Linda's daily check-in

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

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Post by automatedeating » Wed Nov 13, 2013 1:10 pm

OK, you've got to tell me what a toad in the hole is..... I'm assuming you didn't have FrogLegs for breakfast (unless you are a member of the Duck Dynasty Family)
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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Post by lpearlmom » Wed Nov 13, 2013 3:34 pm

Hi automated!

I don't think I've ever had frog legs but toad in the hole is just bread fried with butter with a hole cut out in the middle. Then you crack an egg in the center and cook it on the other side for a couple of minutes. I usually use fun cookie cutters for the girls.

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

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Post by clarebear » Wed Nov 13, 2013 4:32 pm

that's so funny! toad in the hole in Uk is completely different thing!
it's a big yorkshire pudding (you might have to google that!) with sausages in :D
Finally found a lifestyle change, not a diet!
Starting weight 167 lbs
Goal is to lose 20lbs in time for my wedding!

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Post by jw » Wed Nov 13, 2013 7:03 pm

I love that breakfast! but we call it bird's nests.
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

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Post by lpearlmom » Thu Nov 14, 2013 5:08 am

That's too funny. Pioneer woman lists about 10 possible names for it but no matter what you call it, it's definitely yummy. Yorkshire Pudding looks delish clarebear. If I ever make it back to the UK I'll be all set with all the new lingo I'm learning. :D

Last night I was awoken by a sick child & am so tired today. Took an S day for exercising since she stayed home from school. She's eight but high maintenance. My eating went fine but first time in awhile I felt the urge to eat more after I finished my plate. I think it must be related to exhaustion like automated mentioned. Oh well tomorrow I'll be back on track.

Break: cereal, fruit, mocha
Lunch: toast w tuna, pumpkin pie smoothie (yum), salad, fruit
Dinner: pizza, salad, fruit
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by lpearlmom » Fri Nov 15, 2013 1:10 am

Another night up with a sick kid. Ugh... Exhaustion.

Break: pb toast, banana, mocha
Lunch: soup, toast, yogurt, fruit, 1/2 granola bar, mocha
Dinner: 1/2 chicken burrito, cup of soup, fruit, chips & guacamole

No exercise, no cooking...hope to sleep tonight.
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by jw » Fri Nov 15, 2013 1:22 am

Hope you both sleep tonight and feel better in time for the weekend, Linda!
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

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Post by automatedeating » Fri Nov 15, 2013 1:36 am

Oh, Linda, I am so sorry. I've been up with my sick 4-yr-old almost every night this week, so I feel your pain. AND (please, just kick me someone) he's now wanting to sleep in our bed at night........

I know I say this sort of thing a lot, but .... be gentle with yourself ...... like you said, you'll soon be back on track.
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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Post by clarebear » Fri Nov 15, 2013 10:59 am

fingers crossed you get some sleep tonight Linda :?
Finally found a lifestyle change, not a diet!
Starting weight 167 lbs
Goal is to lose 20lbs in time for my wedding!

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Post by lpearlmom » Sat Nov 16, 2013 3:29 am

Thank you automated, JW & clarebear!!Finally got some sleep last night. Forgot how hard it is to be sleep deprived.

Sorry to hear you're dealing with the same issues automated. My oldest daughter didn't sleep through the night till she was three & spent a lot of time in our bed. It's so hard being a mom sometimes!!

Between our trip, my daughter home sick & hubby getting off work early, I'm going a little nuts. I really like my normal routine & having some alone time each day (true introvert) but next week things should be back to semi-normal.

Good eating day and feeling generally good in my skin--yay! Still no exercise. Hmmm really need to work on that.

Break: scrambled eggs, toast, coffee
Lunch: 1/2 burrito, sushi, chips & guacamole
Dinner: Chinese food
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by lpearlmom » Sun Nov 17, 2013 4:54 am

Pretty good day. Not too crazy.

Break: hash browns, scrambled eggs, bacon oj
Lunch: turkey sandwich
Dinner: enchiladas, chips & guacamole, sangria
D: few pieces candy
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by automatedeating » Sun Nov 17, 2013 6:04 am

Linda, I think you and I are chips, salsa and guacamole kindred spirits. Sometimes I think I could live on them.
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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Post by lpearlmom » Mon Nov 18, 2013 3:59 am

So-so day but I do need these non-structured days occasionally. Looking forward to tomorrow however.
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by lpearlmom » Tue Nov 19, 2013 2:07 am

Green Day

Break: oatmeal w fruit, mocha
Lunch: tuna sandwich, yogurt, apple, 1/2 granola bar
Dinner: turkey sub, chips & dip

Exercise: 14 mins home routine
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by lpearlmom » Wed Nov 20, 2013 5:14 am

Green day but close... Dinner was so good and had a few too many tastes of the sauce while I was preparing it. They were more like dainty licks but need to watch this as this is the kind of thing that adds up over time. Not ready to call it a red day. Hope nobody thinks I'm being too lenient.

Break: eggs, country potatoes, coffee w cream
Lunch: chicken salad sandwich, yogurt w nuts, apple
Skinny mocha
Dinner: tuna poke, miso soup, sesame noodles (so yum!!!) 1 sangria

Cookbook thing not gonna work. Feels too limiting right now but will pick out a new goal tomorrow.
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by clarebear » Wed Nov 20, 2013 8:52 am

I wouldn't call that a red day either, wasn't like you were nibbling on stuff before your meal, things like sauces need to be tested :)
Finally found a lifestyle change, not a diet!
Starting weight 167 lbs
Goal is to lose 20lbs in time for my wedding!

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Post by lpearlmom » Thu Nov 21, 2013 4:05 am

Green day

Break: waffle, bacon, oj
Lunch: sesame noodles, chicken salad, fruit, yogurt
Dinner: salmon, guacamole & bacon sandwich, veggies & ranch, sangria

Exercise: none
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by lpearlmom » Fri Nov 22, 2013 5:28 am

Green day

Break: chorizo burrito, oj
Mocha
Lunch: Asian chick salad, sesame noodles
Dinner: pizza, veggies w ranch, sangria

Exercise: walked dogs

Growing weary.....
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by automatedeating » Fri Nov 22, 2013 5:41 am

Do not grow weary of doing good, for in time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up!
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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Post by lpearlmom » Fri Nov 22, 2013 5:43 am

Thank you automated. I needed that. You too then ok? Let's both hang in there, we've made so much progress.

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

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Post by jw » Fri Nov 22, 2013 2:25 pm

Linda, weary is understandable, you've been so rock solid in your commitment -- any way to spice things up again? bring back the old No S spark? How is cooking your way through the cookbook going?

Doing automated lunches and coming up with wonderful weekly soups brought back the enthusiasm for me a while back; then the bread baking was a new angle.

I know you won't waste the time and effort you've already put in -- but let's try to think of ways to make it fun! Hang in there!
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

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Post by lpearlmom » Sat Nov 23, 2013 5:47 am

Thank you so much for your kind response JW. I really appreciate it. I guess I'm just feeling like where I'm at size wise might be as good as it gets and although it's not terrible, it is a little disheartening. I just don't think I'm willing to do more than this with my eating. I love having the freedom to eat & cook whatever I want so further restrictions are just not viable for me.

The emotional & psychological gains from NoS have been so tremendous and I'm not willing to give that up for anything. NoS is still the best answer for me but I guess in the back of my mind, I was hoping I'd get back to a size 8 too. I suppose I could just be losing really slowly and I may eventually drop a other size or two but I'm coming to terms with the idea that this just may not happen for me. Oh well, anything is possible.

Anyway enough rambling. I ended up taking a half S day. My Daughter had a pie feast at her school and there's not much point in attending if you're not going to eat any pie. Then DH & I went to sushi and it's just too hard to virtual plate all those little plates so I just declared the rest of the day & S day. I think it was really helpful in getting me out of my weariness & bring back that fun factor JW mentioned. It reminded me I can mix things up and have an S day once in awhile just because something fum comes up. And tomorrow is a real S day so yay.

Break: cereal, fruit, mocha
Lunch: salad 1/2 wrap
1 small piece of pie
Sugar free mocha
Dinner: sushi, potstickers, tempura, beer
3 small cookies, milk
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by jw » Sat Nov 23, 2013 1:02 pm

Glad you took a little pie break, Linda! You may well reach size 8, but you've only actually been No S-ing for 3-4 months. I've been at it about a month longer and I haven't lost a size yet that I know of -- my clothes all fit way better, but I am still trying on the same clothing size when I shop. Another ten pounds and I'll be in regular sizes, not plus -- but if I start to think about when I'll fit into an 8 again, I could really depress myself! (In my early 30's was the last time I was able to wear an 8 . . .)

Anyway, yes, mix it up a little -- have fun with food and reward yourself with clothing. At this time of year, anything else would be a shame!
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

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Post by automatedeating » Sat Nov 23, 2013 3:05 pm

Hi Linda,
I agree with jw that a few months of NoSing is not nearly long enough to know if you've leveled out. Oolala lost about ten pounds/year for four years. And eschano has shared her slow losses and plateus. Vicki also took at least two or three years to level off.
But I also have come to realize (for me) that the scale is not the best motivation of rme to stay NoSing for life. It's the other things you mentioned that help us stick with 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

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Post by lpearlmom » Sun Nov 24, 2013 4:44 am

Thanks JW & automated! Definitely helps to put it in perspective for me. I read somewhere that a loss of 10 lbs should result in the drop of one clothing size so I was thinking I hadn't made much progress. I remember someone else on here though who also lost 20 lbs but hadn't dropped a size yet so maybe that's wrong.

95% of the time I'm not focused on my weight but once in awhile it bugs me. Really depends on the time of month I think. I'd be thrilled w 10 lbs/ year so I'm going to make that my goal & not stress.

I think I'm feeling weary in general. Weary of my kids fighting, weary of dealing with issues at my kids school & a little weary of being so good even on NoS. I think having an S day on Friday was a good idea & today I really overdid it which makes me miss my N days again.

Today=food binge

Break: gingerbread, coffee
Snack: sesame noodles
Lunch: piece of pizza
Dinner: tortilla pizza (lotsa picking during prep)
Dessert: hot fudge sundae

I wish I liked sweets more. I think it would help to have something to really look forward to on the weekends.
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by lpearlmom » Mon Nov 25, 2013 3:11 am

Another high volume day. I feel sick & wish I had eaten less but have zero guilt. It was an S day so be it. Just really looking forward to getting back to N days.


I wonder if anyone ever takes an S days every other weekend...

Break: bagel w cream cheese & lox
Lunch: miso soup, a little chicken salad
Dinner: tomato soup, grilled cheese, wine
Dessert: 3 pieces candy

Plenty of coffee drinks in there

Doesn't look like much on "paper" but I thinking it's all the picking while I'm preparing/cleaning up meals that does me in. I probably put on 30 pounds from that alone.

Exercise: short walk w dogs

Update:

DH just bought me a rowing machine for Hanukkah from amazon! I'm so so excited. I used to be on the rowing team in college and this is something I can do from home and won't aggravate my bone spurs. Yay--finally a good solution. It'll be in here in a couple days--can't wait!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by jw » Mon Nov 25, 2013 4:32 am

"DH just bought me a rowing machine for Hanukkah from amazon! I'm so so excited. I used to be on the rowing team in college and this is something I can do from home and won't aggravate my bone spurs. Yay--finally a good solution. It'll be in here in a couple days--can't wait!"

Fantastic! ask for fun and look what happens! Happy Hanukkah!
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

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Post by lpearlmom » Mon Nov 25, 2013 4:37 am

Thank you thank you JW! So much better to look for solutions rather than staying stuck in negativity. Thanks for all the good encouragement!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by clarebear » Mon Nov 25, 2013 12:55 pm

brill news about the rowing machine, how cool is that!! :D
Finally found a lifestyle change, not a diet!
Starting weight 167 lbs
Goal is to lose 20lbs in time for my wedding!

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Post by automatedeating » Mon Nov 25, 2013 2:12 pm

What a great workout - as you know, rowing is awesome exercise! And probably that machine will be simple to fold flat and put away when needed, too.

I can't help thinking my boys would have a ball on that. :)
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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Post by Kookie » Mon Nov 25, 2013 10:18 pm

This is so great! And it don't hurt your bones! Have you heard Reinhard's suggestion of 14 mins? I think it's such a great number, manageable and realistic. Build up to it if you're not there but don't freak yourself out with anything more! I find that such a wise and fun time frame...have ordered a sledgehammer and intend to start shovel gloving on 1st December for 14 mins instead of the gym so we can do it together if you like? :lol: :lol:

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Post by lpearlmom » Mon Nov 25, 2013 11:24 pm

Thank you clarebear!

Automated yes it folds up which is so important. Hate big exercise equipment sitting out in the middle of the room.

Kookie, 14 mins sounds like a great starting point. Realistic & sustainable. Good to see you Kookie, hope all is well.

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

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Post by lpearlmom » Tue Nov 26, 2013 5:11 am

Green

Break: bagel & cream cheese, mocha
Lunch: Asian chicken salad, roll, glass of wine
Dinner: hamburger, fries, apple

New goal as cookbook thing didn't work out. Food was too heavy & had v little veg choices. Pw idea of vegetables is a wedge of iceberg lettuce w ranch. My new goal is cleaning related. Boring but doable!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by automatedeating » Tue Nov 26, 2013 2:00 pm

A clean house leaves me feeling anything but bored! I have another challenge for you: train your girls to do all the cleaning (and next, all the cooking!). Ha, that'd be the life, wouldn't 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

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Post by lpearlmom » Tue Nov 26, 2013 6:46 pm

I know what you mean automated! Since we've moved to our new home I've been really good about keeping the house clean but I stay at home so really I have no excuses for not keeping everything spotless.

For the last couple of years I've really struggled with my decision to stay at home even though my kids are school-age. I finally decided that if I'm going to stay at home I would give it 100%. Now I treat it like a job. I have certain things I do everyday and I work the whole time my kids are in school (with a lunch break). Routine, routine, routine! Kind of like my NoS habits. I guess it's never too late to grow up. :)

On the other hand, I'm horrible about getting my kids to help out or my husband for that matter. He is terrible about picking up after himself but our compromise is that I get the house cleaned once a week by a professional. We decided a housecleaner was probably cheaper than marriage counseling.

Anyway my new goal is just to clean up after the dogs everyday which is something I forget to do sometimes. Sorry I'm sure that was way more info than you wanted! I tend to ramble. :)
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by automatedeating » Tue Nov 26, 2013 6:53 pm

Linda,
I bet you would love the flylady website. It would fit your routined cleaning perfectly.

http://www.flylady.net/

In some ways, it's easier to train boys because everytime I am about to put their laundry away or hang up their jackets, I think about their future wives!!! Ha, ha, my daughter-in-laws should someday appreciate how much I let my house get messy just so my boys can learn. :twisted:
Then I yell and make them do the chore from wherever they are. Best carrot is.... once you finish your chores, you can play video games. Again, that's probably a boy thing.

And I love your marital compromise. Too true!
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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Post by lpearlmom » Wed Nov 27, 2013 5:55 am

Yes I love flylady automated and I do a modified version of that. Hopefully my girls will marry someone whose was brought up as well as your boys. It may be the only hope they have of having a clean house. :)

Green day..

Break: eggs, bacon, toast, mocha
Lunch: soup, yogurt parfait, couple crackers topped w chicken salad
Skinny mocha
Dinner: turkey corn dog, 1/2 stuffed squash, fries, sangria
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by lpearlmom » Thu Nov 28, 2013 6:05 am

Green

Break: cereal, coffee w cream
Lunch: Thai soup, yogurt, 4 stuffed grape leaves, tea latte
Dinner: 2.5 pieces of pizza, fruit

With everyone home from school & work plus my mom visiting, I kept almost forgetting it Was an N day. Tomorrow taking a full S day for Thanksukkah. :) Still haven't set up my rowing machine....
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by lpearlmom » Sun Dec 01, 2013 7:47 am

121 green days!
Goal 250 green days

Crazy few days w holidays here. Barely ate yesterday & then DH took me for a night off-roading adventure. We didn't get home till after midnight & then shared a plate of thanksgiving leftovers by the fire. So much fun!

Tired... Need sleep.
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by lpearlmom » Mon Dec 02, 2013 4:59 am

My constant need to post seems to have greatly diminished over the last several days. I just don't feel like I have much to report lately. I guess it's because the habit is becoming more thoroughly ingrained in me.

My plan is to post at least every 21 days & more often as needed. I'll still be lurking & doing my habitcal calendar most days. I guess it's good but I'm also nervous that I'll fall of the wagon trying to do this on my own. We shall see!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by eschano » Mon Dec 02, 2013 11:26 am

121+ green days? That sounds absolutely fantastic! Well done!
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

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Post by jw » Mon Dec 02, 2013 11:40 am

Me too, Linda! I have been forgetting to check in and even to do habitcal! All the best through the holidays -- Thanksgiving weekend was moderate, so there's no reason why the rest of it shouldn't be as well!
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

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Post by lpearlmom » Tue Dec 03, 2013 3:52 am

Thank you eschano!

Seems like we're often on the same wave-length JW! I guess it's part of the natural progression but even though I'm becoming much more comfortable in my habit, I'm determined to to be as strict with myself as ever. I do not want to go back to my old ways under any circumstances.

I finally got a chance to use my rowing machine. So much fun. Committing to 30 mins M-TH, fri 14 mins till get o 250 days then reevaluate.
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by clarebear » Tue Dec 03, 2013 11:04 am

I'm the same Linda with the need to post thing, think this is a very good sign.
:D
Finally found a lifestyle change, not a diet!
Starting weight 167 lbs
Goal is to lose 20lbs in time for my wedding!

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Post by Kookie » Tue Dec 03, 2013 12:30 pm

Yes, it's weird isn't it? We discussed this already Linda but as you know I'm also not feeling the need to post all the time. I always like to do a weekly check-in after the weekend though (yesterday I took a day off from work so today is my check-in day which I'll do shortly).

I can't wait to hear how the rowing goes! Great work so far! :P

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Post by oolala53 » Thu Dec 05, 2013 5:41 pm

Boy, have I missed a lot! But it's good stuff. Congrats on 100+ days. I don't think I've ever made it to 250 days with 100% compliance. But I also know I don't want to go back to the life I lead before, so that memory is still enough to keep me from going overboard. So far. As Reinhard says, there's only before and during.


"The feminist in me would say its a subconscious way our western culture keeps us women down. " Did you say this? It's also the basis of the book "The Beauty Myth." (My italics icon won't work.) I think it's an unconscious tactic, but it works on some, to some degree. There is so much that goes into human motivation.

I also was never willing to make too much more sacrifice than I already was just to lose more weight. As time went on, I was willing to adjust my eating a bit more to accommodate a smaller appetite, and then I'd drop some more. I just can't stand the idea of eating a certain way for a certain weight. And the odds are with me.

Three meals a day and LIFE in between.
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 automatedeating » Fri Dec 06, 2013 1:22 am

oolala, preach it sister! I am SO in the camp of ..... OK, can I live with this or not? Because I don't want to be skinny so bad that it has to be my main life focus. My new motto these days: Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.....this applies to my job, to my parenting, and yep, to my eating.
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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Post by oolala53 » Fri Dec 06, 2013 5:55 am

I have to remember that about work, especially because for all my anxiety about it and my wildness in class, I don't get that much better results than those who have a more blase attitude. However, it's happening at any one moment has got to be good enough. I can always intend to do better later.
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 lpearlmom » Sat Dec 07, 2013 12:16 am

Yes oolala, I did say that and I love that book. I even saw the author speak once in college so her ideas have stuck with me for sure. I do agree that things probably aren't as black & white as I once thought. Aren't we all idealists in college though?

For so many years I dieted and deprived myself because I thought it would solve all my problems but it was also a nice distraction from my real problems so I can't blame all my craziness on simply female expectations or the media.

When I finally realized the insanity of all this extreme dieting I definitely thought the opposite of dieting would be the answer--freedom. I tried for so long to make intuitive eating work for me but it clearly did not. I gained a lot of weight and finally had to get realistic.

NoS is my compromise between the two extremes. It's hard to give up the drama that extremes bring, but I'm so much happier for it in the end. And I do struggle with perfectionist thinking too which is probably why I'm so afraid to have a red day. Really love "there's only before and during". Helps me to feel calm.
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by oolala53 » Sat Dec 07, 2013 5:30 pm

I finally forgave myself for not being able to make IE work when I saw that the French and Italians do not depend on it or even trust it to ensure moderate, pleasurable eating. They have rituals for the size of meals and the foods eaten at particular meals. They're not waiting for their bodies to give them some signal to eat a particular food. Can you imagine a French child saying, "Oh, no, Mama, I intuit I need fish tonight, not chicken Cordon bleu." OH, yeah? Well, I guess you're going to be hungry, because Mama ain't cooking anything else for you. (Read "French Kids Eat Everything.")

IE works for the minority in our and every culture. Almost all cultures with access to excess food have BMI's above "normal." We are off the IE hook. No S is much more accessible wisdom, the best of both worlds.
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 phxhocking » Sat Dec 07, 2013 5:45 pm

I know exactly what you mean! My dog perks up as soon as I put on my coat (it's winter, after all). He loves his walks, and it gets ME out the door as well. I confess too, that I do share with the boy. I know I shouldn't, but I'm careful about what I give him as he has chronic pancreatitis. He can't have anything that's high in fat. I've never had a dog that didn't like bread, so if I'm having a sandwich, he gets some of the crust. Go figure. Sounds like you're doing really well! I find this plan to be more a lifestyle change than a diet, and it's certainly one I can live with. I mean, what's to fight?
Progress, not perfection, is the goal.

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Post by lpearlmom » Mon Dec 09, 2013 5:06 am

Oolala, that definitely makes sense when put into perspective like that.

Phxshocking: dogs are the best aren't they? I'm definitely feeling guilty about not walking them more now that I started using my rowing machine. They do have a big yard though so hopefully not suffering too much. Btw, are you from phoenix area?

This weekend went great food wise. I ate a bit too much at dinner times but the fact that I've naturally started to eat 3 meals a day on S days is amazing to me & feels so much better than my previous snackathons. My meals are more relaxed with a little picking during prep & clean up but the fact they have a beginning an end is great to me.

I'm still so tired & actually napped yesterday in front of the fire. I don't know if it's the weather or that my body is in shock from exercise or maybe I'm just getting old! Oh well!

I'm still working on my cleaning challenge but also finally found a cookbook I want to cook everything out of. It's mark bittman's how to cook everything and it's just so perfect for me. I'm about halfway through the breakfast chapter and am really enjoying it, as is my family. He cooks how I like to cook & suddenly everything I've learned about cooking is coming together for me. Really enjoying it. Tomorrow is cheese omelets--yay!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by phxhocking » Mon Dec 09, 2013 5:22 am

I wish I could say the same. I still don't quite have a handle on the S days very well. I think I overdid this weekend. But I'm glad you're doing so well!
Progress, not perfection, is the goal.

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Post by lpearlmom » Mon Dec 09, 2013 5:31 am

Phx: believe me this is about the first weekend since I started in August that I really felt good about. It definitely takes time!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by phxhocking » Mon Dec 09, 2013 5:34 am

Progress, not perfection. Oh, and no, I'm not from the Phoenix area. Changed my name some years back. Had more to do with the mythical bird than a location. Rising from the ashes and all that.
Progress, not perfection, is the goal.

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Post by lpearlmom » Mon Dec 16, 2013 6:02 am

Just checking in as it's been awhile. I've got a couple things I'm working on right now.

1) goal: 250 days w no red days. I think I'm on 135 days w no reds--yay!
2) cleaning up after dogs daily for 21 days. (Exciting I know!) I'm on day 18
3) cooking every recipe in Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything Book. I've cooked about 20 recipes out of 166 recipes. This one is going to take me several months!
4) rowing machine 5/wk for 30 mins M-Th & 14 mins fri (my busy day). My goal is to do this till I reach 250 days of NoS.

This is going great. I'm really enjoying it & love that I can catch up on my shows while I do it. Getting it in & out of the closet is a lil tricky but not too bad. I may just try for 14 mins/day over winter break.

On the downside my weekend was a little wild. I've had much worse but also had better. Sat wasn't too bad. Just a lot of heavy eating during mealtimes but at least there were mealtimes. Today just far too much snacking which is what makes me feel generally ick. Still it's bedtime & I don't feel stuffed so guess it wasn't all that bad. Oh well next weekend will be better.

Anyway, just knowing that my priority is having a healthy relationship with eating is what gets me through. I'm thinking this is something that comes with age but I'm not sure NoS can really work until you reach that point where having a sane relationship with food is more important to you than the number on the scale. I'm not saying this is the right or wrong attitude to have but I don't think one can fully embrace NoS and just trust the process till one has come to that mental place.

Ok enough rambling..bedtime awaits!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by oolala53 » Mon Dec 16, 2013 7:50 am

That's where I was at, Lpearl. Actually, since my mid-twenties, I had never liked the image of myself as a dieter. I kept thinking I could be a more natural eater, but using meal-based eating is so much smarter and more efficient. It may not get me skinny without serious mods, but like you I'm not willing to sacrifice much more, so why torture myself? And it's nicer not to be expected to be an ingenue anymore. :lol:
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 lpearlmom » Tue Dec 17, 2013 4:47 pm

I agree 100% oolala. I wish I would have found NoS before gaining all this weight on intuitive eating but then again I may not have been ready for it.
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by oolala53 » Wed Dec 18, 2013 6:16 am

Yeah, I remember attending OA meetings in the mid-to-late 80's. Their program at the time was three moderate meals a day with no eating in between. I thought they were crazy. And I didn't like the idea that there was so much else involved. I see now there was no safety valve. And finally, they were very much into affirming that "I am powerless over food." Didn't like it then and don't like it now. OA works for some I say more because it has amazing group support and does help people to cope with their lives, and coping without overeating is a crucial skill to learn.


Bottom line is I wasn't ready, I guess. Hadn't hit my bottom. That's definitely a belief of theirs, and there is something to it. Bottom is just different for different folks.
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 lpearlmom » Mon Dec 23, 2013 4:58 am

Yeah the OA theory never quite rang true for me either oolala but hey whatever works. :)


Another over the top weekend--ugh! I guess it's time to institute some limits as I've only had a few good weekends the entire 5 months. :/

Other than that all is well.

Current habit/goals:
1) 250 days with no reds
2) cooking entire cookbook
3) rowing machine 5 days/wk
4) choosing my words carefully when I'm angry.

I noticed I've been a little looser with my NoS rules. A little more virtual plating here & there. I guess it's inevitable if this is going to be sustainable.
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by oolala53 » Tue Dec 24, 2013 6:17 pm

your words "Especially when most of weight loss rewards are more imagined than real."

Boy, I have preached this, and yet I think I'm still susceptible.

And it's hard for me to accept that I want to eat when I'm not legitimately hungry. Why won't my body get hungry? Why should I eat if I'm not? Why should I still want to eat, and I do WANT to, when I'm not actually hungry? And, sadly, how much would I naturally weigh if I could just forget about food until I am really hungry?

So, I'm still caught up in this. Drat. But I can't blame it on No S.

And in my best moment, I can live by the goal of your signature line. Though I still don't practice moderate exertion.

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

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Post by lpearlmom » Tue Dec 24, 2013 7:59 pm

I get it oolala but I think worrying about whether or not you're hungry at mealtime just is overthinking things too much. The beauty of NoS is it's simplicity so I don't want to mess with that too much.

It'd be nice if you were always hungry at mealtime but by keeping things to 3 plates you don't really need to worry that you're overeating. Your calorie needs are still probably roughly the same as on the days you are hungry for you're meals. For whatever reason you're not hungry sometimes but the ritual of mealtimes is very soothing and there's nothing wrong with wanting that.

The consistent exercising is hard for me too. I figure I just need to sort of grit my teeth like I did w nos till it becomes a habit. Even if it's just 4 mins/day somedays, the important thing is too reinforce the habit. Consequently exercising might help with increasing your hunger. I dont know if you've ever read Ellyn Satter's work but I love her. She says exercising isn't so helpful for losing weight as it in regulating ones hunger cues. So that could be a little extra motivator for you.

Anyway you have done so great on NoS and should be proud of that. Your journey has been a motivator for me all along. :)
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by automatedeating » Tue Dec 24, 2013 10:58 pm

Hi Linda--
A combination of your posting, a couple other postings, and some of my own thoughts has really gotten me thinking. I saw that you are trying to consider your words carefully before speaking when you are angry.

Well, all this time i thought I had to sort through my emotions, my feelings, my motivations before I could treat my boys the way they should be treated. But what if I took a NoS approach? No Yelling Allowed. No Saying Certain Words (I have a list of particularly hurtful phrases that like to come out of my mouth). I guess what I'm suggesting is..... could I use NoS principles to help me be a better parent?

Oh....interruptions galore right now. But I'd like to ponder this further.
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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Post by oolala53 » Tue Dec 24, 2013 11:58 pm

Love Ellyn Satter! I've referred to her at various times.

I just want to do exercise because I will feel likely feel better and because it's more associated with longevity than even weight loss. I like to think I'm willing to do the minimum!

And maybe it will bring my hunger back. It was a wonderful feeling for the first three years on NO S and was a nice motivator. Ironically, it can be harder to stick with no snacking at times if the payoff of getting hungry for my next meal isn't there.

I think No S can be used to be a lot of things better, but I haven't thought about them carefully enough to do it yet. That's next.
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 lpearlmom » Wed Dec 25, 2013 4:26 am

Awesome oolala--I figured satter would resonate with you. I'm reading her book on helping w/out harming your child's weight.

Yes of course exercising for health is the best reason of all. It really helps with my body image issues too which is always an added plus.

I have to say I'd be really frustrated if I wasn't hungry at meals too. I'm usually hungry for my meals and it's definitely a big motivator for not snacking as it's just more rewarding to eat when hungry. It's also harder to stop eating if you weren't hungry to begin with so I can see how this could be problematic for sure. Hopefully it'll work itself out somehow soon.

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

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Post by lpearlmom » Wed Dec 25, 2013 4:44 am

Hi auto

I think you're on to something. Like oolala I've been trying to work on my anger issues for a long time. It's mostly with my oldest daughter who pushes my buttons like nobody else I've ever met.

In fact just now she had a little tizzy just because I was surprised she still had some baby teeth left (she's 10). She started to raise her voice and I told her I was done with the conversation. So she stormed off and said " thanks for understanding!!!" Wow, I really wanted to go after her and tell her off but I resisted the urge. Progress.

Anyway...not ready to take on an entire system for this yet but am working on it little by little. Right now I'm trying for 21 days without any put downs or mean/harsh words. I'm doing pretty good and find it easier to focus on things a little at a time. This habit is such an ugly one. It's hard to face but I know I can do it.
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by lpearlmom » Thu Dec 26, 2013 1:07 am

Ok I couldn't sleep last night (caffeine) and started thinking about NoS--what else? Anyway I had a little brainstorm about my S days. If my goal is to be like a normal eater than it doesn't really make sense to just let loose for 2 days at a time every week. On the other hand normal eaters are flexible for special events & eating situations.

Therefore I've decided not to have official S days anymore but to allow for up to six S events/week. I had one this morning because we made marshmallows and wanted some w hot cocoa like my kids were having. I'm having another S event tonight because we're making s'mores.

Having an entire S day just because is an invitation for me to permasnack all day, but specific S events are for specific reasons and will have a starting & stopping point and sometimes a plate limit (like tonight). This seems more in line w how I imagine naturally thin people eat.

So theoretically I could go weeks without any S events but it also means I can be flexible during the week if needed. Either way it will be more contained and I like that. I plan on keeping track of S events on my phone. All S events must be pre-planned (at least by a day) & written down. No spur of the moment decisions!

Yay--I'm excited!

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

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Post by automatedeating » Thu Dec 26, 2013 1:15 am

Linda--why are you changing things up? Are you concerned about not losing weight fast enough?

I'm sure you've heard plenty of people on these boards encourage us to not worry about excessive S-Days for at least a year or so.

Even then, the fix generally seems to be to limit S Days to a couple of S events, rather than allowing S events throughout a week (a slippery slope indeed).

I agree completely that many naturally thin people eat as you describe. But for me (and I would imagine many others on this board), we have bad habits about permasnacking that don't allow us to have the natural flexibility toward S events that life-long moderate eaters have.

There are people on these boards that use the strategy you describe, but it surprises me that you have decided to take this approach, when you didn't seem frustrated with NoS results. You also didn't seem to have binging problems, etc. You seemed happy with vanilla NoS! What has changed? Why complicate things?

I am the rain on your parade, I know, but I'm sure you were expecting at least one of us to have this reaction! ;)
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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Post by automatedeating » Thu Dec 26, 2013 1:19 am

Can I appeal to you to at least wait until you have finished 250 days on NoS before making this mod?
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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Post by lpearlmom » Thu Dec 26, 2013 1:28 am

I know I know it seems a little crazy & complicated but I want to just try it for a week and see if it's a good fit for me.

On the contrary I'm not unhappy with NoS at all. I am really unhappy with S days though if I'm honest. They are pretty miserable but other than that NoS is starting to become second nature. Having two S days in a row suddenly seems odd to me and integrating S events into my life rather having two self punishing days of binging seems like the next logical step.

We'll see. It's just an experiment!

Thank you auto for your concern though--so sweet of you! :)
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by jw » Thu Dec 26, 2013 2:42 pm

Wow, Linda, that is a shift! You are clearly a very disciplined person, so maybe you can make it work -- but personally, I would worry about the effects on habit-building. You and automated have written some very insightful posts recently on hitting a No S wall: the honeymoon is over, no need to post much, the newness has worn off . . . are you changing up to keep yourself interested and motivated? or to give yourself permission to indulge a little, which you have so successfully resisted for so long? Both are understandable.

I do understand your S day uneasiness, too -- I've been feeling it with the strange S day holiday spread this year (SS N SS NN SS), when I want to eat all the holiday treats, I want to take all the S days, even some S days that I am not entitled to, but I really feel, now that the end is in sight, that it has been a bit much.

I think the thing to keep in mind is that the S days are not the important part of the plan -- the N days are. I'd be worried about tampering with my N days.

But try it. Keep your eyes open and keep us posted!
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

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Post by lpearlmom » Thu Dec 26, 2013 4:48 pm

Thank you for your thoughts JW. I'm not bored with nos. I'm ready to focus on some other areas on my life now that NoS is feeling so second nature for me. This just feels like the final missing piece to the puzzle of becoming a normal eater.

I chose six S events per week because that's how many meals there are in a weekend. During the weekend I don't have a little treat though with my meals. I tend to eat nonstop for 48 hrs (ok I sleep so not quite but still ). So even if I take all my S events for the week I'll still be better off. I noticed that when I take an S event they're enjoyable, limited and specific. At the pie feast I ate one piece if pie, I enjoyed the event, end of story. When I had friends over, I had a few appetizers, small dinner, a scoop of ice cream and when they left it was over. Enjoyable, fun, pleasantly full.

On the weekends there's no stopping or starting point it's continuous. This change eliminates that and it eliminates the feeling of obligatory eating because I can. It also gets rid of the need to get in all treats before the weekend is over. I don't think either you or auto have particularly struggled w S days so maybe it's a little harder to understand but this solution makes sense to me. It feels like a natural next step whereas two entire S days on the weekends just feels like an invitation to binge & consequently feel miserable.



On the other hand, there's no way I could have even attempted this without the many weeks of clear boundaries between my S and N days so I'm grateful for having that when I needed that. But now I don't feel like I need nor want that anymore so since this is all really just one big experiment anyway I'm willing to give it a try. Maybe I'm not ready for it yet or maybe I never will be but I'm ready to find out.

Sorry for long response but just wanted to help clarify my thinking!

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

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Post by automatedeating » Thu Dec 26, 2013 5:11 pm

I think Strawberry Roan uses the limited S-events/week. I think Imogen does something like that too. Who else does?
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
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Post by lpearlmom » Thu Dec 26, 2013 5:51 pm

I'm actually okay if I'm the only one but thanks auto. 😉
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Post by jw » Thu Dec 26, 2013 5:54 pm

That's really well-thought out, Linda -- in the end we all personalize what we are doing to make it work for us. Yes, Imogen has done several s-events per week off and on -- and she has been at her goal weight for quite a while. Go for it -- if it works for you, then you'll have found what you need!
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

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Post by Imogen Morley » Thu Dec 26, 2013 5:58 pm

I'm sorry to hear you're having a hard time with S-days. I really do understand what you're coming through, being the self-styled Queen of Mods here - I've tried about a dozen of them so far. Somewhere in Feb/March 2014 I'm going to celebrate my 4th anniversary of NoS-ing, but I haven't yet reached the point in which my weekends are tame, moderate, and "much like N-days". I wholeheartedly empathise with your struggles.
Having tried so many mods (limited number of S-events per week or per weekend, having one S of choice per day, eating sweets only in social situations, vanilla NoS+calorie counting, to name just a few...), I've grown to really respect the folks who adamantly stand by vanilla No S. I believe they're on to something. Why?
My case: S-days still wild after almost 4 years. Personal theory: I just didn't give them enough time to calm down. The moment my weight got stuck for more than two weeks on some number, I started experimenting with different mods, and it has continued up to this point. Did mods make me slimmer? One or two did. Were they sustainable? Absolutely not. Sooner or later I was starting to feel mentally drained, and/or I binged. Lather, rinse, repeat.
I believe there's hope for me, as one N-day habit did spill over to S-days: I no longer want to snack on weekends (unless it's something I can only have HERE and NOW), because I like being pleasantly hungry before my meals. I suspect that with enough time, vanilla No S, and hopeful patience, one day I may consciously turn down a treat because I know it won't make me feel good. But it's still somewhere down the road for me. I can't see the destination yet, but I know I'm heading the right way.
Although I've tried a similar mod, your version is more structured than mine (every S-event is going to be pre-planned at least the day before - very good idea!). Whatever you decide, I wish you the best! I'll be definitely popping in here to see how your journey goes.

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Post by lpearlmom » Thu Dec 26, 2013 6:29 pm

Thank you so much Imogen for your response. You've been at this much longer than most if us here so it's really helpful to hear about your experience with different mods. I will keep it in mind as I go forward.

I'm not doing this for faster weightloss (not my main focus). I'm also not trying to get in more treats as I'm not even a sweets person. I merely want to experience the same peace on S days as I have on N days without complete elimination of S things!

Okay anyway I can't really defend a position till I've acted in it so I'll see how it goes over the next week!

Thanks all for your input!

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

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Post by lpearlmom » Mon Dec 30, 2013 4:52 am

Okay, best weekend ever! I feel so good. No stuffed, sick feeling. I am so happy and feel like maybe I can put an end to my binging once and for all--not just on N days. It's such a relief.

I realize that floating S events will be tricky but I couldn't have contained this weekend without having that safety net in the back of my mind. Just limiting my S days felt too restrictive but this feels just right. Hopefully things will continue to go well.

Here's the s events I took last week:
Wens: marshmallows & hot cocoa; 2 s'mores for dessert
Friday night: sushi (didn't want to deal w one plate issue)
Sunday night: 1 blueberry muffin w milk for dessert

So sane, so tame. I'm very happy!

Linda



Update on current goals--

1) Exercise: 29/129 days completed; 2 red days

2) Nos: 158/250 days completed; no red days

3) Watching what I say when angry: 1/21 days; longest streak 5 days (going for 21 days straight on this one).

4) cooking entire cookbook: 50/166 recipes
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by lpearlmom » Tue Dec 31, 2013 3:05 am

Great day again. Felt great to wake up on Monday morning without a food hangover. I'm really feeling good about my new plan.

We went to the train park today and everyone got ice cream including the adults (except me). It didn't even occur to me to get one since it wasn't a planned S event so I'm feeling pretty reassured that I can still keep my S events contained.

My only planned S event for this week so far is to have some homemade cookies tomorrow night--one small dessert plateful. If nothing else comes up, I will plan something special for this weekend.

I know it's still going to be challenging trying to make sure my S moments don't spill over into the rest of my structured eating so am going to try to check in here a bit more often.

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

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Post by automatedeating » Tue Dec 31, 2013 3:20 am

Linda, it's great to see you having a good experience with your s events.

And that is neat that you want to try out the No Spending rule on a few days! That motivates me to stick with my 12-week experiment. :)
Last edited by automatedeating on Sun Jan 05, 2014 5:14 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

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Post by lpearlmom » Tue Dec 31, 2013 5:20 am

Thanks for your support auto--it's much appreciated!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
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cooking

Post by tobiasmom » Tue Dec 31, 2013 2:02 pm

Which cookbook are you cooking through? Oh....I just read that it's Mark Bittman. How are you liking it so far?

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Post by lpearlmom » Wed Jan 01, 2014 12:28 am

Hi Tobiasmom-- yes mark bittman's cookbook is amazing. I have a huge cookbook collection and feel like I've been on the quest for the perfect cookbook for years and may have finally found it.

I love it because it's simple but not dumbed downed. He uses mostly whole foods which I love. Also, I like that he uses the same basic foods over and over. So I can just stock up on the basic pantry items and then each week shop for whatever persishables look good--meat, cheese, bread, veggies ect.

Also, he explains things really well. Eventhough I went to culinary school I still was missing some basic concepts, strangely enough, but he's really clarified several techniques for me.

So yes I'm thoroughly enjoying it! I'm also having fun with this cookbook called the Homemade pantry. It's a lot of fun. We've made creme fraiche, granola, butter & pickles!!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Homemade-Pant ... 030788726X

Anyway, sorry for long winded answer but guess you can tell, I love to cook!

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

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Post by lpearlmom » Wed Jan 01, 2014 4:18 pm

Okay I know we're suppose to be full of hope & optimism on the first but I'm feeling a little down today. Since the move in May, new friendships just haven't happened for me & our social life is pretty dismal. I haven really put any effort into it so I guess I can't complain.

I guess I'm feeling upset that a lot of my old friendships seemed to have fallen apart too. One friendship fell out because she was upset I didn't use her as a real estate agent but it was already going down hill due to her habit of always cancelling on me.

Another friend who lives closer to our new house and I thought our friendship might be renewed. I had her daughter over several times over the summer because she had to work. I even took this girl along for our activities--movies, waterpark, roller skating etc. I didn't hear from this mom again till right before winter break and I realized she's just using me for child care.

I still have one good friend by our new house and one by our old house. I have a couple other friends here and there but just not enough. I always had a BFF growing up & in college and I guess I'm missing those special friendships.

We're also experiencing some financial stress. Seems the more we make, the more we spend. Not good! DH is expecting a raise & big bonus so hopefully we can finally get things under control but it's not fun!

Also I had a babysitter over for my 10 year old yesterday so I could run errands & pick my other daughter up from camp. Well she sat there & watched Glee the whole time. She didn't even put the dishes in the dishwasher. Ugh, I could have set the alarm & turned on the tv for my daughter and she would have been fine for a couple hrs but instead I paid this girls $35. Then she had the nerve to ask me if we were going out this weekend & looked annoyed when I said no.

Okay just really needed to vent. I guess I have some things besides eating to work on. It feels a little overwhelming right now but I'll just take baby steps.


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

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Post by jw » Wed Jan 01, 2014 4:49 pm

Just dropped by to say Happy New Year, Linda -- I hope 2014 shapes up in the friendship department. I guess I have found that the social structures we live in don't really encourage adult friendships. There are lots of "mutual use" relationships, but a good friend -- same wave length, similar interests, real caring -- is a treasure! Sometimes in a new setting you have to take the initiative -- maybe you could start a cook-our-way-through-the book club, every month in a different person's kitchen, and find a few kindred spirits that way!

Anyway, don't let the post-holiday letdown get you down. Have a great 2014!
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

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Post by lpearlmom » Thu Jan 02, 2014 4:29 am

Love that idea JW. I reached out today to some friends in the area that we've lost touch with and they're coming over for dinner soon. Also, we're going camping with a jeep club in a couple weeks so I'm feeling a little better.

I just need to make a little effort and it'll be fine. When we moved into our dream house over the summer, I had visions of us entertaining every weekend and am just disappointed that hasn't happened yet. It still can, I just need to be a little patient.

Today was good eating wise. I've been feeling too distracted to eat much lately. It's nice not to give much thought to food unless it's mealtime. I can't believe how much space all that obsessing used to take.

We went to Chinese food tonight but did a pretty good job of virtual plating. Only SE I've taken this week was 4 cookies for dessert last night (New Years treat).

I took a day off of exercise today ( tired).

Boy, I'm failing at this anger management stuff. Two red days but I'm not giving up.

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

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

Hang in there, Linda! You're brave to even assign a green or red day to your anger. I think I would have so many red 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

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Post by lpearlmom » Thu Jan 02, 2014 4:35 am

Thank you auto! Definitely more challenging with the kids home for the break!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
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Post by clarebear » Thu Jan 02, 2014 1:56 pm

Happy new year Linda!!

I was relieved when I had my first red day, it made me realise that I could 'fail' and not give up and feel like it was the end of the world and binge
you are doing amazing, keep going :D
Finally found a lifestyle change, not a diet!
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Post by Diligence » Thu Jan 02, 2014 11:30 pm

Linda, you're an inspiration!

Keep at it on the friendship front. It is so much work, isn't it? I hope you're able to maintain/rekindle older friendships despite the move and develop new, lasting, healthy ones in your new area too. It'll be work, but when you find truly good friends, the friends and time invested are worth it. :)

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Post by lpearlmom » Sun Jan 05, 2014 2:54 pm

Thanks so much diligence! I'm just in a sort of limbo state between old friends & new friends but that's to be expected with the move. I guess I didn't realize how much I'd miss going out to target or the grocery store & constantly bumping into people I know.

My weekend is going really well. It feels so good not to binge. The only negative part is that I'm feeling a bit looked down upon for not doing vanilla NoS on this board. It's kind of a bummer because I really tried to be supportive of other peoples different methods. Oh well maybe I just need to take a break from posting for a bit

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

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Post by automatedeating » Sun Jan 05, 2014 5:11 pm

Linda, I certainly don't look down on you! I'm sorry if in any way I made you feel that way. :( You expressed your thoughts and reasons for tweaking and that was good enough for me.

See, I am the meanest one on the boards! Ha, 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
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Post by lpearlmom » Sun Jan 05, 2014 5:17 pm

No I don't think you or anyone else here is mean auto! I just felt like I got slammed even before even getting out of the gate.

I think I'm just feeling more sensitive given the change in our social situation. I guess I don't want to lose the sense of belonging that I felt on this board on top of everything else.

Just a rough patch for me emotionally but it'll be ok!

Thanks for the response & sorry if I made you feel badly.

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

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Post by Diligence » Sun Jan 05, 2014 5:36 pm

Linda, I hope you'll stay with us here. I'm sorry you've felt that you are being viewed in negative light because of your recent mod. I can't imagine anyone looking down on you in your attempt to make No S work better for your lifestyle. Plus, allowing up to six S events/week doesn't mean you have to take them. Again, I hope you'll stick around, but if you take a break, we'll be here when you're ready to join in the discussions again. :)

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Post by lpearlmom » Sun Jan 05, 2014 9:16 pm

Thanks so much for the encouragement Diligence! I'm sure I won't be going anywhere. I need to keep myself in check after all!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by jw » Mon Jan 06, 2014 1:00 am

Oh dear, Linda, I feel I have to chime in with automated! I haven't been on the boards as much through the holidays -- I know my initial reaction to your mod was, wow, you've done so well, why suddenly change it up? I didn't mean to do a hit and run with my questions -- and certainly not to look down on you! As I said, I really do think whatever works for you is the only thing that counts!

Also, I have to admit I was guilty of projecting a little -- I asked if you were getting bored because I was getting a little bored -- not with the way of life per se, but with so much talking about it! I have less and less to say about food matters, I find -- unless, of course, it's a soup recipe!
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

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Post by lpearlmom » Mon Jan 06, 2014 5:06 am

No worries JW! That probably would have been my first reaction too! It's great that you're getting bored with NoS. It means food is falling in its rightful place.

I just wanted everyday to feel as good as my N days. I knew I couldn't do without any treats or exceptions ever and figured I was responsible enough to use them wisely so it made sense to be a little flexible about it instead of trying to cram everything into two days.

Anyway It's going really well so far. No more feeling out of control on the weekends and ick on Mondays.

Update on goals:
1) S events:
Wens: small New Year's Eve dessert
Sat: 1 snack after lunch--granola bar & apple; 1 dessert after dinner
Sun: 1 small bowl of ice cream

2) exercise: 36/129 days; 3 red days
3) nos: 165/250 days; no red
4) recipes: 55/166 favorite so far: chili, lasagne & red bean soup.
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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Post by automatedeating » Mon Jan 06, 2014 5:42 am

Hey Linda,
I was just rereading some of my older thread entries.
I was emotional and bummed from October 26th-November 11th (about 2.5 weeks). Then all of a sudden I was fine again. Don't know if that helps you see a light at the end of the tunnel, but it was interesting to me to see that suddenly, I just started feeling better..... weird, but good!
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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Post by jw » Mon Jan 06, 2014 12:30 pm

Glad things are going well, Linda -- feeling good every day of the week is a worthy goal for sure! And you have set several other goals, like automated -- I will be interested to see them develop. I think No S is applicable to many situations, but I am going to continue concentrating just on eating sanely for a while.
"The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective." -- El Fug

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Post by clarebear » Mon Jan 06, 2014 12:48 pm

I think your Mod was a sensible one Linda, I too feel that I could do with this kind of mod to try and stop my bingeing tendencies at weekends
you have to do what is right for you at this moment :D
I am glad it is going well for you :)
Finally found a lifestyle change, not a diet!
Starting weight 167 lbs
Goal is to lose 20lbs in time for my wedding!

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