or dinner. Lunch was a turkey salad wrap, dinner was eggs, bacon and potatoes.

I am on the road tonight and I brought food with me. It will be pretty simple fare. And now that I think about it I realize I forgot the cereal but I do have yogurt, fruit, bread, peanut butter, jam, salad, soup and bread.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Wed Oct 19, 2011 1:49 am

Breakfast was yogurt and Cheerios. Lunch was at the Hutterite colony. It was rice & milk soup, cottage cheese dumplings, a roasted carrot chunk, half a potato, onion slice and slice of bread. Usually Tuesdays are turkey cutlets and split pea soup or so I was told. I have to admit, I'm disappointed I didn't get the turkey cutlets.

Exercise was running and dancing around my hotel room. I tried to learn the Let's Move Mashup but the Dougie stymied me. I didn't do so great at the Beyonce bounce either.

Dinner was a half a can of soup, salad from home and a chunk o' bread also lleft over from last night's dinner. The motel has a microwave so I was able to have hot soup. Since it was canned, it was a little salty for my taste but better, I think, than many other food choices. Since I didn't eat my banana at breakfast, I had it for dessert. Quite the repast, actually.

Lunch tomorrow will be on the road as I travel between schools. I have a PBJ ready to go and bought an apple. Happily, I will be home by dinner. Ironically, it will be a pot pie made by the Hutterites.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Thu Oct 20, 2011 12:42 am

The day went as planned, except that I nibbled the crust on the potpie, a technical second. Crust nibbling seems to be a recurring problem. I love crust. I really, really do.

I think (again) that I will make a pie this weekend. Apple pie.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Fri Oct 21, 2011 2:19 am

Thanks to Flylady, I've been trying to do a Before Bed Routine which includes assembling as much of dinner the night before as I can. Knowing I had another 10 hour day today, I prepped the ingredients for beef stew last night, popped it into the crockpot this morning before setting out for another long day on the road (out and back the same day - no overnights) and came home to dinner ready to go on the table. I warmed the bread, put together a quick salad and voila. (DH set the table) Unfortunately, my son doesn't like beef stew. Fortunately, this means lots of leftovers.

Oh, and a glass and a half of wine. It's been a long week.

Breakfast and dinner were the usual. I did make it to the Y and did cardio and weights. Unfortunately, I lost my cheapie MP3 player so no Morning Edition while I ellipticalled my way to nowhere.

Oh, and I bought the fruit for the pie (see the post above). Son wanted peach, hubby wanted apple. So I decided to make 2 one crust/crumb topped pies.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Fri Oct 21, 2011 8:07 pm

Weight wise, I'm back to the low I hit in Aug. I think it's a sign of just how taxing these programs I do in the schools are. I've got three more next week PLUS meetings. Yig.

Breakfast was yogurt, cereal AND a banana. Lunch was salad, bread and an apple with a wee sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. I don't feel bad about the sugar. The apple was quite tart.

Dinner will be - what else - tacos. And beer. Or maybe wine.

Tomorrow I signed up for a fundraiser at the Y. Two hours of Zumba!

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Post by Blithe Morning » Mon Oct 24, 2011 1:57 pm

Two hour Zumba class on Sat. Wow.

Pie for dinner on Sunday. May I just say that peach pie is greatly improved by the following:
1. Fresh peaches
2. A sprinkle of cinnamon in the flour/sugar fruit coating.
3. 1/4th teaspoon vanilla extract over peaches.
4. A crumb top pie.

I'm not a huge peach pie fan and this was good peach pie.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Wed Oct 26, 2011 12:51 am

I had dinner (or the noon meal) at the Hutterite colony again today. They serve the oddest food sometimes. Today's oddity was a pastry wrapped stuffing that you cut up and poured broth on. It was pretty good. I am wondering about the appropriateness of asking for recipes. I had a bit o' chicken, a beet, some potato. A few pickles. A slice of bread. I actually couldn't clear my plate as it was quite filling with that stuffing thing.

By the time I got to the motel tonight dinner was long past. I'd brought some leftover pot roast from Sunday night so I ate that plus a piece of bread for supper. The salad tasted a little funny so I didn't finish it. I was sorely tempted to skip my home brought fixin's. Somewhere about 150 miles into my drive to the motel I got a hankering for fast food. I decided against it for nutritional and financial reasons - why get fast food when I have perfectly good food with me?

I suspect that attitude is a little old school. Most people, including myself under different circumstances, would rationalize the fast food as "It's ok. It doesn't cost THAT much and you don't have it that often." And that's true. But really, other than a vague desire there was no good reason to get fast food. I've already planned to get take out Thursday night, my last night on the road. Until then, I have food. Other than salad and maybe a little cheese, I've got dinner covered for tomorrow night too.

I dunno, sometimes I think a little self denial just for the sake of not going soft is a good thing. Pushing yourself so your not always perfectly comfortable is a good thing, I think.

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Post by Eileen7316 » Wed Oct 26, 2011 1:40 pm

I find the Hutterites so fascinating! Why does your job take you there? Are you in education?

I'm curious about your question of the appropriateness of asking for recipes. Did you like the stuffing dish? Do you think they would be hesitant to share recipes?

Sorry for being so nosy - I'm just really curious!
Eileen

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Post by Blithe Morning » Thu Oct 27, 2011 10:25 am

Eileen7316 wrote:I find the Hutterites so fascinating! Why does your job take you there? Are you in education?
Yes informal eductation. Informal education are those institutions such as museums, zoos, science centers, that work with K-12 education as well the general population.

The Hutterite schools are run by the local school district. As a rule, everyone goes to school to 8th grade. Some colonies have high schools that use an intranet based high school. Others just use text books and have a paraprofessional to help. In some colonies only a few students go to high school, in others its just the boys. I think there are very few where all students - girls AND boys - go.
I'm curious about your question of the appropriateness of asking for recipes. Did you like the stuffing dish? Do you think they would be hesitant to share recipes?
They might be hesitant to share recipes. They can be quite protective of their lifestyle. Also, they cook and eat communally more than 100 people usually. I can envision the ingredient list: 5 lbs flour, 2 lbs of butter, 2 dozen eggs. I think I might give asking for a recipe a bash the next time I find something I like. Those dumplings were pretty good.
Sorry for being so nosy - I'm just really curious!
No need to apologize. These closed communities really do pique the curiosity.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Thu Oct 27, 2011 10:32 am

Yesterday I got pretty hungry at dinner time probably because I didn't eat much at the noon meal. I ate the cereal and banana I had designated for breakfast the next day's breakfast in addition to the dahl burrito and salad I had. Plus a protein drink.

Exercise was marching/jogging in front of the TV while I watched men's gymnastics competition. I wanted to do an online workout on the spark people channel at You Tube but the internet was down. :(
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Post by Blithe Morning » Fri Oct 28, 2011 10:19 am

Contained fail yesterday. I had homemade banana cream pie at the colony. No exercise, either. I'm glad I don't travel much next week.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Sat Oct 29, 2011 8:28 pm

I'm working on keeping this S day tame. I had a biscotti at the coffee shop with DH after going to the Y. Other than that, everything else has been normal.

Tonight we will be going out for dinner. I'm not enthused, partly because I don't feel well, partly because the menu tends to be quite heavy. Since it is a function and not a couples' date I can't change the venue.

At least I will enjoy the company. I wonder if they serve chicken?

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Post by Blithe Morning » Mon Oct 31, 2011 8:32 pm

No chicken but a large hamburger. And appetizers, bread and a salad.

The rest of the weekend was tame-ish, though I wouldn't call it tame.

Today is back to normal. Even though it's Halloween, I'm not having any sweets today. Way too many S days/events in the next two months.

Exercise is also back on track despite not feeling 100%. Sat. (cardio/weights), Sun (cardio), Mon (cardio). Tomorrow will be weights.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Tue Nov 01, 2011 7:55 pm

Had the beer and thoroughly enjoyed it. I wasn't even tempted by the candy we had on hand for the trick or treaters that didn't come. Funny that. On N days, Reese's aren't a temptation. On an S day, it's a different matter entirely. I'll have one and then another and maybe even another because that is just how I am. It's one of the things that annoys me about myself.

I'm back to thinking I gained a pound. Do antibiotics make you retain water? I feel... puffy. Of course no exercise last week didn't help.

My 17 year old son is getting serious about losing weight. He's doing a loose calorie count. I tried talking to him about No S last night being very careful to couch in terms of "if you ever get tired of counting calories..."

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Post by Blithe Morning » Wed Nov 02, 2011 5:42 pm

Pizza for dinner last night. I ordered thin crust veggie and cheese to support my son in his weight loss efforts. Plus, that's what I like. Interestingly enough, two slices plus a salad w/ a little dressing (that's my half plate veg guideline) would come out to about 600 calories (I know this because my son is counting calories and he tallied them up).

600 calories is not too shabby for a meal IMHO if you are eating 3 meals a day. Even if your other meals were also 600 calories you would still consume 1800. Add in some exercise and you are getting a calorie deficit of about 200 - 400 calories. Do that consistently enough and you will lose weight.

Unfortunately for him, he's doing the calorie shuffle trying to work snacks in there. I've told him No S can include a 4th mini meal so he can still have something to eat when he gets home from swimming but he wants to continue with calorie counting as he's lost 6 lbs this way. Understandably, he doesn't want to change since it works. And since he's 17 he's not thinking of how is he going to maintain weight loss next year let alone in 10, 20, 30 years.

BTDT. I'll stick with No S. But I'll support him on this too so if/when he's ready to be done with calories, I can maybe support him on that.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Fri Nov 04, 2011 12:28 am

Another colony today. I left at 6AM so that meant a PBJ and banana on the road. For lunch there was more dumplings and broth. The dumplings are really very good - probably the best I've ever eaten. There were ginger cookies for dessert. Since I was told they were "extra special cookies" I took one to eat this weekend. They smell divine.

Sloppy joes, roasted veggies and salad for dinner. I tallied the calories for my son. It made me remember how intrusive calorie counting is. He's visiting my in-laws this weekend so I will have a nice break from thinking about it. Really, even though I'm doing it for him, it sucks some of the fun out of food. .

Today was a scheduled day off from exercise.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Tue Nov 08, 2011 12:46 am

Weekend was ok, not yet where I want it to be but ok.

Today was a fail. I had tapioca at lunch (colony again) and seconds on chips at dinner.

I exercised Sat., Sun. and will go to the Y here in a moment. Last colony for the year tomorrow. Today's colony sent home a whole loaf of bread. It was wonderful

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Post by Blithe Morning » Wed Nov 09, 2011 1:00 am

Minor fail. Had seconds on squash at colony and lentil/rice side dish at home. Both would have fit on my plate.

No exercise but I will take this as one of my days off. I get two each week so I will take W and F.

And I'm finally done with my work travel. No more Hutterite colonies this year.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Thu Nov 10, 2011 1:09 am

Third day in a row with a minor fail. I had seconds on roasted sweet potatoes with mushrooms and onions at dinner tonight.

I will mark it as fail but honestly, I'm not regretful it was that good. I ate most of it on a pita with hummus but went back for seconds of the veggies. I'm alone tonight as DH and DS are both out. So I will make it for them tomorrow night w/ chili. I won't mind eating it two nights in a row.

I did do 35 minutes of cardio and in a moment will do my house work out (cleaning the house) for about an hour.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Fri Nov 11, 2011 1:34 am

Another fail. Seconds at dinner again. This is ridiculous. Six months of full compliance w/ No S and I've not failed four days in a row until now. It was the crackers with the chili this time.

I don't know if it's related but I just can't get warm. It's been cool here, temps in the 20's in the morning, 40's/50's during the day but it doesn't warrant this. Today I wore my coat and scarf all day at work. I had on fuzzy socks, a turtle neck and a fleece pullover on too.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Mon Nov 14, 2011 8:47 pm

Despite my fails of last week, the weekend was the tamest it's been. And this morning's weight showed it.

I shared No S with some friends and it went ok. Trying to get people to understand no snacks means no snacks is harder than it should be. They were politely interested though I doubt any of them will take it up soon.

Now that the post conversation dust has settled, I feel a little awkward. I didn't realize how private this part of my life had become. The only reason I talk about it on here is because I have a modicum of anonymity.

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Post by Marsie » Wed Nov 16, 2011 3:47 am

Aren't modicums wonderful! ... I, too, get the "polite interest" when I explain no snacks, but I find lots of resistance to "no seconds" means "no seconds". Why do people (and by people I mean good friends who know me well, not strangers) get so huffed on the topic of how I choose to eat? I am truly baffled by these reactions, and have to fight off being huffy in return. Despite my enthusiasm for No-S and desire to share it with others, sometimes I think it is the better part of valor to hold it close and skip the explanations.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Wed Nov 16, 2011 2:10 pm

Marsie, it really is best for me to just not say anything because I know I come on too strong. And in doing so I heap another shovelful of guilt and or frustration on them.

Anyhoo, I've been on habit. Last night we had pork chops w/ homemade mushroom/onion gravy and roasted sweet potato fries. I'm still finessing how long to roast the sweet potatoes. 40 minutes at 350 was not quite enough.

And this morning, I'm down a pound to a new low. I credit:
1. Tamer weekends
2. Serving lower calorie (not low calorie) meals for my son who is trying to lose weight
3. Being able to keep up with my exercise routines.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Fri Nov 18, 2011 2:47 am

Major fail tonight. Urg.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Sat Nov 19, 2011 5:44 pm

Friday was back on track. What a relief.

I was a little out of sorts all day yesterday. I'm thinking Seasonal Affective Disorder. Some years it bothers me more than others - I suspect it has something to do with how cloudy it's been, how much time I've been outside recently, Vitamin D levels, etc. etc.

Today I woke up to about 4 inches of snow. We are now about 7 inches. I forewent my usual workout and instead shoveled snow for over an hour.

Crazy person that I am, DH and I did go out. I had a Christmas present to pick up and we had coffee (actually I had tea) and bagel bites at the bagel place. I did the grocery shopping last night so I don't have to go out again. Instead I will spend the day wrapping presents, cooking, and relaxing.

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Post by kccc » Sat Nov 19, 2011 8:56 pm

Wrapping presents! Eeep! I haven't even made a list of who-to-buy-for yet!!

I bow to your organizational skills!

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Post by gratefuldeb67 » Sat Nov 19, 2011 11:03 pm

hi anne, i just read back a few days worth of posts here, and wanted to say i hope you find a way to combat the (possible?) SAD.. it's rough during the winter, and you are really in a cold place. i'm impressed that you've tracked your "fail" days here anyway. it's easy enough to ignore them or just post them on the habit cal.. i feel this is a wonderful sign that you are taking an active role in, both owning those occasional slip ups, and consequently taking charge of them and changing them for the better.
hope you have a great weekend :)
deb x
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Post by Blithe Morning » Mon Nov 21, 2011 2:37 pm

KCCC, I have a good start but will I actually get them mailed in a timely manner? Stay tuned...

Deb, thank you for the kind words. If I can look at my tracking as scientific data rather than a report card on my morality, tracking in the daily check in is not difficult.

Yesterday was ok. Probably ate more homemade cookies than I ought to have, especially in light of the holiday coming up.

I really need to consider the solitary snacking rule.

Updated to add I nibbled seconds tonight. A piece of bread and a few extra roasted veggies.

I really do think it's SAD related too.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Wed Nov 23, 2011 1:52 pm

Fail. Last night I nibbled communion bread which I was baking for Sunday.

Had an appointment about my recurring medical condition. The findings were pretty much what I expected. However, they found something else which I did not expect so now I have to go see another specialist. Could be nothing, could be something.

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Post by Marsie » Thu Nov 24, 2011 3:52 am

Have no idea, of course, about what your specific condition may be, but I'm going through a whole deal which they thought was sciatica, but after the hip and pelvic x-rays, probably not, but apparently I'm not a candidate for surgery, which I'm thinking is good thing ... but I, who used to walk 25 miles a week, can barely make 2 miles. Modern diagnosis, I think, can be problematic. Could be something/could be nothing ... I vote for nothing, as I do for myself. Will be thinking of you, and hoping for "nothing" so we can refine these tomato soup recipes. (I can't help but think that nibbling on Communion bread is not all bad, as long as you don't stretch the definition of "nibble" too much). Best regards, Mary

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Post by Blithe Morning » Thu Nov 24, 2011 3:05 pm

Thank you for your support, Mary! I too suspect it's nothing, but don't want to get too cavalier lest it turn out to be something. At the same time, I am not going to worry until we know if there is something to worry about it. My attitude right now is "we'll deal with it when we know more." As you might have been able to surmise, it is GYN related or else I would post more details. Even in a semi-anonymous forum such as this it is possible to cross the line into TMI.

And I'm so sorry to hear about your sciatica. I had a spell of really bad anemia a few years back. It was so bad I was unable to keep up with my usual activities. I felt really debilitated. It was a tough time physically AND emotionally. I hope you are able to heal quickly and find a way to stay active until you do.

Yesterday, I had seconds on potato chips at lunch. Non-compliant. Again. The thing about these tiny fails is one they are contained; I'm not "wrecking the car" just because I dinged it. And two, they don't seem to be impacting my weight. I weigh daily since I am a data nerd and I know that my weight is doing what it always does.

As a result, I have been thinking about process versus outcomes with respect to No S.

The process perspective says if you take care of the process the outcomes will naturally result. For No S this means getting the habits down and then modifying them until you get the weight results you want. When process drives an activity, the important thing is to work the process.

The outcome perspective says that process is secondary to outcome. The process only matters to the degree that it gets the results. If the results are achieved without full compliance with the process then that's ok. For No S that would mean that the nibbles, the unnecessary bites, licks and tastes (BLTs) don't matter as long as there is no long term impact on weight.

I am pragmatic enough to realize that being too firmly in one camp or another won't work. With respect to No S, I tend to fall more in the process camp since the No S process considers long term as well as immediate outcomes.

What this means for the tiny failures (or lack of compliance) is that even though it appears they aren't impacting the outcome (weight) I am concerned about the long term impact of permitting the nibbles. Will there be slippery sloping? Will the nibbling get more substantial if it doesn't have the mental stamp of "non-compliance" in my mind? Will it become more frequent and less contained?

I don't know yet. I just don't know. I don't want to excuse the tiny fails but I don't want to make them into a federal case either. They are what they are. I am trying to figure how much effort to expend to get back into full compliance w/o the tiny fails. Will I eventually get back on track or do I need to clamp down on myself?

Maybe I will post this on the main board.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Fri Nov 25, 2011 10:36 pm

Yesterday was Thanksgiving, the ultimate of NWS days. I indulged.

Today is an N day and so far, I've been compliant. I am going to have a glass or two of wine tonight. I am rather uninterested in pie today.

I didn't exercise today or yesterday. Oh well.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Sun Nov 27, 2011 7:03 pm

Yesterday I succumbed to cake. And paid the price as I felt pretty sick. I think I am over cake.

The scale is showing me that this over indulging is not good for me. I don't think I really gained 4 lbs in as many days but really, this heavy eating can't be good for me.

Today, has been an N day, even though it's officially an S day. I think I will finish it out as an N day, the only concession being I will have wine with dinner tonight.

I did walk yesterday and will go to the Y in a bit. Then I will go grocery shopping (bleh) and go buy a mattress. I'm not fond of shopping on Sundays. I really do like to have a day of rest but this holiday has queered that particular deal. Back to normal tomorrow! Huzzah!

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Post by Blithe Morning » Tue Nov 29, 2011 1:00 am

I didn't finish yesterday as an N day but didn't over indulge either.

Today was the usual. I feel pretty full after dinner. I put about a half a serving spoon more of sweet potato fries on my plate than I would have but nothing extreme.

Today was spinning at the Y. 6AM exercise class is something of a challenge but I like getting it out of the way first thing.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Wed Nov 30, 2011 3:57 pm

Yesterday I finally reached my pre-Thanksgiving weight.

I did weights and had a normal day, eating wise, though I got really hungry in the middle of the afternoon. Dinner was a nicely full plate which I must have needed because the scale this morning showed my weight nudged down another .4 lbs.

I'm having a tapeworm day one of those days where I just can't get full. I was hungry before breakfast, immediately after breakfast and am still hungry now. It hasn't really gone away. I don't want to punt to the protein drink just yet because I might need it this afternoon when the wait between lunch and dinner is even longer than it is between breakfast and lunch.

Update: I had a half sleeve of Townhouse crackers at lunch. This counts as seconds since I went back something like three times. But the tapeworm is sated.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Fri Dec 02, 2011 3:38 pm

Yesterday was good. No unusual fails other than picking at some veggie pieces on the Supreme pizza. I have decided to start track these picks on my Joe's Goals calendar separately as BLTs (bite lick taste) since I started feeling a little disheartened at the fails at seconds AND it was setting me up to wreck the car after a ding.

I know the difference between a BLT and seconds. I just have to be searingly honest about that.

Yesterday was also weight lifting. We did an insane number of walking lunges. My hamstrings are protesting some today.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Tue Dec 06, 2011 10:46 am

I still do the mindless grazing thing on weekendsl things like crackers and walnuts. Drives me crazy. And it's truly mindless as I determined I was going to the No Solitary S mod. I like being a little hungry for meals and it seems any snacking pretty much kills that.

But it's right back on track on Monday. Tracking seems to be part of my success. Maybe I should start tracking No Solitary S on weekends.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Fri Dec 09, 2011 9:36 pm

Quiet week other than last night's fail with the sweet potato fries.

I hit a new low weight wise yesterday but was up about .6 of a pound today. Part of that was the SPF no doubt but I'm wondering if part of it was glycogen in the muscles after weight lifting.

I don't know what it is, but this week has just DRAGGED by. Slow. Slow. Slow.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Mon Dec 12, 2011 6:01 pm

More mindless grazing this weekend. There was solitary snacking. Tracking doesn't seem to help, probably because I'm tracking too many things. I am taking daily blood pressure and between that, my weight and my No S I feel it's enough to stay on top of.

I actually think it's more bad habit than anything and I just haven't convinced myself that it's not allowed.

Heck it took me three years to really get to that place with No S, so why I expect it to fall into place over a weekend is beyond me.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Fri Dec 16, 2011 1:00 am

Regular week. Still doing the Bites, Licks and Tastes. Weight is fine though. I still want to dial it back just to be on habit.

My eldest is home with a container of yummies from my Dear MIL. I put them in a cupboard so those who want them can go them but they aren't out to tempt me.

Exercise is fine too. Another shredding at weights class today. Jello arms now.

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Post by mrsj » Fri Dec 16, 2011 12:02 pm

I just got around to reading your entire check-in. Thanks so much for posting. I have a lot of weight to reduce and am terrified of maintaining. Your posts have shown that it is possible to maintain and still be human. There's hope!
Nothing is impossible-only improbable.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Tue Dec 20, 2011 4:15 am

Not only is it possible to maintain but I've been drifting downwards. I've dropped about 12 lbs since the beginning of May without really too much effort.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Wed Dec 21, 2011 3:42 pm

Something odd. On Sunday I went out to lunch at our favorite pizza place with the family. I enjoyed! I was also quite hungry so I had something like 4 pieces. Dinner Sunday night was fairly light - soup made with unsalted broth and bread.

Monday morning my weight was up by 3 pounds. I kind of expected that since pizza is one of those foods that always makes me tick up. However, as of today I am still retaining the three pounds despite normal eating. Other than an S event lunch yesterday, everything else has been normal eating and exercise wise since Monday morning. Usually, I being the drift downwards but haven't seen it.

Interesting. We'll see what happens.

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Post by oolala53 » Wed Dec 21, 2011 4:39 pm

Well, it's gotta happen. No way you ate an extra 14,000 calories. The body does what it does, no? Sometimes it hangs on to water longer.
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

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Post by Blithe Morning » Thu Dec 22, 2011 6:45 pm

Indeed, Oo. Today I was down a pound and a half. Tonight is Chinese for DH's birthday so another shot of sodium unfortunately.

Pounding the water as my Marines would say.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Fri Dec 23, 2011 8:58 pm

And not surprisingly I'm back up a pound. I took dinner as a No S event because of DH's birthday. So I had seconds on Chinese and two lindor truffles and a handful of M&Ms. Oh, and some fruit cake. My brother makes the best fruit cake.

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Post by oolala53 » Sat Dec 24, 2011 5:35 pm

A pound. That's just two cups of water. Isn't it funny? It's certainly not fat.
Enjoy the 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)

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Post by Blithe Morning » Wed Dec 28, 2011 2:49 am

After a week - yes a week! - of indigestion (I think the pizza I ate a week ago Sunday caused it) my stomach is finally quieting down. It feels good to be hungry again.

I am taking the week off from weighing myself. I'm relaxing the No S rules a little bit as well just for this week. No snacking and not too many sweets. But I do allow myself an extra nibble of something tasty at dinner. Tonight it was the black bean/corn/tomato salad.

Hope everyone is having a good holiday week!

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Post by Blithe Morning » Thu Jan 05, 2012 3:46 pm

I dunno, I just can't back into the daily check ins. So I'm giving myself a break. This is part of Doable Fitness research. What happens if I continue the program w/o the external restraint of daily weighing and checking in?

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Post by mrsj » Mon Jan 09, 2012 6:44 pm

Thanks for posting in such detail. It really motivates me to get moving. When I lack motivation, I read your check ins again.
Nothing is impossible-only improbable.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Wed Jan 25, 2012 5:59 pm

Still No Sing, still not weighing.

I took last week off from exercise as I was out of town sending my son to Afghanistan and I was sick. And yes, I engaged in more than a little emotional eating. But I'm getting back on track albeit slowly. Last night I jumped on the elliptical trainer and realized that the congestion was still deep in my lungs when I had to breathe hard.

I've said it before, I will say it again - good habits get you through bad times. Between Flylady and No S I can manage most of life without too much emotional energy expended which is good because I don't feel I have a lot to spare right now.

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Post by Blithe Morning » Thu Jan 26, 2012 1:05 pm

I jumped on the scale this morning just because my curiosity was getting the better of me. So after Christmas, a week of traveling w/ emotional eating and little exercise...

I weigh exactly the same as I did in mid December. IN short, I maintained. I'm pleased.

Just to refresh people's memories, I'm not looking to lose weight. In fact, I am smack dab in the middle of my BMI range. I do vanilla No S with some mods - half a plate of veg for most meals and day time vegetarian. I'd like my weekends to be tamer than what they are but there you go. I exercise more than most folks here, probably 40-60 minutes a day 4-5 days a week but this was a habit I had established long before I started No S. Exercise includes cardio and weight training.

I haven't decided yet where to do with my daily weighing/check in. We'll see...

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Post by oolala53 » Thu Jan 26, 2012 1:35 pm

Nice work! I would be very happy to be in the middle of my BMI range. Heck, I'll be happy to get in the top of it! But I'm not stressing over it. Nice to be reminded not everyone wants to be ultra thin.
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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Post by Blithe Morning » Thu Jan 09, 2014 1:11 pm

In rereading my daily check in thread, I feel exhausted in reading all my fails and nibbles and BLTs.

I don't think I can go back to that level of self observation.

Stepped on the scale, the first time in several months. The weight is fine.

Committing to Doable Fitness for the Winter/Spring.

- No S
- No S Guidelines: half plate of fruit/veg for most meals. Vegetarian before 6PM most days of the week.
- 45 - 60 minutes of exercise daily. Does not have to be completed at one go. 4 minute intervals of squats, pushups, crunches, step ups scattered throughout the days or weight training 2x a week.

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Post by oolala53 » Sun Jan 19, 2014 7:59 pm

Blithemorning, I didn't read the whole thread, so I don't know if you think you've been feeling any effects of perimenopause/menopause. I know that was part of the incentive to have a good program in place.

I don't think I could blame much on menopause, as I was just bingeing as I had done much of the time before that, though I think it was escalating. I think my periods stopped in the spring of 2009 when I was 56. (Pretty late. Or was it in 2007?)) I committed to No S at the end of Dec., 2009 and lost all my weight since then. But you have been exercising regularly. I still haven't been. And I know my fat percentage in my body is much higher than it was when I weighed this amount at younger ages, but I don't lose sleep over that. Maybe I should...

It sounds like you have an excellent plan for general health, even if hormones affect weight fluctuations over the next few years.
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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