automated eating tracker

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.

Moderators: Soprano, automatedeating

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Wednesday, Week 19

Post by automatedeating » Thu Jan 02, 2014 4:25 am

N Day: still with relatives

NoSEating
B: sausage and egg casserole; fruit and yogurt
coffee with cream
L: beef stew and some chips
D: yogurt; apples slices; cheese slices; little bit of salami

NoSMoving
30-minute walk
30-second plank

NoSFinances
A fail in letter and a succeed in spirit. We drove home today and had to pay for the ferry boat. However, we packed our dinner so we wouldn't buy food on the ferry. AND, twice today I was tempted to buy a latte. Not an option.

NoSElectricKids
All clear

Getting in walks while with relatives was much harder than when I just walk to work. So that was great.

Avoiding lattes when I get the "urge" was great.

But greatest of all? Looking back over the 2013 Holiday Season and realizing that I had great times with family and friends and food. Food was an enhancer of interaction with loved ones; it added joy and did not steal satisfaction. I can't quite remember every having a holiday season like that. Amazing. AND I took 4 non-weekend S days!!!! But it STILL was the most reasonable, moderate, delightful combo of food and family my holidays have ever known. :) NoS Rocks!!

Over43, thanks for noticing my ..... teenage-like meals. ;) I have all kinds of motivation to work on exercise, finances and parenting, but the desire to improve the nutritional content of my meals is SORELY lacking. My best excuse is that my psyche has been damaged by years of trying to live like a health nut. I'm in utter rebellion against "healthy" foods!

And thanks, middleeager, for noticing my restraint! I was super proud of myself, and pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the party MORE than times when I overindulged in sweets and snacks.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

User avatar
lpearlmom
Posts: 4812
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:59 am
Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Thu Jan 02, 2014 4:32 am

I think your food choices are absolutely fine. You're doing a great job with so many aspects of your life.

Enjoy the rest of your visit!

Linda
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

User avatar
NoSnacker
Posts: 1481
Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2011 12:40 am
Location: Buffalo, New York

Post by NoSnacker » Thu Jan 02, 2014 9:53 am

I love latte's as well and bought a mr coffee one on amazon. I like to have them on the weekend with lowfat milk, sugar free flavoring and awesome expresso coffee. I feel so in control when I make my own.

I also know what you mean by eating healthy all ones life and then being a little free with choices on No S...I love it.

Glad you found balance with your S day events with family..so awesome..I know how great that must feel.

:)
Age 56: SBMI=30.6 (12/1/13) CBMI 28.9 (2/2/14) GBMI-24.8

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Thu Jan 02, 2014 5:14 pm

Hi NoSnacker. I really should completely break the latte habit. I'm not even picky about my coffee. I'm perfectly content at home to mix drip coffee with a cup of whole milk and microwave it. Tastes great to me. :) So, it's even more ridiculous that I have been paying $3.50 a pop for lattes. Some kind of psychological addiction.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Thu Jan 02, 2014 5:18 pm

And thanks Linda for not being disgusted at my convenience-food lifestyle. That is very kind of you, culinary graduate that you are!!
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

middleager
Posts: 90
Joined: Fri Dec 20, 2013 11:13 pm
Location: New Zealand

Post by middleager » Thu Jan 02, 2014 7:42 pm

Yay for the happy food experiences.

It drives me crazy how much it costs for the whole family to buy lunch when we are out. Well done for packing lunch! Maybe you should start carrying a thermos of coffee around?
Longest run so far: 22 days

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Thursday, Week 19

Post by automatedeating » Thu Jan 02, 2014 9:39 pm

N DAY
135.8

NoSEating
coffee with milk
B:2 pieces of toast with peanut butter
L: chicken fettuccine; potato chips; 2 clementines
D: apple, clementine, mixed nuts, carrots

NoSittingOnButt
30-minute walk
30-second plank

NoSpending
FAIL by the letter of the law; fine in spirit. Had no groceries (since we returned from travels) and needed to get gas. Decided to bite the fail bullet and do shopping today instead of Saturday (I have to work tomorrow). On the bright side, I think being aware of it being a NoSpend Day made me much more careful to follow the list, and to make sure the kids knew we were not eating lunch until we got home.

NoElectrifiedKids
Made it!
Last edited by automatedeating on Fri Jan 03, 2014 3:37 am, edited 2 times in total.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

Diligence
Posts: 80
Joined: Wed Dec 11, 2013 6:09 pm

Post by Diligence » Fri Jan 03, 2014 12:11 am

automatedeating, thank you so much for sharing so much of your goals, successes, and even failures with us here. You're inspiring. Great idea to use the No S concept as a means to achieve other goals. :D

middleager
Posts: 90
Joined: Fri Dec 20, 2013 11:13 pm
Location: New Zealand

Post by middleager » Fri Jan 03, 2014 5:16 am

Great. Soon you will be able to abbreviate to NoS, NoSOB, NoSp, NoEK and we will all know what you mean.
Longest run so far: 22 days

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

Post by oolala53 » Fri Jan 03, 2014 3:47 pm

I think "NoSOB" could be misinterpreted...
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)

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Fri Jan 03, 2014 3:53 pm

Ha!
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

middleager
Posts: 90
Joined: Fri Dec 20, 2013 11:13 pm
Location: New Zealand

Post by middleager » Fri Jan 03, 2014 6:38 pm

NoSOB was my favourite!
Longest run so far: 22 days

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

Post by oolala53 » Fri Jan 03, 2014 6:47 pm

I don't feel that I can control whether or not there are SOB's in my life. 8)
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)

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Friday, Week 19

Post by automatedeating » Sat Jan 04, 2014 2:21 am

N Day

NoSEating
coffee with milk
B: 2 eggs on 2 pieces of toast
L: carrots, apples, mixed nuts, cheese
D: pizza, diet coke

NoSittingOnButt (or other less rude acronym-prone phrase)
walked to/partially from work (a friend stopped and drove me home!)
30-second plank

NoSpending
Made it!

NoElectrifiedKids
Made it!
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Sat Jan 04, 2014 3:35 am

NoS is fascinating to me. I feel like it has opened up a whole new way to view the world. Moderation. How often have I said I believe in that, and how often have I failed to live by it?

Make something a habit, and we have energy freed up to take on new decisions, new creations, new projects. If something like eating "consumes" our energy every day (how much should I eat? When? What should I prepare this time? How should I prepare it?) then we don't have a lot left over for other work (exception: those that consider cooking their creative outlet! More power to you, but that is NOT me). Think of the creative energy saved and the health benefits reaped by sticking to 3 similar plates/day. I'm lucky here because I desire very little variation in my meals.

Same with exercise. If it's habit, it takes no willpower or energy to decide (when should I do it? how long? what type? where?). Think of the creative energy saved and the health benefits added by automating our exercise.

Same with spending. Think of the energy (and $$$$$) saved by not having to think about (should I buy it? Do I need it? Is this the best price? Should I drive to that store or just go home? Should I say yes to my kids' request for a fun outing?)

Habits conserve our energy, and free us to pursue our passions. My favorite passions in life are:
1. creating good science lessons (I do my own artwork and have written my own "worktexts" for each of my classes), and
2. discussing great books and philosophical questions with my friends and family.

What are your greatest passions?
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

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

Post by oolala53 » Sat Jan 04, 2014 5:13 am

I couldn't really determine what the success rate is for No S. I wish I could say it looks more successful, but it would take a lot more of a perusal than I'd be able to give it.

The hard truth is that reducing eating permanently is very hard to pull off in general. The odds are against it just about no matter what you do. Some things will raise your chances. Going on purposely calorie-reduced diets and swearing off specific foods are the two things that diet researcher Roy Baumeister warned against in his book Willpower. (He also recommended keeping a record of your food-not the calories in the food-, but he was looking at diet data, not the behaviors of meal-based eaters.) h He also said that having situational rules- much like choosing to eat three one-plate meals a day- was a good tactic. H warned against ever assuming that someone who failed at reducing eating had been lazy about it. Reducing food consumption ranks right up there with quitting drugs and alcohol. Very, very strong habits.

Knowing that has actually made me more determined to work No S to the bone. Without any mitigating health concerns, I believe it's my best chance at food sanity.
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)

User avatar
NoSnacker
Posts: 1481
Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2011 12:40 am
Location: Buffalo, New York

Post by NoSnacker » Sat Jan 04, 2014 10:07 am

Automatdeating "I'm truly loving living the No S way..it has brought much peace back into my life with regards to food....being away a couple times I see how much stress and how discouraged I was with my diet mentality." I also like the spending idea....Sometimes I ask myself is this a need or want..most of the time it is a want :)

Oolala, do keep a food journal?
Age 56: SBMI=30.6 (12/1/13) CBMI 28.9 (2/2/14) GBMI-24.8

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Sat Jan 04, 2014 3:10 pm

Ha, ha, I can answer that one for you, NoSnacker! Oolala does NOT keep a food journal. She can't imagine trying to write it all down, I suspect it makes her want to roll her eyes up in her head. That said, she does think it's a reasonable thing for us to do, and is actually one of the activities closely correlated with sustained weight loss. But the caveat should be that we shouldn't scrutinize our meals over-much, especially not S Days. Just write it down and move on, then maybe look back for trends as needed.
How'd I do Oolala??? :lol:
Last edited by automatedeating on Sun Jan 05, 2014 11:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Saturday, Week 19

Post by automatedeating » Sun Jan 05, 2014 4:20 am

S DAY

136.1

NoSEating
coffee with milk
B: cinnamon toast crunch
L: 4 pieces pizza, diet coke
Dessert: fudgecicle
D: terriyaki chicken, rice and green beans; lemonade
oops, ate a bowl of chex mix with hubby just because they were there. i did enjoy them but i wasn't hungry.
**upon further reflection, last two weekends have been surprisingly indulgent. I'm not sure if it is significant or not. Tomorrow is Sunday, another S day, so I'll be watching with calm curiosity to see if I eat a lot (overeat) again.

NoSittingOnButt
~10 minutes of jumping rope; running in place
30-second plank
lots of foam-rolling

NoSpending
Petco (normal needs)

NoElectricKids
There was a bit of a free-for-all with the electronics today. I sent the kids outside for an hour to break things up; had them do a few chores at one point; then thankfully they played board games instead of being glued to games.
Last edited by automatedeating on Sun Jan 05, 2014 11:55 am, edited 1 time in total.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

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

Post by oolala53 » Sun Jan 05, 2014 7:51 am

You did disconcertingly well, auto! Especially about the eye rolling. I thought I was hiding it better. Busted! :oops:

But as I said on another thread, being able to use inexpensive apps nowadays on smartphones takes away some of the inconvenience. Who knows what might happen if I ever give up my flip phone?

I just like having a place to come to where it's not required or overly revered. But where there actually people posting AND having some fun.
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)

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Sunday, Week 20

Post by automatedeating » Mon Jan 06, 2014 12:28 am

20 weeks of NoSing! I'm lovin' it!

S DAY

NoSEating
coffee with milk
B: cinnamon toast crunch
L: 2 plates of nachos with avocado slices, diet coke
D: spaghetti, garlic bread
wine

NoSittingOnButt
walked to the grocery store pulling the 4-yr in a wagon (probably about 3 miles round trip). I tied a scarf around my waist and to the wagon handle. That was fun! Got the 4-yr old to walk some of the way.
30-second plank
lots of foam-rolling! I love my new foam roller!!

NoSpending
$25 at grocery store for a few final necessities to get through M-F coming up without spending money. Had to make sure we had enough dinners planned. Had to make sure cars got gassed up, had to make sure I had enough for everybody's lunches, etc.

NoElectrifiedKids
Both boys again have had a bit of a glutton of electronics off and on throughout the day. But right now the 8-yr old is outside throwing the football with his friend, and the 4-yr old is napping beside me (tired him out on the walk to the store!)
Last edited by automatedeating on Mon Jan 06, 2014 4:23 am, edited 1 time in total.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

MJ7910
Posts: 504
Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2012 1:17 am

Post by MJ7910 » Mon Jan 06, 2014 1:32 am

in time, i think most of us learn to love NoS. when i first did it in June of 2012 i got scared because i gained weight and hadn't yet realized how great it could be. I only stayed with it for a few months and then gave up. this second round started for me Feb 4, 2013. I am nearing a year. At first I wasn't sure i could do it and again was terrified of gaining weight. but a year later i am stabilized at a normal weight. I no longer obsess about food the way i used to. i don't count calories . i dont' beat myself up for food related things. my S days have gotten more moderate . now i think about whether i really want that sweet food item or just eating it to eat it . i have definitely come far and even though i'm not as "thin" as i once was, i am at a normal BMI for my height, i look pretty good and wear a single digit size. so not going to worry about diets anymore. NoS is something that takes getting used to and gradually days become more moderate. it really is the answer for me. and sound like possibly for you too!
Current BMI: 22.9. Height: 5'4.5"
Highest BMI: 25.5 in August 2011.
Lowest adult BMI: 20.8 in February 2012.

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Mon Jan 06, 2014 4:24 am

You are inspirational, MJ! Thanks for sharing your NoS "testimony". :)
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

chani8
Posts: 244
Joined: Sun Dec 29, 2013 5:33 pm
Location: israel

Post by chani8 » Mon Jan 06, 2014 9:28 am

Just had to take a peek at your thread and I'm sooo glad I did! You are so interesting and so very AWESOME! :)

I think I'm going to brainstorm for myself other ways to inject moderation into my life.

Thanks for sharing your brilliance with the world. :)

eschano
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2012 2:20 pm

Post by eschano » Mon Jan 06, 2014 10:21 pm

Automatedeating, thank you so much for your lovely message on my thread. You brightened my day and I am delighted that I could be of help! I love your posts and they have made the crucial difference between a green and a red day before. I'm looking forward to reading more!
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Monday, Week 20

Post by automatedeating » Tue Jan 07, 2014 12:01 am

N Day
NoSEating
coffee with milk
B: vanilla yogurt cup
L: apple slices, clementine, mixed nuts, carrots
D: chicken fettuccine alfredo, chips, garlic bread
NoSittingOnButt
walked to/from work (90 minutes)
30-second plank
50 jumping jacks
NoSpending
Made it! Had to deny kids their typical Monday afternoon treat (breaking this habit is hard on them!), and had to avoid looking for a particular book on amazon because I knew I would want to buy it.
NoElectrifiedKids
Hurray! My 4-yr has already started asking me, "Is it an S Day yet?" because he wants to play on my ipad! (Plants versus Zombies, if you're curious!). OK, this one is sort of a fail....technically. I came downstairs and my 4-yr old was playing Starfall on the laptop, probably only for 30 seconds. But still. Well, mark it and move on!

Things are going well. I have better routine to my weeks (and this said after a Holiday season, when normally things get chaotic!!!) than I have had in years, if not ever. It makes me nervous, like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. I wonder if I'm facing a bit of self-sabotage. I can almost hear a voice in my head saying, "You're not the type to have a reasonable, calm schedule. You can't keep this up, it's not going to work." And then I just want to slap that voice out of my head. Why can't I just enjoy where I am at, and not fear tomorrow's successes or failures?

Eschano, I'm glad I've been an encouragement to you too!

And chani, I think you get the January 2014 award for peppiest NoSer on the boards! You're a great addition to the NoS family!!
Last edited by automatedeating on Tue Jan 07, 2014 1:59 am, edited 1 time in total.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

jw
Posts: 844
Joined: Fri Jul 05, 2013 7:27 pm
Location: PA

Post by jw » Tue Jan 07, 2014 12:40 am

"And then I just want to slap that voice out of my head"

Slap it! Enjoy where you are, automated -- chaos will come, no need to invite it in the back door! But with these new routines, it won't come as often. Love the way your kids seem to be adjusting to the new rules!
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

User avatar
lpearlmom
Posts: 4812
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:59 am
Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Tue Jan 07, 2014 5:17 am

You're doing great auto!! I do that too when things are going really well I feel myself bracing for something bad to happen. You're working hard to make this happen so enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Linda
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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

Post by oolala53 » Tue Jan 07, 2014 6:54 am

auto, I realized it took me years even before No S to see that I enjoyed "healthy" meals (good fats, decent fiber, protein, starch, freggies- not full of trans fats, salt, and refined flour) just about as much if not more as a meal of lasagna, garlic bread, and brownies- an old standard. I worried that I was somehow "depriving" myself and that things would backfire because I wasn't eating enough binge food! People at work say I eat so healthy because I usually have freggies of three different colors. I'm always thinking, Shh! Don't tell my mind that."
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)

chani8
Posts: 244
Joined: Sun Dec 29, 2013 5:33 pm
Location: israel

Post by chani8 » Tue Jan 07, 2014 3:37 pm

What a beautiful menu, Auto! You're doing great!! I lived my life always waiting for something bad to happen. I've pondered that problem deeply and let me just say, if I knew years ago that I would live to see today, I might have done things differently, like lived more and worried less.

So enjoy today and don't worry about tomorrow. And plan for good things to happen! :)
`Chani8
I'm a 44yo, married, Jewish, mother, and foster mom, living in Israel. I eat low carb, count calories, eat 'clean', love kosher, and live primal. I workout impulsively. I'm new to the No S Diet and I love it!

herbsgirl
Posts: 432
Joined: Sat Aug 20, 2011 4:08 am

Re: Monday, Week 20

Post by herbsgirl » Tue Jan 07, 2014 4:46 pm

automatedeating wrote:to buy it.
Things are going well. I have better routine to my weeks (and this said after a Holiday season, when normally things get chaotic!!!) than I have had in years, if not ever. It makes me nervous, like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. I wonder if I'm facing a bit of self-sabotage. I can almost hear a voice in my head saying, "You're not the type to have a reasonable, calm schedule. You can't keep this up, it's not going to work." And then I just want to slap that voice out of my head. Why can't I just enjoy where I am at, and not fear tomorrow's successes or failures?
Don't let those sabatojing thoughts get the best of you. Replace them, with good positive thoughts about the future. :D :)

People CAN change
People DO change
You ARE changing yourself and your habits!!!!!!!

:lol:
SW 218.2 10-14-13
1 mo 193.4
2 mo 178.8
3 mo 162.8
4 mo 151.4
5 mo 146.2
72 lbs lost in 19 wks 5' 6.5" 31 years old BMI 23.1
counting bites go to: countyourbites . blogspot . com

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Tuesday, Week 20

Post by automatedeating » Wed Jan 08, 2014 12:31 am

Thanks everybody for the encouragement! Chani, that's definitely the first time I have ever had anyone tell me my menu was beautiful. I didn't even know I had a menu, but hey, I think I'll start thinking of it like that. :) Come to the Restaurant Auto, where there are 3 solids a day!

Yes, you guys are all right, I need to think positively that I can change, and I need to not let fear of tomorrow steal today's joy.

N Day
NoSEating
coffee with milk
B: blueberry yogurt cup
L: chicken fettuccine leftovers, carrots, clementine
D: tacos
NoSittingOnButt
walked to/from work (90 minutes)
Installment #2: auto against the hill
So today I got to the top of the hill only to realize I hadn't noticed I was going up it!! That's got to count as a cool moment!
NoSpending
Wanted a latte, wanted a latte, said no to a latte, said no to a latte. Made myself a cup of hot tea in my office instead. And got more work done that way, too.
NoElectrifiedKids
Success!

Today was the start of a new quarter with new students. I made them all spreadsheets with a chart for the 10 weeks of the quarter. I had them make a study commitment just for week 1, breaking it down into hours/day. Each week in class we will get out our colors (green, red, and yellow!) and highlight how they did (HabitCal for studying!!). While I was at it, I had them all make a "moving" commitment for the week, too. It could be anything from a plank to jumping jacks to parking far away. And then we'll habitcal that together too. :) Bringing NoS into the classroom. Hmmmm, that has promise for education.
Last edited by automatedeating on Wed Jan 08, 2014 11:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

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

Post by oolala53 » Wed Jan 08, 2014 12:52 am

Statistically speaking, humans are not naturally positive thinkers, so don't beat yourself up for what arises spontaneously in your mind. Any good psychologist who has studied such things will admit that. There is nothing wrong with anyone for having some anxiety. It doesn't sound like it rules you at all. Just let it pass, much like the urge to eat between meals!
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)

tobiasmom
Posts: 1391
Joined: Tue Oct 05, 2010 1:08 pm
Location: Texas

hey

Post by tobiasmom » Wed Jan 08, 2014 1:02 pm

I just LOVE how this has permeated every area of your life! It's awesome!

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Wed Jan 08, 2014 1:51 pm

Well, oolala, you get the award for tempting me to SPEND on an N Day by ordering that Happiness book! I settled for putting it in my amazon cart, and then I'll wait until Saturday to actually buy it!
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Wednesday, Week 20

Post by automatedeating » Wed Jan 08, 2014 10:22 pm

136.4
N Day
NoSEating
coffee with milk
B: peach yogurt cup
L: mixed nuts, cheese, apple slices
coffee with lots of milk
D: lentil soup, toast with butter
wine
NoSittingOnButt
walked to/from work (90 minutes)
30-second plank
NoSpending
want a latte, won't get a latte, want a latte, won't get a latte: made a coffee with lots of milk as a nice substitute; fixed hot cocoa for the boys. It was nice. :) And virtually free.
NoElectrifiedKids
So far, so good
Last edited by automatedeating on Thu Jan 09, 2014 4:47 am, edited 3 times in total.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

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

Post by oolala53 » Wed Jan 08, 2014 10:56 pm

Hooboy, even I didn't buy the book. I got it from the library!
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)

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Wed Jan 08, 2014 11:57 pm

See, I have serious trouble in the finance dept. I overspend on silly stuff. Well, I DID go to the library today (wouldn't you know it....) and they didn't have that book. They did have the ChiWalking book, though, which I had ALSO put in my amazon cart. So, I saved $10. :)
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

finallyfull
Posts: 354
Joined: Wed Mar 17, 2010 6:10 pm

Post by finallyfull » Thu Jan 09, 2014 12:45 am

by the way, automated, because I seem to like "systems" -- my family hunkered down and worked our way out of debt a few years back -- except the mortgage. It was hard but great!! Still have to say "no" much more than I naturally would, just like No S, but I wouldn't trade the lessons, nor would I welcome back the "muffin top" of debt we had put around our middle. It was the Dave Ramsey plan.

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Thu Jan 09, 2014 1:54 am

Good for you, finallyfull! That is fantastic! We have a "muffin-top" of student loans and a gigantic mortgage. :roll:
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

middleager
Posts: 90
Joined: Fri Dec 20, 2013 11:13 pm
Location: New Zealand

Post by middleager » Thu Jan 09, 2014 5:13 am

Auto, inspired by you I have a list of various things applying to all areas of my life that I would like to ply the NoS system to. i'm keeping it aside and i am planning to add in one thing at a time. First I have to get more used to this eating thing though!

Love your posts.
Longest run so far: 22 days

User avatar
NoSnacker
Posts: 1481
Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2011 12:40 am
Location: Buffalo, New York

Post by NoSnacker » Thu Jan 09, 2014 8:55 am

I went into debt reduction mode a couple years ago..and should really start asking myself if I need it or want it.

Trying not to charge things is very hard...

I have a friend who is working a job for a lot less money but a lot more freedom, like summers off...she chews a 1/2 stick of gum to cut on costs..she is really good at it..

For her birthday I bought her a large package of gum and told her she can only have whole pieces :)
Age 56: SBMI=30.6 (12/1/13) CBMI 28.9 (2/2/14) GBMI-24.8

jw
Posts: 844
Joined: Fri Jul 05, 2013 7:27 pm
Location: PA

Post by jw » Thu Jan 09, 2014 11:45 am

I love how many people have been on or are getting on the No-$ bandwagon, auto! There is nothing so freeing as eliminating debt!
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

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

Post by oolala53 » Thu Jan 09, 2014 3:21 pm

I've never been able to handle not paying my whole balance off on my credit cards. You'd see what an exciting life I lead. Gasoline. Groceries. Gasoline. Groceries. Copy of No S from Amazon. Groceries. UC Santa Cruz, my alma mater, gets a cut of my Visa Purchases.

I've always been the kind of person who can walk through a store thinking, Nah, I don't need that most of the time.

I have "overeaten" books and thrift store clothing-- but I can quit anytime! :oops:
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)

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

Post by oolala53 » Thu Jan 09, 2014 4:47 pm

If I may be so bold...

Here is my post to Anoulie:

Okay, I feel better, except for one thing. I don't think you're able to see the big picture, and I hope you can trust Aunt Oolala that 10 pounds is not a big deal. I know it feels like a good reason to panic and you could come up with all kinds of what you think are legitimate fears. All of us old ladies when through the same thing. THOSE ARE THE CHEMICALS TALKING! The chemicals that want to keep the binge cycle going. Because one part of your brain LIKES the cycle, perverse though it may seem. It does involve some pleasure that it things is worth it. But when you exercise your prefrontal cortex making decisions and taking actions, calmly and rationally, not omg, if I don't do this right, I'm going to DIE! Those two thoughts are each their own drug, so to speak, and you need to take the right "drug."

I'd bet you'd be surprised to find out here how many people started by panicking over ten pounds and went on to gain twenty, thirty, even more. It's also rather shocking how ineffective hating the weight is.

Don't compare your weight to your boyfriend's weight! That's just freaking you out, and that's not working. Don't LOOK for reasons to be ashamed! That feeds the whole thing! If you want to go on a diet, go on a diet of criticizing your body, or even yourself in general, for now. Try to be objective about things." Oh, I didn't get the report finished." True. "Oh, I didn't finish the report. I'm such a crappy student, I'll never get it all done, people are going to think I'm not smart or that I'm lazy, etc." All subjective and honestly NOT helpful nor even verifiable!

I'll admit I'm a bit disappointed that No S did this to you. I'm curious to know before you started how you thought you were overeating. Small meals and snacks all day long? Breakfast and then big dinner?

Or, just forget all about the details and just get back to basics.

I would suggest that you not talk about trying to lose weight with anyone except a counselor. Do not reinforce the idea that it is a central concern in life. Talking about it is a habit in our culture, often even a bonding between women. But humans can share many other interests. Just keep changing the subject, and if you're finding it's hard to have something else to talk about, well, there's the sign you need to expand your attention to other topics! When it comes to food, try to speak about how delicious something is, but don't make jokes about how fattening it is or how hard it is not to eat a lot of it or any of that. And try not to get caught up in other people's hangups. You don't have to talk them out of it. Just keep responding how you think a very kind French woman would. She doesn't imagine that there's any good reason NOT to enjoy food, but also no reason to gorge on it. Food plays a beautiful place in her life, not an adversarial one. But she doesn't try to convert anyone else. She builds her own foundation. Oolala53

You know, I will get flashes of memory of people saying that same things to me, but I just could not accept it. I felt so strongly that they just didn't understand, that this was my evaluation and I was right. I can't believe how many times over the last four years I've thought, oh, that's what they were talking about! I think I've also learned what they mean when they say it's an inside job. There's something almost visceral about it. It's not just swimming in your head anymore. Yet it's not always a settled event. More like slow-moving water.
__________
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)

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Thursday, Week 20

Post by automatedeating » Fri Jan 10, 2014 1:01 am

N Day
136.8
NoSEating
coffee with milk
B: raspberry yogurt cup
L: mixed nuts, apple slices, cheese, carrots
D: chimichanga, beans, rice, chips, salsa, guacamole
Light-Bulb Moment: When the rubber meets the road, I need to remember that the NoS journey is different for all of us. I have enjoyed this check-in immensely, and that is OK. I have found myself worrying about my adherence to NoS again (this was a common fear of mine in October and November), but I am just going to enjoy the moment. Can you believe my personality makes me tend to feel BAD that I LIKE something that a lot of people don't like? Screwy isn't it. Right now, I love my check-in. If I stop loving it, that is OK, and I don't need to feel bad about that either.
NoSittingOnButt
walked to/from work (90 minutes)
30-second plank
Light-Bulb Moment: Recent threads on the forum have made me realize that I suffer from the binge-shame-strict-binge toxic cycle in regard to (drum roll) EXERCISE! Here's how it goes (and see if you can see the parallels to binge eating): I was FIT FIT FIT in high school. I gradually lost that in early adulthood. I would feel ashamed when I saw my weakening muscles, then I would go on a kick-butt intense exercise program. After 2-3 months, I would give in completely to the WTH effect and never do that program (or go near it) again for the nausea thinking about it would bring me. Eventually my disgust would get me to overcommit to some other insanely difficult exercise program.

When I started NoS, I had not exercised regularly for several years. I decided to do the walking thing, which was for me a big commitment. But in hindsight it's amazing I even chose such a gentle way of moving my body. I certainly knew it wouldn't get me "buff". I can't believe I'm still doing it. But do you want to know how often I feel ashamed that walking is "all" I do? Like I don't really believe it counts, that I know others think I should be running, that this, that that, shut up critical voice in my head!

I was very very tired today (it has been a long and tiring week, for sure). I walked slowly. And began to feel ashamed. And then I stopped feeling ashamed and told myself, "you do this every day. you don't have to break any speed records, just build a habit of moving." In a way, my slower walking was a way of listening to my body and nurturing it during a hard week.
NoSpending
Latte urges were ignored. :)
NoElectrifiedKids
My oldest son and his neighbor friends are on a "solar quest" kick--anybody remember that '80's board game? The lights are flickering, too, so maybe our whole house will be de-electrified!
Last edited by automatedeating on Fri Jan 10, 2014 3:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

middleager
Posts: 90
Joined: Fri Dec 20, 2013 11:13 pm
Location: New Zealand

Post by middleager » Fri Jan 10, 2014 5:10 am

I am not sure i get it. You are worried you might not stick to noS some time in the future? You are worried you like NoS and other people don't like it? You are doing fantastically at the moment. Can you channel your worry in to contingency planning? Sorry, too many questions...

I do understand about the binge cycle for exercise. But your prefrontal cortex knows that walking is wonderful for you.
Longest run so far: 22 days

jw
Posts: 844
Joined: Fri Jul 05, 2013 7:27 pm
Location: PA

Post by jw » Fri Jan 10, 2014 11:51 am

Are you afraid you are overdoing No S, auto? It's creeping into every aspect of your life -- which I think is cool. But it sounds like you think you may OD on it and then totally drop it? It doesn't have to be intense -- it has to be moderate! Don't overthink it!
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Fri Jan 10, 2014 2:09 pm

middleager, ever since I started NoS I've been afraid of quitting! Since Day 1! I know my history, and I know the statistics.

The thing I was worried about liking when others don't is using the check-in on this forum so regularly.

jw, I actually love the way NoS principles are creeping into other areas of my life......I love it! But that makes me scared that it can't last.

And, no, I don't think I'm overdoing it. Everything I'm doing is so simple. These systems have simplified my life. I don't have to do errands or pay bills during the week, I have a simple "no" for my kids instead of an argument about video games, I have 3 meals and don't have to think about if I should or should not snack, and the exercise I have chosen is ridiculously low in exertion.

So, to summarize, my head is messing with me: it's telling me I should be exercising more intensely but I KNOW that anything more intense WOULD be overdoing it for me right now.

And, my head is messing with me: it's telling me that since I'm loving my life right now, none of this will last. Someone will die or I will lose my job. These are the monsters in my head. Basically a repeat of my fears from a post from earlier in the week.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

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

Post by oolala53 » Fri Jan 10, 2014 3:00 pm

Remember we don't control what occurs to us. Thoughts arise, often when we don't want THAT thought. I think it's good to have several tools for that. My newest one is just not taking it seriously. In this case, aging can be an advantage! I've finally seen that so much of the time, these thoughts don't really make a difference in real life, We can't know how things will turn out, good or bad. It would be nice if they didn't come around, but they on their own don't really hurt. I can just go on doing the dishes or looking for lost papers or whatever. And not believing them. Other thoughts will come. They always do.

What's amazing is when you realize that all kinds of thoughts are so repetitive. That is part of what makes it possible to ignore a lot of them. After awhile, it becomes more possible to let the song play in the background. You're fine! Even having anxious thoughts.
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)

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Fri Jan 10, 2014 9:07 pm

Thanks, oolala, for the encouragement.

It's interesting that I can apply these ideas to my urges to snack, but haven't the first experience at applying these ideas to my anxiety. My tendency is to try and pick at the roots of my anxiety as if I could fix it if I knew the "whys" deeply enough. It's just barely barely starting to sink in that my method for dealing with anxiety is not helping!

N Day
135.8
NoSEating
B: strawberry yogurt cup and a clementine
L: mixed nuts, cheese, carrots, apple slices
D: French dip sandwiches, chips
NoSittingOnButt
30-second plank
100 jumping jacks
NoSpending
Wanted a latte, wanted a latte, wanted latte. Said "no!" to a latte, said "no!" to a latte, yay, yay, yay!! Almost there!!! Tomorrow is shopping day!
NoElectrifiedKids
a few hours to go, those boys are salivating at their approaching opportunity to play minecraft and plants vs. zombies!
Last edited by automatedeating on Sat Jan 11, 2014 3:48 am, edited 1 time in total.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

jw
Posts: 844
Joined: Fri Jul 05, 2013 7:27 pm
Location: PA

Post by jw » Fri Jan 10, 2014 9:35 pm

Maybe because anxiety often doesn't have a behavioral component -- it's more free-floating?
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

middleager
Posts: 90
Joined: Fri Dec 20, 2013 11:13 pm
Location: New Zealand

Post by middleager » Fri Jan 10, 2014 9:48 pm

For a lot of people, it's about recognising and interrupting the habitual thought loops, rather than deep psyche stuff. There is a free online programme called moodgym which i remember being really helpful although I have to confess I didn't finish the whole thing (should have used the NoS system!).

Enjoy your weekend. Wonder how many lattes you can get though? :lol:
Longest run so far: 22 days

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Sat Jan 11, 2014 12:15 am

jw, I think that is an excellent point.

middleager, thanks for telling me about that website. I will go take a look at that! And lattes, ha! So will I be a weekend latte binger? Or will the tameness of my N Days calm down my weekend desire for lattes? :)
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Saturday, Week 20

Post by automatedeating » Sat Jan 11, 2014 9:13 pm

S Day
136.3
NoSEating
Having a weird S Day.
B: eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, toast
I was full after breakfast and didn't need to have a chi tea or a whole milk latte! Then I bought some See's candies and have now had three.....not as enjoyable as normal because I am not the least bit hungry.

I guess things got thrown off because I went out with a friend this morning, right after breakfast. Now it's after lunchtime and I am still not hungry for lunch. But I do feel like eating more chocolate, which doesn't make sense because I just wrote that they are not satisfying me. I know! It's that phenomenon people talk about when they are roving around the kitchen, looking for something to satisfy. But food doesn't satisfy when it's something else going on. OK, I'm glad I see this. I am going to do my chores (as normal for Saturday), and wait and see how long it takes for me to feel actual hunger again. I want to really look forward to relishing the rest of my chocolates this weekend.
L: 3 See's chocolates (california brittle and peanut butter cups)
D: crust from a kid's pizza; 1/2 of another kid's hot dog, 4 See's chocolate pieces (enjoyed these ones!)

NoSittingonButt
30-second plank
50-jumping jacks
NoSpending
latte: $2.53
paid bills online
household shopping
filled car with gas
NoElectrifiedKids
My 4-yr old is bingeing on plants vs. zombies. The 8-yr old sort of is, too. They take breaks to help with chores, and eat. It's a wind/rain storm out there today, so hard to kick them outside to play. I will say this: the NoS principles are by FAR the simplest electronics management system I have tried with our family. My husband thinks it's great too (meaning, realistic and yet easy to manage for the parents!)
Last edited by automatedeating on Sun Jan 12, 2014 7:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

chani8
Posts: 244
Joined: Sun Dec 29, 2013 5:33 pm
Location: israel

Post by chani8 » Sun Jan 12, 2014 5:46 pm

I read a quote that said that some people fear death because the fear makes them feel alive.

In my experience, if you've had trust issues in your life, meaning if ever someone very close to you hurt you terribly, then this is probably where this fear is coming from. If you've been knocked down before, when you were not expecting it, it's understandable that now you are trying to take control, by preparing and expecting something bad to happen.

Another quote that someone told me, was that we cannot control our traumas, but we can control our reactions to those traumas. This soothed me because it's true that I really cannot prevent trauma, no matter how much energy I spend obsessing. But that's ok, because I know how to take action to deal with trauma if it happens.

Just to share what works for me, I've found having an attitude of gratitude turns my thoughts around. Intruding on those scary intrusive thoughts by saying (out loud) words of thankfulness. That helps me, a lot.
`Chani8
I'm a 44yo, married, Jewish, mother, and foster mom, living in Israel. I eat low carb, count calories, eat 'clean', love kosher, and live primal. I workout impulsively. I'm new to the No S Diet and I love it!

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

Post by oolala53 » Sun Jan 12, 2014 6:49 pm

I've found that no matter where the origin of the feeling is, the remedy is rooted in today. Kind of like no matter what the reason is that I might want to eat between meals on N days, the remedy is the same. Accept the urge and wait anyway. The urge is usually quite tolerable. Anxiety for other reasons is usually a lot more uncomfortable, but is also tolerable. In fact, when I give some attention to the actual feeling, it dissipates pretty quickly. Doesn't mean the thought that generated the feeling doesn't return. But I can ride the wave a little better.

Also, the less I feel I am running away to another activity in order to get rid of the anxiety, and the more I can think that I am just rationally choosing to do something pleasant or productive in the present because that's what's actually possible, the easier it is.

But as I said, this is harder than just plain ol' NO S!
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)

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Sunday, Week 21

Post by automatedeating » Sun Jan 12, 2014 7:42 pm

S Day
136.8
NoSEating
coffee with milk
B: donut
L: tortilla soup, few doritos, few apple slices, few carrot sticks
D: BLT panini
NoSittingOnButt
short walk in pouring rain with cold and wet 4-yr old
30-second plank
NoSpending
Nothing so far, forgot to buy yogurt for the week, might drive to store.... but I have a lot of other chores to finish first. OK, ended up going to grocery store to get yogurt, some paninis, and ice cream for kiddos.
Spent a couple hours this morning making a new excel document to track expenses. I'm not even trying to hold it to a budget right now, I'm just trying to go line by line through the bank and credit card statements to see where we are "leaking" money. I went back through Nov. 27th-Dec. 27th. Maybe not the greatest month to start tracking.....! :)
NoElectrifiedKids
4-yr old in particular continues to binge on my ipad. Right now he's watching a TV show. 8-yr old seems to balance his electronics use without much help from me. Eventually even the 4-yr old took a break and wanted to play board games.
Last edited by automatedeating on Mon Jan 13, 2014 4:19 am, edited 2 times in total.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

jw
Posts: 844
Joined: Fri Jul 05, 2013 7:27 pm
Location: PA

Post by jw » Sun Jan 12, 2014 8:09 pm

Your life seems to be finding a new level of order, auto! I don't have much to add about anxiety -- the only thing I have ever done is ask myself, what's the problem right this minute -- and I usually find I am fretting about something that's over and done or about something that might happen, neither of which I can control or change. But the realization that right this minute I am actually OK is pretty reassuring.
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

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

Post by oolala53 » Sun Jan 12, 2014 8:30 pm

auto, if it's any consolation, habit studies show that monitoring any behavior tends to have it move toward the direction of intention, so just looking at your expenses may influence you enough to reduce spending, if that's your intention, even without establishing a budget. But you'll be free to draw a bright line later, if it's not going fast enough.
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)

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

Post by oolala53 » Sun Jan 12, 2014 8:34 pm

That's pretty advanced insight, jw.

I think anxiety is thinking down deep that there is something that could should be done at that moment, but not knowing what it is or not being willing to do it. Learning to accept that whatever I'm doing now is probably right and certainly all I can expect at the moment is useful, but not a habit yet!
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)

User avatar
lpearlmom
Posts: 4812
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Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Sun Jan 12, 2014 8:43 pm

Just wanted to say how much I appreciate this conversation. It really helps me with my own anxiety issues. I wonder sometimes if more stuff comes up now that we don't have overeating as a constant distraction?

Really admiring you auto for tackling your budget issues head on. That's something I've really been avoiding but badly need to do. I haven't had too much luck with my no spending days but it has helped to curtail amounts a bit so thanks for the idea!

Linda :)
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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

Post by oolala53 » Sun Jan 12, 2014 9:04 pm

I believe that anxiety or other stuff will definitely come up for many people when they aren't eating. I think it's one of the major reasons people give up. They may not even realize what's going on. It's pretty much a recognized phenomenom in eating disorder 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)

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Mon Jan 13, 2014 12:38 am

Great stuff, everybody! I don't need to buy any books on Amazon when I get all this fantastic free advice and support here!

jw, you seem to have such a beautifully resilient and sunny spirit. Thanks for the balance and simplicity you add to all the discussions here.

Oolala, my goal is exactly what you describe: begin by paying attention to what we're spending money on, then design a budget that is realistic .... maybe in a few months. I've seen the simplicity of NoS and I want to apply that kind of gradual and moderate habit building to finances. I have been a "yo-yo" budgeter: jumping into a strict budget only to fail with the WTH effect as spectacularly as anyone has ever fallen off a crash diet.

And to Linda and Oolala, oh yeah, this curbing of comfort eating has definitely unmasked a new layer/awareness of anxiety for me. Thank you both for pointing out how that could be something I should be alerted for so as to not give up at establishing reasonable eating habits despite the discomfort of dealing with my anxiety.

Well, I finished my chores, lost at a game of Sorry and at a game of Monopoly Junior--so now I'm to the store for yogurt before my NoSpending weekdays are upon me. :)
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

eschano
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2012 2:20 pm

Post by eschano » Mon Jan 13, 2014 12:32 pm

This is a great discussion to follow - I think everyone should read it. For me, NoS took away a lot of anxiety when it came to food and I still feel it seeping into other areas of my life.

You're doing so well auto! Love reading your thread.
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

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

Post by oolala53 » Mon Jan 13, 2014 1:29 pm

I venture it's not seeping in. It was always there and now it's uncovered. Surprise! I'd also venture this is ONE of the reasons people fail at long term loss/maintenance. They don't exactly know what hit them, and aren't really prepared to see that it wasn't just the weight. They have to face that there is a lot of their life that feels sub par to them. They may have always suspected it but thought they were handling it okay. They were! It's not a crime to use food. I feel lucky that I finally got that feeling anxious is better than living with that feeling of being too full. I wasn't exactly getting up singing every day. If that was all it took, I'd go back t eating.
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)

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Mon Jan 13, 2014 4:01 pm

Yesterday and today I have begun to have discouragement about my plateau. 136.5 Again. Scale is definitely stuck in that range, and has been for 3 months. Contemplating how I should react.
1. mod now. Mind and body scream, NO!!!!
2. wait. wait until May 25th and reevaulate. Mind and Body are Ok with that.

I have said before if I stay at this weight I would be OK with that. Now I am having that belief tested. Sometimes I think have a "reverse body image" issue: I look in the mirror and think I look great. I don't look overweight, I look good. And then I am confused at how many pounds I would need to lose to be considered thin. Maybe I need a wake-up call or something. But how do we define a healthy weight?

Virtually every woman my height on this forum hopes to be 15-25 pounds less than what I weigh. I wonder, if y'all met me, would you think I'm chubby?

My body feels strong and healthy and I can walk long distances and carry in groceries and wrestle my kids to the ground. I can clean my house and I have decent flexibility. If there were a famine, or if I got a disease, my padding of fat would come in handy. :)

Err, confusing topic. I'll say this: no mods for me right now. I'm not ready, and might not ever be.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

clarebear
Posts: 261
Joined: Mon Aug 05, 2013 9:54 am
Location: UK

Post by clarebear » Mon Jan 13, 2014 4:13 pm

I think the fact you look in the mirror and like what you see is amazing :) to me that is perfect, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks

I am looking forward to this stage :D
Finally found a lifestyle change, not a diet!
Starting weight 167 lbs
Goal is to lose 20lbs in time for my wedding!

CMThib82
Posts: 113
Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 11:24 pm

Post by CMThib82 » Mon Jan 13, 2014 5:53 pm

I know it has been a bit since you talked about budget - but we follow the Dave Ramsey plan.

He has a free budget planner on his website. It has really helped. We felt like we got a raise when we started it because we spent money on this like coffee at starbucks/going out to eat/just running to the convenience store to grab something.. or just plain overspending on stuff we knew we shouldn't.

Now we are just more aware - honestly it is close to NO-S - instead of mindlessly spending (mindlessly eating) you budget and spend with intention.
5'2" - Started: 142.6 Current 138

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lpearlmom
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Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Mon Jan 13, 2014 6:10 pm

Ack! I had long post written but my iPad died in the middle.

Just wanted to say that you're probably at a good weight for you. I'm about 40 lbs heavier than you and don't feel fat yet I felt fat when I weighed 128 in HS. It's all relative and the weightloss goals never end till we have the courage to finally end them.

Linda
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

chani8
Posts: 244
Joined: Sun Dec 29, 2013 5:33 pm
Location: israel

Post by chani8 » Mon Jan 13, 2014 6:21 pm

"My body feels strong and healthy and I can walk long distances and carry in groceries and wrestle my kids to the ground. I can clean my house and I have decent flexibility."

This is awesome!!

jw
Posts: 844
Joined: Fri Jul 05, 2013 7:27 pm
Location: PA

Post by jw » Mon Jan 13, 2014 6:29 pm

I read chani's post first ^ and thought she was recommending an affirmation for you! Then I saw she was quoting you and thought, yay, auto!

Seriously, unless you are interviewing for modeling jobs, why do you need to be considered thin? when you look great and feel great?
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Monday, Week 21

Post by automatedeating » Tue Jan 14, 2014 2:42 am

Monday, Week 21
N Day
136.5
NoSEating
coffee with milk
B: blueberry yogurt and a few nuts
L: tortilla soup, carrots, apples, nuts
D: fish and chips
tempted during two meetings: chocolates and cupcakes galore. Responded to people's offerings with, "I like to limit my sweets to the weekends, but thanks anyway". Felt very elite. :)
NoSittingOnButt
walked to/from work (90 minutes), tried to swing my arms a little more than usual
30-second plank (why is this still hard? I must have super weak abs or something. I thought by now I'd be doing 45-seconds or even a minute)
NoSpending
Had to pay babysitter, but that was one of my exceptions, so still green.
NoElectrifiedKids
The problem with this plan is I have to play lots of board games with my kids! I keep losing at Sorry and Monopoly. And they're always wanting to talk to me or have me read to me or watch their magic tricks or look at their drawings. Ha, ha, it's pretty obvious why electronics are easy to give in to, isn't it? I have to actually parent this way.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Tue Jan 14, 2014 2:44 am

Oh, also wanted to say that I practiced the "just noticing" the anxiety about something and just letting the feeling sit there, without trying to fight it or fix it. It felt a little funny (and scary at first, like my mind thought that the feeling would completely overwhelm me if I didn't fight back), but it really helped! I'd like to try this some more and see if that wasn't just a fluke!
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

User avatar
lpearlmom
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Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Tue Jan 14, 2014 4:19 am

Good for you for being able to sit with your feelings. I tried just letting all my anxious thoughts come instead of trying to push them away or talk myself out of having those feelings. Takes a lot less energy & dissipates much more quickly. Who knew? Boy we are all doing a lot of personal growth.

Btw your notes on electrified kids today really got to me. Yikes--def an area I need to tackle...at some point!:)
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

eschano
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2012 2:20 pm

Post by eschano » Tue Jan 14, 2014 12:02 pm

Hi auto,

Thanks for stopping by my thread! Looking at the options I would advise to commit to one year. It took me ages, like 4 or 5 months, to get off that plateau but it naturally happened. So don't make a mod yet.

If you want to look at anything, then look at your default-meals. If they are healthyish then it doesn't matter what's on your plates the rest of the time. Looking at your food I do think it's healthy.

As for other people weighing less: you don't know the cost of that for them and everyone's body is different.

I'm sure that if we met you we would think you are beautiful because you are and I can tell that from your writing!

You're doing really well and are a great presence on the boards, time to give yourself the same pep-talks you give everyone else here :)
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

automatedeating
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Post by automatedeating » Tue Jan 14, 2014 2:08 pm

Thanks, eschano. I appreciate your kind response.

The best part of your post was telling me that I give pep-talks on the forum. I feel like i've been particularly waspish in the last few days as my own emotional turmoil spills on to other people's journeys, so it encouraged me to think that I don't have to stay like that. I can give pep talks instead!

My meals are not "healthy", really. I think my breakfast and lunches are fine; my dinners are usually convenience food...lots of frozen stuff popped in the oven. That's an area I'll need to work on. And, actually, that might give me hope. Perhaps my eventual "mod" will be nothing more than cooking more home-made meals! :) I eat virtually no vegetables on many a day. Yeeks, I know, I know.....
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

automatedeating
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Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Tue Jan 14, 2014 4:05 pm

Thanks Linda, clarebear, jw, chani, and everybody else for your support as I fight my inner demons!

I don't want to make a rash decision, but I am leaning toward waiting a full year before I expect myself to think about the need for any further requirements on my eating. I am so happy with my current level of "reasonableness" and I don't want to mess with that.

I weigh myself most days, and I'm thinking I should stop that. My fear is that if I don't weigh, I'll GAIN. But after almost 5 months of NoS that seems unlikely. I mean, I made it through the Holidays without gaining, and I took four non-weekend S Days! :)

Maybe I'll just weigh on Friday or Saturday mornings, once a week.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

middleager
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Location: New Zealand

Post by middleager » Tue Jan 14, 2014 6:06 pm

I loved the post about your kids demanding your attention!

I hope weighing yourself less goes well. It sounds like you really want your focus to be on your behaviours not your weight, so it makes sense to measure it less.

Food definitely acts as a tranquiliser for me. Unfortunately for the people around me I get grumpy more than anxious....
Longest run so far: 22 days

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Tue Jan 14, 2014 11:45 pm

Tuesday, Week 21
136.5
N Day
NoSweetsSnacksSeconds
coffee with cream
B: blueberry yogurt
L: mixed nuts, cheese, carrots, apple slices
D: tacos, chips and salsa
NoSlothfulness (I know, I'm having a lot of fun with these names!)
walked to/from work (90 minutes), felt so tired today
30-second plank
NoSpending
A-OK (planned exceptions: husband pays for our date night; and I have to pay for something at a an activity for my son tonight)
This one is a little sticky because it seems like there are always things coming up that need to be paid for on N Days: picture day at preschool; 2 different activities for older son; and babysitters. I just make these exceptions and press on. And I think I had mentioned when I first started that date night Tuesday is an exception, and almost doesn't need to be....since my husband always pays and I wouldn't dream of making him abide by all my rules. :) I think what I am learning is that NoSpending helps me limit my expenses to necessities. Then on the weekends if I still have that urge for a latte or a book, I can give in. Notice that clothes aren't a temptation for me? Lucky for me, since I leak money in all sorts of other frivolous ways. Well, used to leak money--not anymore!
NoScreeningKids
A-OK
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

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

Post by oolala53 » Wed Jan 15, 2014 3:55 am

"I look in the mirror and think I look great. I don't look overweight, I look good." I think we should bow down to you! You have moved beyond the cultural imposition.
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)

User avatar
NoSnacker
Posts: 1481
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Location: Buffalo, New York

Post by NoSnacker » Wed Jan 15, 2014 8:50 am

You definitely have me thinking about my spending!!!

So sweet you have a date night with DH....most people lose sight of how important this special time is together...like me for one :)
Age 56: SBMI=30.6 (12/1/13) CBMI 28.9 (2/2/14) GBMI-24.8

jw
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Joined: Fri Jul 05, 2013 7:27 pm
Location: PA

Post by jw » Wed Jan 15, 2014 11:43 am

What oolala said!

Also, I loved reading how you were setting your students up with habitcals for study-related tasks, automated. Way to share a great tool!
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

joasia
Posts: 1105
Joined: Tue Aug 22, 2006 3:22 pm
Location: California

Post by joasia » Wed Jan 15, 2014 9:13 pm

I have looked at your height and weight and it seems that you are already at goal! When anybody looks at you, they probably wouldn't think you need to lose anymore! Don't beat yourself up over an extra 5 or 10 pounds. I would give anything in the world to be 5 or 10 pounds from goal. Enjoy where you are at. You eat normal food and your weight is in a normal range.
The destiny of nations depends on the manner in which they feed themselves. Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

automatedeating
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Post by automatedeating » Thu Jan 16, 2014 12:36 am

Thanks joasia, you're right, I shouldn't sweat a few pounds. I think technically 135 or lower is a normal BMI for me, so it's weird that being a little over that should bother me at all.

jw, I am pretty excited about how I've been using HabitTracker for my students. At the start of each week they grade studying and activity commmitments from their previous week: successes (green highlighter), fails (pink), and exempts (yellow highligher); and then they make a plan for their upcoming week. They probably think I'm crazy, but I believe I'm teaching them important skills!

NoSnacker, I love date-night! When I'm walking home from work, I feel totally excited to have a couple hours away from the kids. Oh, yeah, and a couple hours with my husband. :)

Oolala, please, please, no bowing. I'm merely justifying not wanting to work at maintaining my "girlish" figure. :wink:
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Thu Jan 16, 2014 12:45 am

Wednesday, Week 21
N Day
NoSnacksSweetsSeconds
B: oatmeal
coffee with cream
L: mixed nuts, apple slices, carrots, cheese
hungry between lunch and dinner, guess I needed a bigger lunch. At the time, though, I felt full.
D: lasagne and bread
NoSittingOnButt
walked to/from work (90 minutes)--BTW, today and yesterday are the first days in 17 weeks of doing this that I actually "power-walked".....it has taken me that long to feel like doing anything more than a stroll! I really liked the book ChiWalking. I recommend it for interested walkers.
30-second plank
foam-rolling and backbends over yoga ball
tossed football with son :)
NoSpending
Wanted to buy a latte today, but I have noticed the urge to do that on a daily basis is already gone. Probably a temptation I'll have to watch out for, but I don't think about it anymore (since it's not an option!). Exemption: had to pay babysitter
NoScreeningKids
A-OK, kids have settled into this routine really well. Glad I'm doing this now and not when they are teenagers.

Anxiety comment: I have been trying the suggestion from some of you to just think, "I am OK right now" and it has helped!!! I had to face the twisted reality in my mind that fears that the disapproval of others can hurt me. When I started saying, "I am OK right now" it was like my eyes were opened: having someone dislike/disapprove/look down on me doesn't hurt me at all! It literally can only affect me if I choose to let it affect me. Note: I am particularly referring to coworkers and acquantances, not loved ones, so this statement is EXTRA true. Wow. I have been to months of counseling that didn't drive home that kind of epiphany. And one little phrase, "I am OK right now" is doing some awesome mental magic.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

jw
Posts: 844
Joined: Fri Jul 05, 2013 7:27 pm
Location: PA

Post by jw » Thu Jan 16, 2014 11:27 am

Exciting stuff, auto!
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent" -- Eleanor Roosevelt.
You have figured out how to live this! Yay!
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

herbsgirl
Posts: 432
Joined: Sat Aug 20, 2011 4:08 am

Post by herbsgirl » Thu Jan 16, 2014 5:34 pm

You seem to be at a healthy thin weight already, can you share more about your eating? do you make a special effort to eat less (as in not binge)

Do you kind of "watch what you eat" so you don't get too many calories?

Do you sort of just try to eat smaller portions?

:D
SW 218.2 10-14-13
1 mo 193.4
2 mo 178.8
3 mo 162.8
4 mo 151.4
5 mo 146.2
72 lbs lost in 19 wks 5' 6.5" 31 years old BMI 23.1
counting bites go to: countyourbites . blogspot . com

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Fri Jan 17, 2014 1:22 am

jw, I absolutely love that Eleanor Roosevelt quote. I tried to add it to my signature but I wasn't allowed to make my siggy that long. :lol:

herbsgirl, I'm vanilla NoS. I am not at a thin weight! I am still a pound or so overweight, according to the BMI charts.

I do seem to have it easier in that I don't seem to have ever had a binging problem. I have had times where I overeat with my friends and husband (like scarfing so many pieces of pizza I feel sick later), and times when I've gone out to lunch, then eaten popcorn and m and m's at the movies or things like that. So my history includes overeating for fun, but not what I would call binging. I also snacked incessantly, and ate at the first thought of food, rather than waiting for mealtimes.

So... that meant I needed to find a way to moderate my eating. NoS has worked well for me psychologically, but I have lost only about 5 pounds in 5 months. My original goal was to lose 12 pounds in 12 months, so I guess I am on track for that, but at this point I wonder if I will actually lose much more.

I only watch what I eat in making sure that my food isn't falling off the edges of my plate! :) I am happy to say I have never counted calories and don't even know the caloric value of very many foods.

I think probably my dinner portion would look pretty big to people. But the only "rule" I follow is NoSnacks,Sweets, or Seconds; except on S Days. :)
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Fri Jan 17, 2014 1:31 am

Thursday, Week 21
135.2 (isn't that funny? Of course after worrying about having "plateaued" I get my lowest fluctuation yet...and here I had just decided not to worry about it!)
N Day
NoSEating
coffee with cream
B: blueberry yogurt (i've started just mixing plain Greek yogurt with frozen blueberries the night before, delicious!)
L: leftover lasagne and carrots
D: hamburger macaroni (yes, I used Hamburger Helper)
NoSittingOnButt
walked to work (45 minutes)
30-second plank
NoSpending
Wanted a latte again today....this is coinciding with some stressful events at work and lots of meetings this week
NoScreeningKids
The kids were fine with rule today, but I was not very patient. I have a lot going on at work and was distracted and wanted them to leave me alone. I am going to try and focus a little better on them for the remaining time we have together tonight.
There are a variety of stressful things going on at work and at home right now. "I'm OK right now"; and "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent".
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

jw
Posts: 844
Joined: Fri Jul 05, 2013 7:27 pm
Location: PA

Post by jw » Fri Jan 17, 2014 2:02 am

I like your concept of overeating for fun, auto. I have definitely done that, but I don't think I have binged in the sense of the word people use it here either. It's a good distinction to make!
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

User avatar
lpearlmom
Posts: 4812
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:59 am
Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Fri Jan 17, 2014 6:02 am

Funny and great about your weight. :)
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

chani8
Posts: 244
Joined: Sun Dec 29, 2013 5:33 pm
Location: israel

Post by chani8 » Fri Jan 17, 2014 6:51 am

You brought up about bingeing, so I wrote a whole response about that on my thread. :)

You are doing great and your menu looks fantastic. I also recently switched from diet (aspartame) yogurt to, like you, using plain yogurt and then adding my own fruit or jelly. I have red currants in the freezer, so now that you mention it, I may try mixing that and letting it sit overnight.

For some reason, I can't figure out what you mean by no screening kids. I thought it was either about tv or computer stuff, as in "screen," but then, by your comments, I'm not sure.

I really like that you try to focus on your kids and work on being patient.

I raised my kids for many years without the distractions of electronic devices (no tv, no movies, no internet), until around 3 years ago (my oldest was 17 by then), when we let all that in. Such a loss of, more than anything, the ability to pay attention to each other. Everyone is so distracted. It really takes effort to focus now. Good luck to all of us!

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Fri Jan 17, 2014 9:08 am

Hi Chani,
Well, I've never used diet yogurt, but I did buy fruity yogurt that had ridiculous amounts of sugar in it. In my experience, you can't find a lightly sweetened yogurt commercially. They're all so sweet I would sometimes have to mix them with some plain yogurt to dilute the sugar! So it makes a lot more sense to my health and my taste buds to just mix some fruit in to whole-fat plain yogurt. And doesn't take me very long--I have these perfect snack-sized tupperwares that I plop some yogurt and a few frozen blueberries in the night before, and I'm good to go.

NoScreeningKids means no electronics M-F. Friday night at 5pm-Sunday night at 8pm is the "window" when they may use them. My comments probably threw you off, because ultimately what is happening is that by not allowing them electronics during the weekdays, I am having to invest, interact, play with, and discipline them more. It's good for all of us, but challenging, too.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

chani8
Posts: 244
Joined: Sun Dec 29, 2013 5:33 pm
Location: israel

Post by chani8 » Fri Jan 17, 2014 11:42 am

It's really awesome that you put that boundary on electronics for your kids. Our boundaries are from Fri eve to Sat eve. I think the point is, it's good to have time away from distraction so that we can focus on the family unit. Good luck with your parenting. It goes by so fast, and I know it's a lot of work, but try to enjoy it. I was just telling my husband that 20 years of raising a child is not a lot of time in the big picture of life.
`Chani8
I'm a 44yo, married, Jewish, mother, and foster mom, living in Israel. I eat low carb, count calories, eat 'clean', love kosher, and live primal. I workout impulsively. I'm new to the No S Diet and I love it!

kccc
Posts: 3957
Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 1:12 am

Post by kccc » Fri Jan 17, 2014 6:00 pm

Just dropping by to say thanks for posting on my thread - I've been AWOL from the forum for a bit, between holidays/sick/just-plain-busy.

SO impressed by your No-S spin-offs. Especially the NoScreen. I wish we'd done that with our child, but he's a teen now and it would be really hard. And truth to tell, my husband needs it too.

And truth to tell even more... so would I. :oops:

But I think we could all cut down a bit. On this one, I'll need to start with what I can control... which would be ME, lol! (On a good day. Maybe.)

At any rate - kudo's to you!

KCCC

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Sat Jan 18, 2014 2:05 am

Friday, Week 21
N Day
NoSEating
coffee with milk
forgot to have breakfast, so I was hungry for lunch!!
L: tortilla soup, bag of chips, diet sprite
D: burger, fries, diet soda
NoSittingOnButt
30-second plank
50 jumping jacks
this is why check-in is good: I had to do both of those things RIGHT now so that I could be honest on my check-in! :)
NoSpending
Whooo-eey I have a story for you! My 8-yr old had a big "friend" disappointment this afternoon. My husband wanted me to take the 8-yr old to see a movie tonight (it would only be his 3rd movie theater event in his life, so a big deal). I was willing, but then I would SPEND. And then how can I take him to the movies without buying SNACKS? We discussed a variety of options once I voiced my NoS concerns: 1. husband purchases tickets online for us (but then how would I show payment once we got there?); 2. I pack snacks just for my son (discarded because we thought it was an unethical precedent to demonstrate to our child); and 3. just throw in the NoS rules (but I am already taking Monday as an S Day for everything, so.....); 4. my husband just takes him since rules don't apply to him (but he didn't want to see the movie). SO, after all that, we decided we would not take him tonight. We'll try to fit it in tomorrow, when I have a regular S Day. That way I'll get to have popcorn and candy too!!! :) So, happy ending. I think. I haven't seen the movie yet. :P
NoScreeningKids
Well, 5pm rolled around and the boys are happily binging on electronics. They wait by the digital clock in the kitchen and do a countdown as 5pm approaches. Wow.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Sat Jan 18, 2014 2:08 am

KCCC, the NoScreeningKids has helped my husband and I cut back on our electronics too, although the rule doesn't technically apply to us. :) We rarely watch anything on the TV; our weaknesses are our ipads.

Since beginning this NoS Spin-off a few weeks ago, I have informally had a cut off on my ipad after dinner for a few hours during which I try to read and actually pay attention to my kids. I haven't formalized it, but it has definitely decreased my own Screen time, because I feel like such a hypocrite otherwise!
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

User avatar
NoSnacker
Posts: 1481
Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2011 12:40 am
Location: Buffalo, New York

Post by NoSnacker » Sat Jan 18, 2014 4:30 pm

Hi there! Where do you get your burgers and fries from? Occasionally we go to Red Robin..wow their burgers are yummy...

I can spend a lot of time on the posts, especially in the beginning. My house does get neglected..thankfully I didn't have a computer when my kids were growning up, but then I was on the phone a lot and they didn't seem to like that very much!

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

automatedeating
Posts: 5305
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:16 pm

Post by automatedeating » Sat Jan 18, 2014 4:36 pm

Ha, ha, nothing healthy, NoSnacker! Our burgers are from Jack in the Box.
Month/Year-BMI
8/13-26.3
8/14-24.5
5/15-26.2
1/16-26.9; 9/16-25.6
8/17-25.8; 11/17-26.9
3/18-25.6; 8/18-24.5; 10/18-23.8;
3/19-22.1; 10/19-21.8
6/20-22.5; 7/20-23.0; 9/20-23.6
4/21 - 25.2

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