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

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

Post by automatedeating » Fri Apr 04, 2014 10:28 pm

Thursday, Week 32
N Day
NoSEating
B: coffee with milk, eggs, bacon and toast, clementine, banana
L: tuna sandwich, chips, clementine, carrots, apple slices
D: taco salad with all the fixins'
JustMoveIt
walked around downtown and all around the aquarium
StrategicSpending
S Day--spent money on the ferry, on the aquarium, and on hot cocoa for kids on the way home. Oh, also bought a kindle book for my son to read in the car.
KidsUnplugged
We let the kids watch Beauty and the Beast at bedtime with cousins
RaisingReaders
probably got 20 minutes in at various downtime throughout the day.

Friday, Week 32
N Day
NoSEating
B: coffee with milk, toast, clementine, banana
L: (on ferry for third day in a row!): 1/2 PB&J, granola bar, chips, clementine, carrot and apple slices
D: PB&J
JustMoveIt
Rest Day
KidsUnplugged
All Clear!
RaisingReaders
Oh, boy, I got a cold...again! Reading will be hard tonight.
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 » Sat Apr 05, 2014 5:28 am

Welcome back. Hope your cold is short lived!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

LoriLifts
Posts: 996
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 11:02 pm
Location: new mexico

Post by LoriLifts » Sat Apr 05, 2014 4:40 pm

Just walked over to say hi.
Feel better soon. Colds suck!
Habits are at first cobwebs, then cables.

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

Post by automatedeating » Sun Apr 06, 2014 3:33 am

Saturday, Week 32
132.5
S Day S Day S Day
NoSEating
B: hashbrowns, eggs, bacon, toast, coffee with milk
L: 3 mini-bags of chips, some chocolate pieces
D: frosty
JustMoveIt
walk/jog with 4-yr old as he is learning to ride his 2-wheeler.
StrategicSpending
2 portfolios for kids' artwork and 1 book--ordered on Amazon, of course
KidsUnplugged
Fine, variety of activities today--not much cleaning with me because I am too sick to order them around.
RaisingReaders
Reading Rest Day
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

Jill d
Posts: 67
Joined: Tue Nov 26, 2013 3:27 pm

Post by Jill d » Sun Apr 06, 2014 7:57 pm

Hope you get to feeling better! When I was sick with strep throat and couldn't read aloud I discovered a website "storyline online," where actors read kids books. (_Somebody Loves You, Mr Hatch_ is a hit with the under 5 crowd.) It's definitely not the same as reading to them in real life, but my kids have been loving it, and we've found a few new books through it.
"A small daily task, if it be really daily, will beat the labour of a spasmodic Hercules." -Anthony Trollope

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

Post by eschano » Mon Apr 07, 2014 11:05 am

Get better soon Auto! And remember: Sick Days are S days so don't hold yourself to impossible standards ;)
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

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

Post by automatedeating » Mon Apr 07, 2014 1:08 pm

Thanks, Jill and eschano! Jill, great thought about the reading online program! And eschano, you're right, and I did give myself "permission" to lay on the couch all day, except when I dragged myself into a very hot and relaxing bath! :)

Sunday, Week 33
S Day S Day S Day
SICK DAY
NoSEating
B: 2 eggo waffles
L/D: burger and fries, chocolate milkshake
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 Apr 08, 2014 1:37 am

Monday, Week 33
N Day/S Day (Sick Day!)
NoSEating
B: oops, forgot since it was first day back to work--had 4 cups of creamy coffee, though! :)
L: chicken pot pie, apple, clementine
D: spaghetti, chips
JustMoveIt
Walked to/from work--amazing that I can walk even when sick. Must not be much in the way of exertion! Also jogged/walked at least 45 minutes with Mr. Bike-Learner. :lol:
StrategicSpending
All Good
KidsUnplugged
All Good
RaisingReaders
I'm calling this an S Day, since my throat is way raw for reading and I have to lecture for 4 hours tomorrow..... I better not lose my voice this week. I'm taking Jill's suggestion about audio books. I have Geronimo Stilton on CD and we can listen to 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

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

Post by eschano » Tue Apr 08, 2014 9:00 am

Another great day auto!

I wanted to thank you as your and others recent conversations about diet-head and being happy with the weight loss have inspired me to stop dieting. I gave up "goal weights" that supposedly will make me happy and decided to cherish having a "normal" BMI and being healthy right now, exactly as it is. Will stick to vanilla because of how it makes me feel but will stop meddling with what goes on the plate and caring about the scales.
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

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

Post by automatedeating » Wed Apr 09, 2014 12:54 am

Hey, what a cool new siggy, eschano! Forging the way -- breaking trail for the rest of us -- to the land of freedom, which exists especially in our heads!! :)

Tuesday, Week 33
N Day N Day N day
NoSEating
B: coffee with milk, forgot breakfast again
L: spaghetti, apple, clementine
D: burger and fries....so much food....ugh!
Looking back, I think I was in major emotional eat mode today. Some of my students "defected" to another teacher's class (she is new and really awesome, I have to be honest), then a coworker told me some very disturbing politics things about our school, then, then, then. I went back to my office and SCARFED my spaghetti without even tasting it. Then at dinner I inhaled my food without tasting. All I can say is: NoS contained the damage. I feel so stuffed right now.
JustMoveIt
walked to/from work
StrategicSpending
All Clear, but I put a couple organizational books in my cart. The Flylady book has high reviews, and so does "organizing from the inside out". Any other recommendations for keeping a house reasonably tidy even though I work full-time and my husband is home with my home-schooled kids?(hahahahahahaha.... that has got to be the recipe for the messiest houses of all!)
KidsUnplugged
All Clear
RaisingReaders
ReadingRest Day
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 » Wed Apr 09, 2014 8:39 am

Thank you auto!! It's very liberating. However, I still do Vanilla NoS as I feel healthier and mentally in a better place. Had an emotional eating urge yesterday as well so yay us to beat it.

I hate office politics/school politics/social politics but they are where random groups of people meet regularly. You'll get through it. As for the new colleague - the best thing about this is that if you allow yourself to you can learn from her (if she's really good and not just new, remember that people are attracted to new).

Well done on your contained and otherwise clear day :)
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

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

Post by automatedeating » Wed Apr 09, 2014 11:46 pm

Wednesday, Week 33
N Day
NoSEating
B: coffee with cream
L: spaghetti, apple, clementine
D: lasagne
wine
JustMoveIt
walked to/from work, then walked another hour with my boys (they rode bikes)
StrategicSpending
All Clear
KidsUnplugged
All Clear
RaisingReaders
I have an hour to log today--but I will only shoot for 30 minutes (I'm still sick, throat hurts and I need to save my voice for teaching tomorrow....)--so kind of 1/2 of a sick day? :)
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 Apr 10, 2014 3:49 pm

Hi auto

Big hugs. Sick & office politics--ugh! I'm sure the novelty will wear off and she'll just be another good teacher like you in time.

Thanks for stopping by my thread. I hope you like the flylady book. I found it very motivating. For me I finally got a handle on my cleaning by being absolutely diligent day in & day out about certain things (kitchen always spotless, living room always picked up) and relaxing about other areas (kids room, side counter etc..).

Anyway good luck & hang in there!

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

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

Post by automatedeating » Fri Apr 11, 2014 3:14 am

Linda--that's a great suggestion for me, how you focus diligently on just a couple places (kitchen and living room) while not worrying so much about kids' rooms (or in my house, I shouldn't worry much about the playroom). Good tip!
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 Apr 11, 2014 3:44 am

Thursday, Week 33
133.7
N Day
NoSEating
B: coffee with cream
L: chicken pot pie, clementine
D: 1/2 french dip sandwich
JustMoveIt
Walked to work--then to dentist appt--then home. :) I'm an Urban Ranger, hear me roar!
StrategicSpending
All Clear! But I have Flylady's book and a couple others in my Amazon cart. :) We'll see how much I actually still want to buy on Saturday.
KidsUnplugged
No Worries. In fact, we took the boys to a Science Night at our homeschool Co-op tonight. It was super fun! But....it made the next category a fail! :shock:
RaisingReaders
:? Didn't get home until 8, then had dinner, now they are in bed. Actually, maybe I can still read to them...hmmmm, maybe I won't give up yet. Stay tuned. Update: made it! 20 minutes, wow, that's great!
Introducing my newest system:
14MinuteMadness! :idea:
14 minutes/day of cleaning. I have regular chores for the weekend that will take much longer, but on the weekdays, I will just try to aim for 14 minutes of wild cleaning. In a way, this is the perfect way to increase my exercise, because previously I haven't seen a way to realistically add in more intensity than just my daily walks. But this way I kill two birds with one stone: work up a sweat with some serious cleaning. Wish me luck.
And, BTW, today was a success. Cleaned a toilet, washed fingerprints off lightswitches that had been bugging me!, cleaned off our table (a hot spot for clutter), emptied a trash, picked up the living room, refilled toilet paper rolls, spot-cleaned a sticky area on the kitchen floor, and wiped the exhaust vent above the stove. You CAN get a lot done in 14 minutes!
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 » Fri Apr 11, 2014 8:20 am

Absolutely love your new system auto! Can't wait to read more.
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

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

Post by jw » Fri Apr 11, 2014 1:52 pm

Just had to pop back in to thank you for the book recommendation, auto -- "The Last Well Person" has been my philosophy through my whole adult life! I didn't fall into this whole screening/checking/medicating culture until quite late in life -- after 60 -- and I could lament that I didn't know about the celiac earlier, but twenty years ago, they didn't test for it anyway . . .

Anyway, thanks for a great read! (And don't let the new colleague get you down -- you're so fair-minded that you recognize her talent, but it must hurt to see defections. In a year or so the novelty will wear off and everything will redistribute. In the meantime, make her a partner and borrow/share all her good ideas!)
"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 » Sat Apr 12, 2014 1:31 am

Glad to hear from you, jw. And glad you liked the book. :)
Friday, Week 33
131.9
NoSEating
B: coffee with cream
L: lasagne, chips
D: pizza
JustMoveIt
S Day
StrategicSpending
S Day--Costco, gas, and bought the kids their usual post-Costco smoothie.
KidsUnplugged
All Clear!
RaisingReaders
Need to log 20 minutes. Update: complete fail :oops:
14MinuteMadness!
Success! I actually did a few 14-minute sessions--I cleaned a window runners, washed the front door's metal foot rest, went through my file cabinet, reorganized the homeschool shelves, swept the garage around the cat's litter box, plus a few other regular cleaning chores. Wow, I did get a lot done. I think I'm on rebound after being so sick last weekend. It feels great to have energy again.
I wonder if I overdid it (as Reinhard says, let the minimum be the maximum!), but I couldn't seem to resist.
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

ironchef
Posts: 1630
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2012 10:12 am
Location: Australia

Post by ironchef » Sat Apr 12, 2014 5:22 am

automatedeating wrote: 14MinuteMadness!
Success! I actually did a few 14-minute sessions--I cleaned a window runners, washed the front door's metal foot rest, went through my file cabinet, reorganized the homeschool shelves, swept the garage around the cat's litter box, plus a few other regular cleaning chores. Wow, I did get a lot done. I think I'm on rebound after being so sick last weekend. It feels great to have energy again.
I wonder if I overdid it (as Reinhard says, let the minimum be the maximum!), but I couldn't seem to resist.
auto, I think I'm a lot like you in that when I go on a cleaning / home organisation kick I normally get excited and go ALL OUT. Like this: http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com.a ... adult.html
It's awesome that you're getting real progress (and exercise too!) with the 14 minutes, but make sure you get rest as well, so you can make it sustainable like your other great habits.

What I like about Reinhard's Everyday Systems, and also about Fly Lady, is the emphasis on pacing yourself and getting to take a break. I started the house stuff from Fly Lady again about a month ago, and I'm being really strict about setting a timer on my phone and taking a break, rather than getting enthused about how clean everything is getting and then burning out, only to wake up 3 months later realising that the shower has grown a second curtain all my itself.

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

Post by lpearlmom » Sat Apr 12, 2014 3:21 pm

Yay auto! Glad you're feeling better and that flylady inspired you. She is a lot like Reinhard in that building habits are everything. I like her morning & evening routines and that she says to start out very small.

I don't do all the routines but I do clean the kitchen without fail every evening and I get up before my kids every morning and make our bed & empty the dishwasher. It helps so much waking to a clean kitchen & having the dishwasher avail for breakfast dishes.

I know your schedule is much busier than mine but you just adapt something that'll work for you guys.

Have a great weekend!

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

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

Post by automatedeating » Sun Apr 13, 2014 6:10 am

Thanks, Linda. I do find Flylady's 15 minute cleaning challenges remarkably similar to Reinhard's idea of 14 minutes of anything.

Saturday, Week 33
S Day
NoSEating
B: coffee with milk
L: chocolate bar, 2 See's chocolate's
D: pizza, salad, lemonade
wine
JustMoveIt
Rest Day, but I did hoof it for an hour with my fledgling bike-rider. :)
StrategicSpending
S Day: Epiphany Alert! Epiphany Alert! I bought a home and office buget booklet at Office Depot (after looking for quite a while on Amazon). Wow, in one day of paper and pen (rather than Excel Spreadsheets), I feel more knowledgeable about what's going in and out of our accounts. Weird, but I suspect I am not the first person to have tried numerous computer and online budgeting tools only to discover that old-fashioned is most effective (in my case....). No diss on online and apps, etc. they just weren't working for me.
KidsUnplugged
S Day--They played a lot of video games, but spent a good bit of time outside, too!
RaisingReaders
S Day
14MinuteMadness!!
Since I was up early (like 3:45, UGH), I got tons of "minutes" in before I even made coffee (which I hold off on until 7!). ;) I focused on my office area.
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 » Sun Apr 13, 2014 3:15 pm

Yep, I do our budget & everything in a ledger book from Office Depot (much to DHs annoyance) I have tried a couple apps but writing it down is just plain easier.

345 is ungodly early, wth? But so cool you're getting so much accomplished! The office area is one place I'm not good at maintaining. I have a big ol pile of paper that needs to be filed!

Enjoy your Sun!

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

Strawberry Roan
Posts: 1208
Joined: Tue Jul 06, 2010 10:51 pm

Post by Strawberry Roan » Sun Apr 13, 2014 3:25 pm

Oh, give me paper and pencil any day as well. When I first went to work at the law firm five years ago they were all into the computerized office files. When they needed to call a client, they went through about six steps on the computer to find a number - And heaven forbid when the system was down. Nobody could call anybody.

I said, Uh, do you have a Rolodex? My boss said, I do think I still have one from college and lots of blank cards. I said, Bring them in. Within days, I had all the numbers at my fingertips, add a new number when we get a new client, remove a card and put it in the other compartment of the Rolodex when a case is closed but we might still need to contact the client due to billing, etc.

Now the whole office asks me for everybody's number :D

As far as organization, I was raised with a grandmother and mother who - after the dinner meal was cleaned up and the kitchen was all spotless, the light was turned off and that was IT ! No more kitchen mess. I have always used their method. My kids knew when they were little that once the kitchen light was off for the evening, too bad.

I could not imagine walking into a kitchen in the morning with dishes in the sink, a cluttered counter, dirty stove, etc. I would go back to bed.

8) I also rise very early, every single day, and love the "me" time to do things with no rush.
Berry

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

Post by automatedeating » Sun Apr 13, 2014 10:27 pm

Linda and Strawberry,
I do like to get up early, but the 3:45 day was because I had insomnia! Yuck, that never gets a day off to a great start. But I slept well last night, and even took a nap yesterday, too.

And so far I am not spending any more time using paper and pencil than I did when I would make fancy spreadsheets that were never really that helpful. Strawberrry, I work with a woman that sounds like you! She's definitely our office guru for information, all at her fingertips (using paper and pencil files!)

Sunday, Week 34
S Day S Day S Day
131.2
NoSEating
B: coffee with milk, eggo waffles
L: pizza, 4 pieces of See's Chocolates
D: chocolate milkshake, 2 mini bags of Doritos, roast beef sandwich

JustMoveIt
Rest Day, but I did walk the boys to the park again. I went on my scooter, and they were on their bikes.

StrategicSpending
S Day, but I didn't buy anything. I have been working on getting all my data into my new budget book. Pretty fun for me, actually. Our family has agreed to eat out of our pantry/freezer for the next couple of weeks. I still will buy milk, eggs, fruit, and bread, but that's it. This experiment is just for fun, to see how we do and also as part of my decluttering the pantry and freezer.

It's pretty obvious that we are spending way too much money on eating out and take-out. My family is discussing limits for this....we want to be realistic, and not make the boundaries hard to live with (sustainable, moderate--why of course!) :lol: So, for us it would be a significant decrease to having my husband and I go out every other week for dinner, and once a month for all of us to go eat somewhere fun. But this is still in the planning stages--no commitments yet. What kind of rules do other families on the forum have about eating out/take-out?

In other areas of trimming spending, I redid our cell phone plan and brought the monthly charges for our family plan down by $30. That feels good.

Now that I can see what my expenditures are, I also realize I need to have a monthly cap on my book purchases. Hahaha, probably no surprise to anyone that has read much of my thread.

KidsUnplugged
S Day, but all Good, they've played outside a lot.

RaisingReaders
N Day, Still need to get my 20 minutes in today. I'm determined today. :). Update: 40 minutes logged :)

14MinuteMadness!
N Day--honestly, this category can never have an S Day. If I do nothing at all cleaning/organizing on a day, it makes the next day harder. Do others on the boards think this is a bad plan? But for today, I easily have done 5 14-minutes sessions. In addition to my regular chores, I cleaned out 4 drawers, finished cleaning windowsills, and paid a car registration.
Last edited by automatedeating on Mon Apr 14, 2014 1:42 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

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

Post by lpearlmom » Sun Apr 13, 2014 11:37 pm

Hey glad you got some sleep finally!

Our eating schedule is this:
Monday: cook
Tuesday: leftovers (our busy day)
Wens: cook
Thurs: cook
Fri: take out
Sat: take out or sit down restaurant
Sun: cook or leftovers

As you know I have a 7 week rotating menu so this helps tremendously when being committed to cooking at home more often.

I do maintenance cleaning everyday--house picked up, bed made, kitchen sparkly clean but no deep cleaning or organizing on weekends. I try to do a load of laundry a day but monday is my catch up day for all undone laundry.

Look forward to hearing what you come up with!

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

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

Post by eschano » Mon Apr 14, 2014 8:09 am

We barely ever get take-out. If we want something quick and easy we get a £1.50 pizza from the supermarket's fresh section. We go to the restaurant once or twice a week, which is quite a lot but figure that take-out is a bit of a waste of money as it's nearly as expensive as a restaurant without the whole experience. Especially in London where we have lots of BYOB places that only take a £1 charge for the bottle.

Just a thought. But otherwise I'd say 1-2 a week whatever you choose. I wouldn't start skipping date night as that precious time is good for your relationship and your family even if you have less money.
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

ironchef
Posts: 1630
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2012 10:12 am
Location: Australia

Post by ironchef » Tue Apr 15, 2014 2:25 am

Ouch on getting up in the middle of the night!

Cleaning S days: I see a difference between daily maintenance stuff, which really must be done every day (cooking, dishes, watering the garden, tidying up / picking up, making the beds, laundry) and deep cleaning / decluttering / organising, which I keep on week days, so my weekends can focus on enjoying my time off with my husband and son.

Take out: we pretty much never eat take out, unless there is something absolutely pressing that means no one is able to make dinner, in which case we might order some noodles or some fish & chips. Probably once every second month? Honestly, in our city it is not value for money, as well as being less healthy than most stuff I make at home.

Eating out: my husband and I probably eat out together once a month. As a family, we might go out to brunch or morning tea on the weekend every few weeks (a lot cheaper than a dinner out, and much easier with a small child). Most of our socialising and fun is based on visiting friends and family, or going somewhere outdoors where the dog can join us too.

Just a thought on books: it is ages since I bought a book. Our local library is really great, and if they don't have something they will get it in from another library, or even buy it if they think it's worth having.

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

Post by automatedeating » Tue Apr 15, 2014 4:12 am

Thanks for the feedback Linda, eschano and ironchef! I really appreciate your input on cleaning routines, and eating out, etc. Lots for me to think about. And the books, ironchef, I totally agree with you, although sometimes I get lazy about going to the library. Generally, I do go to the library every week or two. It has almost every children's book I look for, but it is surprisingly deficient for many of the titles I've looked for for myself. I recently got a couple books through interlibrary loan, but they charged me $6 for two books (to pay the postage, I guess). The last couple of books I have requested they haven't purchased because the publication date was more than 10 years old. I understand, but it is frustrating. But in the last couple years I have gotten lazier by ordering too many books online that I am sure I could have found at the library. So I have renewed inspiration to not buy so many books! :)

Monday, Week 34
N Day
132.8
NoSEating
B: coffee with cream
L: lasagne, apple, clementine
D: fish sticks, chips
JustMoveIt
Walked to/from work
Walked to park with kids (they rode bikes)
Walked and ran all around the neighborhood with the kids, helping a couple new bike riders besides my own!!!!
StrategicSpending
All Clear
Current habit-building:
1. no spend (with childcare and date night exceptions--my husband is not bound by the rule!) on weekdays
2. Writing down each expense in my new budget book every day. The NoSpend on weekdays dovetails very nicely with this habit, since now my weekday expenses are extremely limited.

I have this dream of actually balancing my checkbook.... I had forgotten people do that. But I guess it's in reach if I record each expense.

Menu-planning, and rules about eating out/take-out are still percolating. I think I should just track my outflow for a couple months.

It's hard to believe I'm an adult after reading this post. How embarrassing, actually. Ironchef, you were the one that posted the link to that hilarious article about "Why I'll never be an adult". I read a bunch of her posts over the weekend. Hilarious. Thanks for introducing me to "hyperbole and a half". :)
KidsUnplugged
All Clear
RaisingReaders
Without too much difficulty, I logged at least one hour. I've had a bunch of lazy days on this one, between spring break and then getting sick.
14MinuteMadness!!
This system has some elegance to it. Today, I didn't have too many clear goals (bad I know), but I still busted out a ton in that timeframe! I felt really good when the timer went off and I had done some chores that normally would have languished until Saturday. It really does serve as exercise, too, and wakes me up when I'm feeling a little sluggish in the afternoon.
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

ironchef
Posts: 1630
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2012 10:12 am
Location: Australia

Post by ironchef » Tue Apr 15, 2014 5:36 am

automatedeating wrote:I recently got a couple books through interlibrary loan, but they charged me $6 for two books (to pay the postage, I guess).
Ugh, that sucks. I'm going to go give my librarian a hug - I've never had to pay for anything.
Menu-planning, and rules about eating out/take-out are still percolating.
Rather than having rules per se, I try to make eating at home easier. If making something in my house is actually EASIER than getting take out, then rules aren't needed - I'm lazy enough to do the easy thing every time! I've been doing some "freezer to slow cooker" stuff recently, inspired by Noel's "dinner in a bag" post and it feels like dinner just makes itself.
Ironchef, you were the one that posted the link to that hilarious article about "Why I'll never be an adult". I read a bunch of her posts over the weekend. Hilarious. Thanks for introducing me to "hyperbole and a half". :)
I'm glad you liked it - I enjoy her humour so much! That one really resonated with me, as I keep thinking "but I thought I would be grown up by now!". Her post "dogs don't understand simple things like moving" made me laugh until I cried.

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

Post by Diligence » Tue Apr 15, 2014 3:09 pm

auto, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for being such a consistent poster on this forum (unlike me :oops:) and for replying to so many people's threads. You are a source of encouragement to many of us. :D

As for the question you asked recently about eating out rules, we don't have any specific rules. We rarely eat out or take out though. When we do, it is almost always for a special occasion or unusual circumstances. If one child is going with us we have to be particularly picky about where we eat due to a life-threatening food allergy. Eating or taking out can easily solve that "What's for dinner?" question, but it also hits the budget hard, even more so when you've got children who are adults or have adult-size appetites (ex., teenaged boys).

Actually, in this vein, we just started implementing a one plate rule for dinner (Note: this change wasn't budget-driven, but the appetites mentioned above reminded me of this.). There was too much going back for seconds, thirds, fourths; going to the fridge for fruit; asking for some other food. I don't remember food being so plentiful or so ravenously consumed as I grew up, and I was sandwiched between two boys and grew up in a large family. Mind you, regarding the going back for more food, we had been using smaller plates for those who are still home full-time. We bought some larger ones for them to accommodate their appetites, particularly the hollow-legged one who grows like a weed. I hope we're not doing the wrong thing with this, but it really had become to seem inordinate, excessive. They've accepted this as the present standard, but I imagine we may have to make exceptions from time to time.

My husband does not follow No S himself; but when he himself voiced concern about the excess the other day, I suggested the one plate concept, and he heartily endorsed it. Even he is sticking to one plate for dinner without my suggesting it for him. Yes, they've all already figured out how to get the pizza + veggies on the one plate (not from my example though, as pizza doesn't agree with me).

Wow! What a tangent away from the question of eating and taking out. :shock: :oops: I hope you don't mind! :lol:

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

Post by lpearlmom » Tue Apr 15, 2014 4:24 pm

Hope I'm not out of line here but wanted to respond to what Diligence brought up re: kids & amounts. Ellyn Satter who is a child dietician recommends allowing children to eat as much as they want at meal & snack time but as soon as meal time is over, kitchens closed till next meal or snack.

She recommends parents say when & what when it comes to food, but children should be allowed to say how much so they don't lose touch with their natural internal regulation. Limiting amounts can backfire in big ways.

For more info:

http://ellynsatterinstitute.org/htf/chi ... dtoeat.php

Don't mean to offend. Just my two cents!

(Sorry auto--back to YOU!)

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

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

Post by Diligence » Tue Apr 15, 2014 5:26 pm

Linda, I'll reply in my thread so as to redirect attention here back to auto's No S and related systems journey. :D

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

Post by automatedeating » Wed Apr 16, 2014 4:59 am

Thanks, ironchef, diligence and Linda for chiming in. You guys are all so structured with your eating. I have a long way to go, but my husband and I have been discussing some "liveable" changes: fast food only once a month, date night 2-3 times a month, family eating in a restaurant together once a month. This would be a significant, yet not extreme, reduction for us.

Regarding the one-plate thing for kids, I think we all know our kids and what's probably going to work with them. I think things both Diligence and Linda said have good merit. During a meal, or when a child says he's finished, I usually ask, "Do you feel satisfied? Is your tummy full?" so that boys that want to get back to playing will truly finish their meal. See, I have the opposite problem: they won't finish one plate (but they want snacks later). :)

Tuesday, Week 34
S Day S Day S Day (NWS day)
NoSEating--S Day
B: coffee with cream
L: taco salad
D: 1 piece pizza, then a banana split
JustMoveIt--N Day
Walked to/from work
StrategicSpending--N Day
Fail--spent $3 on eggs (can't seem to resist farm eggs when I have the chance...)
Writing down every penny that goes out and every penny that comes in seems so obvious. How can I have NOT been doing this for so many years????
KidsUnplugged--N Day
All Clear
RaisingReaders--S Day
14MinuteMadness--N Day
Made it!! I didn't get home from work and then a family celebration until almost 9:30. But I set the timer and before I knew it, 14 minutes were done and I had tidied up the kitchen and a bedroom.
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 » Wed Apr 16, 2014 5:04 am

Wow you amaze me with your discipline auto. Once you set your mind to something--watch out!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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

Post by eschano » Wed Apr 16, 2014 10:11 am

Hi Auto, I know you like it old-school when it comes to keeping track but just thought I tell you anyways that I have a brilliant budget app on my smartphone. There are loads of them and what I like is that I can immediately note any expenses there and then so I have none that escape me. Plus, they have categories and you can make your own so you also have stats on how much you spend for what at the end of the period you choose (Weekly, Monthly, Yearly). I use monthly.

However, nothing against an old-school budget book.
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

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

Post by automatedeating » Wed Apr 16, 2014 12:46 pm

eschano, would you believe I have tried a couple of those apps? My goodness, I'm a zoo.... Doesn't someone around here have a siggy that says, "I guess it only works if you do it." LOL, that is my problem with budgeting!! But I'm determined this time. I want to use our money wisely--how can we do that if we aren't tracking where it's going, right? So onward.

I'm making a pre-day post because I'm so tired this morning. I'm nervous about getting in my one hour of reading, I've got meetings and other craziness after work. Here we go, off to face the busy day.
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 » Wed Apr 16, 2014 1:30 pm

I should have known you're already onto the apps ;) I find for me it's become a habit to as soon as I tuck away my wallet I type it into my app.
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

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

Post by automatedeating » Thu Apr 17, 2014 1:20 am

I'm impressed, eschano. Anyone that can keep their checking account balanced is way ahead of me. Oh, one other thing eschano--I keep thinking how I love your LAM, and I want to add it, but I'm not sure what to put. Something clicked today: NoS and this daily check-in is my LAM! I am finally taking care of myself and pursuing my goals and interests thanks to the structure that NoS brought to my out-of-control life. :idea:

And Linda, I can't believe you think I am self-disciplined. That's why I have to have all these systems, because I can't seem to keep track of much of anything in my life! :roll: But thanks for the compliment, it did feel pretty good. 8)

Wednesday, Week 34
NoSEating-N Day
B: coffee with cream
L: PB&J sandwich, chips, apple, clementine, diet coke
D: spinach mozarella ravioli with chicken
Just one little comment about last night: After our special event, we went out to an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. I ordered a banana split, which I've rarely even had in my whole life. I thoroughly enjoyed it. But it wasn't until today, as I think back on it, that I realize that I had NO guilt--didn't even consider what the other women might have thought of me. :idea: That's pretty cool--I think it might even deserve a spot in my testimonial someday!

JustMoveIt--N Day
walked to/from work
walked around the neighborhood with fledgling bike-rider

StrategicSpending-N Day
All Clear! (special acccomplishments: took the time/organization to put some books on hold at the library and then picked them up! AND made a dinner that was pretty tasty, and super simple).

In the budgeting department, I am slowly putting together a list of all our bills and the due dates for each of them. I have also almost finished a list (I think) of all the bills/donations that automatically are deducted, and the date the deduction occurs on.

It's shocking to imagine I might possibly balance my checking account with my home budget sometime soon. That would be cause for celebration.

KidsUnplugged-N Day
They are a little extra needy tonight, and I am little extra-wanna-be-left alone. :) Not a great combo, but we'll get through it, right? We just all overdid it yesterday with a special event, and so I'm going to get reading and make it an early night.

RaisingReaders-N Day
I've already logged 15 minutes, 45 to go.

14MinuteMadness!!-N Day
I set the timer as soon as I got home. I am not sure this will be the best strategy in the future, since there are usually a bunch of little things that need my attention as soon as I walk in the door. On the other hand, I was feeling sluggish, and the timer got me moving. I got a load of laundry started, picked up the living areas/kitchen, cleaned the litter box, put away my walking clothes, helped my boys tidy their room, and made my bed. Not bad. :)
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 Apr 18, 2014 12:38 am

Thursday, Week 34
131.7
N Day for everything
NoSEating
B: coffee with cream
L: chicken pot pie, apple, clementine, diet coke
D: lemon pepper chicken and rice
JustMoveIt
walked to/from work
StrategicSpending
All Clear
KidsUnplugged
All Clear
RaisingReaders
Still have 20 minutes to log Update: I easily made it to 45 minutes!
14MinuteMadness
ohhhh, still have to do this. Update: I set the timer right after dinner had been cleaned up. I did 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 Apr 19, 2014 2:35 am

Friday, Week 34
131.6
NoSEating-N Day
B: coffee with cream
L: PB&J; apple, clementine, chips
D: 2 cheese/bean/guacamole quesdadillas
wine
JustMoveIt-S day
Rest Day
StrategicSpending-S Day
Grocery Shopping, got gas
KidsUnplugged-N Day
Made it!
RaisingReaders-N Day
Already logged 25 minutes, might get more
14MinuteMadness-N Day
Completed...mostly laundry

Biggest problems today: I was overtired, had that silly insomnia again from 3am on. Also had massive work stress (admin stuff, not teaching) between yesterday and today. Add to that a decent amount of extended family stress. Guess what I wanted to do? EAT MILKSHAKES. Guess what ELSE I wanted to do? GO SHOPPING. Guess what ELSE I wanted to do? DRINK TOO MUCH WINE. Wow, my mind tempted me with every possible pleasure center (well, except sex, I guess, since it was the middle of the day! LOL) in the midst of my tough day. I seriously think the fatigue was a big factor in my food/alcohol/shopping cravings.

One other thing I have realized over keeping this online journal for 8 months: I have a significant amount of emotional stress related to my job. I guess I hadn't realized the extent until I see how often I write about it here. Hmmm, something to think about.

Oh, one other news-worthy item!! A former student swung by my office and raved about how much weight I've lost! I was shocked she could tell--NO ONE has said anything in 8 long months! That must testify to my slow and gradual rate of weight loss. I think it's pretty cool, actually. :)
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 » Sun Apr 20, 2014 1:46 am

Saturday, Week 34
131.5
S Day S Day S Day
NoSEating
B: coffee with milk
L: 2 sugar cookies, 1 gummy bear, 1 piece chocolate, 1 piece of pizza, 1 piece of cake
D: box of Reese's pieces; package of starbursts, bowl of chili, glass of milk
wine
JustMoveIt--S Day
roller skating
StrategicSpending--S Day
presents for babysitters; Easter basket stuff for kids (spent WAY to much!!); roller skating; rented Amazon movie (Hookwinked, if you're curious); rented Amazon TV show; bought Minecraft on the laptop for my 8-yr old; paid bills.
KidsUnplugged--S Day
Easter egg hunt this morning and 4 hour roller skating in the afternoon. Not much time left to binge on electronics
RaisingReaders--S Day
nothing so far
14MinuteMadness--S Day
I'm fried, I'm exhausted, maybe I'll still fit in 14 minutes.....
Last edited by automatedeating on Sun Apr 20, 2014 10:47 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

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

Post by automatedeating » Sun Apr 20, 2014 9:59 pm

Sunday, Week 35
S Day S Day S Day
NoSEating
B: coffee with milk, hashbrowns, eggs, bacon
L: skittles, reese's pieces (finished off my box), piece of licorice, bowl of strawberries
D: chicken wings, strawberries, sweet tarts
We have been living out of our pantry and freezer (with bread, milk, eggs and fruit as exceptions) for the past two weeks. We have one week to go for this mini-frugality experiment. It has certainly forced me to do menu planning and thaw things ahead of time.

:idea: Guess what? A student I haven't seen in a year stopped by my office and was amazed at "how much weight you've lost!!!" Yay!! Someone noticed! I guess that goes to show how very gradual NoS is. The people I see everyday haven't even realized that I've very slowly shed 10 pounds.
JustMoveIt--S Day
Rest Day
StrategicSpending
I have a system! A real system that I am committing to for 9 months.
Elements include:
1. No spending M-F (exceptions: childcare, car/other repairs, date night; F exception is groceries and gas)
2. Expense book: each credit card purchase is recorded the same day. At any time I know exactly how much we have charged for the month. Each bill paid, cash withdrawn, or debit is recorded immediately, so at any time I know how much is in our checking account.
3. Budget book: Each expense is placed in its appropriate category on the date it was made. (Categories on the left, days of the month across the top). At the end of the month, I can easily compare our expenses with our goal budget--and make adjustments if necessary.
4. Receipts and bills are paper-clipped together for the whole month, then filed when I'm done working with that month. I'll keep them for 13 months so I can always compare with that month from the previous year.
5. Paper statements for the credit card and the checking account are carefully scrutinized at the end of the month for any errors or possibly identity fraud issues. I had to reset my account preferences online to ensure paper delivery.

I think that's it. For many of you reading this, what I am doing is obvious and a no-brainer. If there is even one person out there, though, that can benefit from my trial and errors of the last 3 months as I've worked to ensure that we are living below our means, rather than even with our means or above our means, then here it is. Take what helps, toss what is silly to you. My dad laughed that I am doing it by hand, but hey, it works for me. I prefer it. And I don't mind a little arithmetic with a calculator once a week. :)

KidsUnplugged--S Day
No problems, the kids are out golfing (just putting around) with my husband right now.
RaisingReaders--N Day
Not yet, but we'll probably read the last chapter of the 2nd Incorrigibles tonight. :)
14MinuteMadness--N Day
I've gotten 3 sessions in today. That's to be expected, since I do most of my chores on the weekend normally. However, just a week of one daily weekday session of 14-minute madness has put my house into much better shape for the surprise drop-by visitor! And it decreased my weekend cleaning by at least 50%. It's also good for the kids, because I'll get them in on it for 5 minute madness. I tell them to pick up the playroom or their bedroom for 5 minutes and then they can eat, or play, or whatever they want to do.

:idea: Parenting Nugget---If there's one effective parenting strategy I would recommend from my 8 years of being a mom (and a teacher), it's this: recognize when someone is motivated to do something--then use that motivation to get them to finish something they DON'T want to do. They'll get it done just so they can do what they truly want to do. Don't ever waste those moments. They are golden opportunities to be productive and efficient!
Last edited by automatedeating on Mon Apr 21, 2014 1:23 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

User avatar
Dandelion
Posts: 696
Joined: Tue Sep 15, 2009 2:42 am

Post by Dandelion » Mon Apr 21, 2014 2:29 am

I need to live out of my freezer/pantry for a while. I usually do it earlier in the year, but put it off this year. Now it's so close now to the end of the school year I feel 'safe' emptying it.

How cool someone noticed your weight loss. I look forward to that day. Maybe this time it will happen.
'I do think the way to a full and healthy life is to adopt the sensible system of small helpings, no seconds, no snacking, and a little bit of everything. Above all, have a good time.' Julia Child

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

Post by oolala53 » Mon Apr 21, 2014 5:13 am

Not a lot of time right now, but wanted to check in and say hear, hear.
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
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:59 am
Location: Arizona

Post by lpearlmom » Mon Apr 21, 2014 7:20 am

You're way ahead of me in the finance dept. I'm impressed. :oops:
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

sweetaj
Posts: 52
Joined: Thu Jul 05, 2012 9:33 pm

Post by sweetaj » Mon Apr 21, 2014 2:26 pm

I love your StrategicSpending system!! I really need to implement #1 on your list. I have a bad habit of stopping by the convenience store during the week and spending $2-3 every day on pop (and candy before NoS). If I stopped doing that, I'd save at least $500 a year!
Restarting Feb 16, 2015
2/16 177.6

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

Post by automatedeating » Tue Apr 22, 2014 12:35 am

Sweetaj,
I LOVE my NoSpending on weekdays plan. It has worked beautifully since the end of December. You can always have built-in exceptions (for example, today I had to pay for a car repair), but the main thing is to get rid of the egregious offenders (like lattes and impulse kindle purchases, etc). Just like NoS! We get rid of the egregious dietary junk (like 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

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

Post by automatedeating » Tue Apr 22, 2014 12:40 am

Monday, Week 35
N Day
130.5
NoSEating-N Day
B: coffee with cream
L: chicken pot pie, apple
D: macaroni and beef, strawberries
JustMoveIt-N Day
walked to/from work
StrategicSpending-N Day with exception
paid for a car repair
KidsUnplugged-N Day
No problems
RaisingReaders
Still have one hour to log--only made it to 45 minutes. Both boys fell asleep! I think they are worn out from last week, which was very, very busy.
14MinuteMadness!
Got it done. I'm finding it is just right the right amount of time to put my walking things away, clean off the table, pick up the living room, clean the litter box, and do one real cleaning thing (like a toilet, laundry, sweep, etc).

Just finished a book called, The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley. It was a great historical fiction escape from my daily social anxiety. I tried today to write down briefly what the sources of my "knots" were. They ended up revolving around 3 co-workers and my fears of what they think of me; and of course, my students. That's always there. I'm seriously considering (for the first time ever) looking into an anti-anxiety medication.
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 » Tue Apr 22, 2014 7:35 pm

That must be tough to teach adults & always wondering how your doing in their eyes. Much easier teaching preschoolers--I just had the parents to contend with.

I think it's one of those things where you can't please everyone. Just be clear about your own standards/ethics. As long as your living up to those, which I'm sure you are, try not to worry about the rest.

Remember "other people's opinion of you is none of your business".

Still can't hurt to see what doctors say about meds! Explore all your options. You deserve to feel as best as you can!

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

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

Post by automatedeating » Wed Apr 23, 2014 1:44 am

Thanks, Linda. I appreciate the kind words. And I love the quote. Reminds me a bit of the quote jw told me about, something like "nobody can make you feel bad about yourself without your permission" or something like that (Eleanor Roosevelt?) Anyway, thanks.

Tuesday, Week 35
130.5
NoSEating-N Day
B: coffee with cream
L: turkey and cheese sandwich, chips, apple
D: fish sticks and mashed potatoes
challenge: I had a late afternoon meeting and there was chocolate and popcorn everywhere. My usual technique is to not look at or stay away, but in this case the junk was literally scattered about the tables. I wasn't really hungry, but the desire to mindlessly snack still is always there, hovering.
JustMoveIt-N Day
fail....had to drive to work in order to drive to a meeting. I did at least park about 7 minutes away from my work....I guess that gave me 14 minutes of exercise. :)
StrategicSpending
All Clear
KidsUnplugged
All Clear, I think
RaisingReaders--S Day
Thank God, because I am wiped out.
14MinuteMadness!!
Fail (I think, at least I don't plan on even trying at this point). I had a 12-hour workday and I am just plain tuckered out. Insomnia (surprise, surprise) last night didn't help.
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

LoriLifts
Posts: 996
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 11:02 pm
Location: new mexico

Post by LoriLifts » Wed Apr 23, 2014 2:04 am

Just stopping by to say Hi!
I love your Spending plan. Once I quit wrestling the sugar monkey, I may implement it.
Here's a smiley face for you... :)
Habits are at first cobwebs, then cables.

minimizer
Posts: 450
Joined: Sun Jul 05, 2009 11:49 pm

Post by minimizer » Wed Apr 23, 2014 1:26 pm

I have also had social anxiety for most of my life. I took medication for it several years ago (over 10 years ago) and it really helped me to be able to change my thinking, along with some counseling. Took the med about 8-9 months I believe. I feel like I've been much better ever since although I'll always have the tendency to be a bit self-critical--I think it's the way some of us in my family are wired for anxiety. So what I'm saying really is why not give medication a try and you might not have to take it long-term, just for awhile to help calm down and turn around some negative thought patterns that you might be having. I know that I'm glad that I gave it a chance.

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

Post by automatedeating » Wed Apr 23, 2014 11:42 pm

Thanks Lori and minimizer for the suggestions and encouragement. Minimizer, a friend today suggested I consider a sort of...self-hypnosis/meditation/breathing exercises CD. It is about 15 minutes long. That seems like a big daily time-commitment, but if it helps me sleep better and eases my "knots", it would be worth it. Maybe I could start out with just minutes a day, rather than 15 minutes, so that I could actually stick with it.
N Day for Everything
Wednesday, Week 35
131.0
NoSEating
B: oatmeal, coffee with cream
L: chicken pot pie, apple
D: lasagne, buttered toast
JustMoveIt
walked to/from work
Yesterday I had to miss my walk, and I mean that in both ways! But, last time I had a few days I couldn't walk, I was freaking out! I was so afraid my habit had been ruined and I'd never get back on track. But, this time I hardly noticed. This morning I just got out of bed and walked to work, like I always do. In fact, yesterday I put on my walking clothes and then got in my car. :) I realized it is most definitely "automated" to walk to work!!
StrategicSpending
All Clear
KidsUnplugged
Good to Go
RaisingReaders
We are starting Voyage of the Dawn Treader tonight. Update: completed 1 hour reading.
14MinuteMadness
I got 7 minutes done, then got kid-ruppted. :) I'll start the timer again.....right now! Update: completed
Last edited by automatedeating on Thu Apr 24, 2014 1:04 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

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

Post by eschano » Thu Apr 24, 2014 11:22 am

Hi Auto, just catching up on your thread. I don't even know what to pick out here as there are so many amazing insights here!

I'm delighted about your LAM! I think of you as organised as well. Surely, organized people are just people with systems (conscious or unconscious). I am delighted your student saw the weightloss! Sometimes it just takes a person who doesn't see you regularly to notice.

And all in all: you rock!
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

Kookie
Posts: 250
Joined: Tue Dec 06, 2011 1:51 pm

Post by Kookie » Thu Apr 24, 2014 5:12 pm

Wow wow wow! Hi auto! Maybe you could just call yourself 'automated' without the caveat of 'eating'. Actually no, that makes you sound like a robot which is certainly not the case, you are a wise and wonderful and sensitive soul with a lovely way with words...

I have been away from NoS for many moons and logged on this morning to fulfill my 'to do list' task to post here and get back in the groove...but I got side-tracked by your thread which was totally absorbing. I'm such a geek and love automating my life - it sort of 'throws a bone' to my pre-frontal cortex so that I am freed up to....worry! That is going to change, I'm working on a 'soul food plan' now ;-)

Anyway just to say that you are making such incredible progress in so many areas - take heart dear heart!. Reading your train of thought on various topics (particularly loved your body conversing with you thing...so cute and how wonderful) has really inspired me to start paying more attention to my body (which I'm trying to automate as well) and to getting back to these boards.

Regarding the anxiety, I'm so sorry it's got to the point that you are considering medication. I love the idea of breathing/meditation/self-hypnosis instead!! I am weaning myself off my anti-anxiety medication. It just made me so numb. My friend is having huge success with something called The Linden Method but I think it doesn't go deep enough..or something. It doesn't appeal to me anyway. I'm looking into meditation (currently doing 10 mins a day of Heartmath using a little thingy I plug into my iphone) and want to get into Buteyko breathing (no idea what it is yet).

Anyway, I've spent all day reading your thread and now it's time to leave the office so I better go but just wanted to say yay! and go you! and whoop whoop!

I'll leave posting on my own blog for tomorrow, this has been a lovely re-introduction to posting again.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Imogen Morley
Posts: 1022
Joined: Sun Mar 21, 2010 1:11 pm

Post by Imogen Morley » Fri Apr 25, 2014 11:27 am

auto, thanks for the brilliant suggestion about S-days! I'm going to re-read your weekend posts to see how I could improve in this area based on your example :)

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

Post by automatedeating » Fri Apr 25, 2014 1:48 pm

Thanks for checking in on my thread, Kookie and Imogen! :) Welcome back, Kookie, nice to "see" you on the boards! And I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions re: my anxiety
Eschano, glad you're back and I look forward to reading about how much fun you had!!

Thursday, Week 35
Everything N Day
NoSEating-N Day
B: coffee with cream
L: lasagne, apple, chips
D: filet mignon bites, chicken nuggets
I did virtual plating, but it was heavily influenced by my emotions. My husband didn't like the filet mignon bites I had baked, and so I ate all of his. I was kind of mad about it, because my pride was hurt that he didn't like them, so I just stuffed them all in my mouth. Luckily, it all fit on one plate, but my goodness, that was a walk down emotional eating lane. I seem to be entering a tough phase in which I am more tempted by emotional eating than I have been in ... months? I'm thinking it hasn't felt quite like this since I first started NoS and realized my emotional eating tendencies. Not sure what the trigger is, but I'll just ride it out. Snacking is not an option.
JustMoveIt-N Day
Walked to/from work
StrategicSpending-N Day
All Clear
Having a bit of a pity party realizing how much money I've pissed away in the past few years that we could have been saving, or paying off student loans, or, or, or!!!! I guess that's just part of the financial rehabilitation process though (hahahahahah)--getting to the point where I see how all that financial "snacking" has affected me over the years.
KidsUnplugged-N Day
All Clear, but oh so hard today. I got home from work and was just depressed. Not anxious today, it's like I'm so worn out I'm just flat out depressed right now. After dinner, I locked myself in the bathroom and turned the fan on really loud and took a bubble bath and read the next Susanna Kearsley novel--The Firebird. Good escape, but otherwise I was wanting to say, "Watch TV! Play video games! Leave me alone!" My dear husband played a game with them, at least. I had no desire to interact with anyone, really.
RaisingReaders-N Day
Easily read an hour; goal today was only 20 minutes, so no problem.

14MinuteMadness!!-N Day
FAIL FAIL FAIL Oh man. I'm just not sure how to make this always work. Here's the deal: I suspect that my personal resources are just maxed out in this life. I left for work at 6:30, worked my arse off without breaks until 3pm. I walked home, got there at 4, read to my kids, fixed dinner, spaced out in the bathtub, then read some more to them before crashing to sleep at 9.

I technically had the time to do my 14minutes, but depression really inhibited my productivity. I can honestly say, looking back to last night, that I just didn't have it in me. It's one thing to have the 14 minutes, but it's another to just be at your maxed out point. Nothing left to give.

I'm not sure--what do y'all think? I see two options: one is to adjust my 14MinuteMadness rules (like I ended up doing with RaisingReaders by reducing the minutes I needed to read on certain days; and I have 2 S Days); or I can just tell myself I need to suck it up and stop having red days!!!
Well, after writing that, I tend toward the 2 S Days..... I know that my house really shouldn't have days where I don't do any cleaning, but I also know I am setting myself up for failure to do it every single day.

I guess the next step would be to figure out which days are typically my most exhausted and then make those S Days. I'm going to go see which days I failed this week and make those my S Days for next week.

Update: This week I failed on T and Th. Both of those are typically very long days with no breaks, and I am just plum tuckered when I get home. OK, so that's it then: for the remainder of this quarter, anyway, T and Th get to be S days for 14MinuteMadness.

Hmmmm, that means:
NoSEating S days: Saturday and Sunday
JustMoveIt S days: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
StrategicSpending S Days: Fridays (only shopping essentials), Saturdays and Sundays
KidsUnplugged S Days: Friday 5pm-Sunday
RaisingReaders S Days: Tuesdays and Saturdays
14MinuteMadness S Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays

Well, when I write it all out like that it doesn't seem that weird. It definitely flows with my current work schedule. I'll have to reevaluate some things when summer break arrives.
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 Apr 25, 2014 2:32 pm

regarding old habits: makes perfect sense to me.
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)

Kookie
Posts: 250
Joined: Tue Dec 06, 2011 1:51 pm

Post by Kookie » Fri Apr 25, 2014 4:13 pm

Financial 'snacking' - brilliant! I'm now stalking the notion of not spending on N days too...I've been keeping all my figures for about 5 years and whilst it is a momumental achievement for me, it has felt like an info gathering exercise rather than an aid in terms of saving...although having said that I am out of debt with a nice pot of savings (which I'm spending on various 'vanity' projects). Anyway point is I'm ready for some boundaries.

Love the 14 minutes of madness although it is a tall order for you, i can see that! Could you alternate 14 minutes then 7 minutes then 14 then 7 etc? Just what popped into my head although seems like you figured it out in the end anyway :wink:

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

Post by automatedeating » Sat Apr 26, 2014 10:31 pm

Friday, Week 35
NoSEating
B: coffee with cream
L: lasagne, apple
D: 2 cheese/bean quesadillas with guacamole
wine
JustMoveIt-S Day
Rest Day
StrategicSpending-S Day
Didn't buy anything
KidsUnplugged-N Day until 5pm
Made it
RaisingReaders-N Day
FAIL :oops:
14MinuteMadness-N Day
FAIL :oops:

Hmm, yes, 2 fails today.

What makes the difference between NoSEating and 14MinuteMadness or RaisingReaders? The one I have never had a red day (although quite a few "funny stuff" days); the others I have failed left and right.

In the moment of the fail, I usually am thinking something along the lines of, "I've given all I have to give, there's nothing left". So either I am lying to myself (entirely possible, I admit), or my life just has days like that because I am extremely busy doing very tiring things. I tend to think the latter is the truth. So, I think I'll leave RaisingReaders alone for the time being. I think the system has increased how much I read to the kids, so that's worth something. 14MinuteMadness, on the other hand, has made me dread cleaning so much that all day today (Saturday) I have avoided my regular chores. Hmmmmm. Ok, how about this for next week? What if I try EveryMinuteHelps, and I'll just the set the timer for whatever I feel up to..... that could be just literally 1 minute of picking up, or it could be 14 minutes if I feel more normal.

I think a system has to be "easy" enough to be successful, or we just discourage ourselves from any effort at all. For example, JustMoveIt is as easy as it gets, exercise-wise: I walk to work. Even when I've had a cold, I've managed it this year! So it may not make me buff, but it has changed me from sedentary to reasonably active on a regular basis. It's never so hard that I think, "I just don't have it in me."

When I hear words of exhaustion in my head, I end up red.

Saturday, Week 35
NoSEating
B: toast with butter, coffee with milk
L: 4 hershey kisses, 4 mini-Reese's PB cups, few grapes, Diet Coke
D: pasta with marinara sauce, salad, roll, few bites of a so-so brownie
JustMoveIt
Rest Day
StrategicSpending
Grocery shopping and got gas. Some great things to report here: we've kept our grocery purchases to milk, eggs, and fruit for the past 3 weekends and are living out of our pantry/freezer. We have one more week to go, I already have our meals planned. And I am keeping track of every penny. We even put a nice amount in the savings account this month! That's essential because in the summer I don't get paid and we always run out of money by August! Not this year, emergencies exempted!!! We are going out to dinner Friday night as a family to celebrate making it through a large chunk of our frozen foods--even the gross ones!
KidsUnplugged
My 4-yr old has been glued to the boob tube today, but hey, it's an S Day, and......you know what I'm going to say, right? I'm just too worn out to do much of anything to get him more active today.
RaisingReaders--S Day
Reading Rest Day
One thing I should note is that from time to time when I poop out on the reading (even on planned days like today), those are the days when my husband will read to the kids. So even though I am not Super Mom, I don't have to do it alone, because my husband can pick up the slack.
EveryMinuteHelps--N Day Big Time
Not ANYTHING yet..... wait, I'll go se the timer for 1 minute right now. Update: 5 minutes. :)
Last edited by automatedeating on Sun Apr 27, 2014 4:29 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

User avatar
BrightAngel
Posts: 2093
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2008 4:22 pm
Location: Central California
Contact:

Post by BrightAngel » Sun Apr 27, 2014 12:11 am

automatedeating wrote:I think a system has to be "easy" enough to be successful,
or we just discourage ourselves from any effort at all.
I agree :)
BrightAngel - (Dr. Collins)
See: DietHobby. com

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

Post by lpearlmom » Sun Apr 27, 2014 7:08 am

Yay for 5 mins and for some money in the bank!

My pantry is overflowing so thinking about living out it next week. Not sure we could do a whole month though!
: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 Apr 27, 2014 12:57 pm

Auto, regarding a comment you made that you felt as if you had lost a battle one day because you felt your main motivation for eating was emotional: that's the crux of the struggle I've been having for several months in this the beginning of my fifth year. I've written about it previously on my thread but feel I got it a little more clearly thought out just this morning, so I"m posting it there. But suffice it to say here that I don't really believe any other eating system will really make that problem go away permanently, so I'm staying with No S- my eating-husband for life!
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 » Sun Apr 27, 2014 7:00 pm

Sunday, Week 36
NoSEating-S Day
B: coffee with milk, hashbrowns, eggs
L: 4 hershey's kisses, one mini Reese's PB cup, few handfuls of grapes, diet coke
Dessert: chocolate milkshake
D: teriyaki chicken and garlic pasta
JustMoveIt-S Day
Rest Day
StrategicSpending-S day
All Clear So Far
KidsUnplugged--S Day
The Kindle that the 8-yr-old played on isn't charging anymore, so now both kids are sharing/fighting over my iPad. One has a birthday in an odd month, the other in an even month, so we decided that one gets odd hours, the other even hours. :)
RaisingReaders-N Day
Already got in 30 minutes!
EveryMinuteHelps!-N Day
Completed 2 14-minute sessions so far.
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

ironchef
Posts: 1630
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2012 10:12 am
Location: Australia

Post by ironchef » Mon Apr 28, 2014 4:48 am

Hey auto,
Just catching up on your thread and wanted to pop in and say how well you are doing. Well done on the savings this month!

Also, I'm pleased you changed the "14minutesofmadness" title and approach. I was actually wanting to say something previously, but couldn't work out how to put it. Here goes: I don't like to make cleaning into a race / adrenalin surge / frenzy type thing. I have a lot of sources of stress, energy drain and interruption in my life, so I feel like my habits need to add peace. I'm working on doing whatever I can for 5 minutes (or 7, or 14), rather than as much as I can in 5 minutes. Some days I'm full of beans, somedays not, but on low energy days I might just sit, sort and recycle a bit of junk mail. It still helps. Your new name for the habit is great :)

Anyway, please ignore if not applicable.

Kookie
Posts: 250
Joined: Tue Dec 06, 2011 1:51 pm

Post by Kookie » Mon Apr 28, 2014 10:22 am

Hey auto! I too LOVE the 'Everyminutehelps' title...mind if I get in on that act?? Just to flesh it out for myself, I've decided to write a sort of general list of chores that need doing to give me ideas for my daily house-cleaning. I don't HAVE to stick to the list but if I'm feeling indecisive I can just have a look and pick a task. So this evening I am going to 'clean my makeup brushes'. It'll probably only take 10 mins but if I do something - anything - every day I am sure I will begin to enjoy staying on top of it all. Such a great idea of yours and the answer to my house cleaning issues so thanks for sharing! :P

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

Post by eschano » Mon Apr 28, 2014 11:42 am

Ah auto - I love your systems! And thanks a lot for stopping by my thread and your support.
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

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

Post by automatedeating » Tue Apr 29, 2014 12:42 am

Monday, Week 36
NoSEating-N Day
B: coffee with cream
L: teriyaki chicken, grapes, apple, string cheese
D: spaghetti with freezer-burnt meat sauce....can't wait 'til this week is over and we can go grocery shopping. :)
JustMoveIt-N Day
walked to/from work
walked with my 4-yr old while he rode his bike
StrategicSpending-N Day
exception today: $100 for 8-yr old to enroll in a summer golf day camp.
Otherwise, all clear.
KidsUnplugged-N Day
All clear, but right now (as I'm getting dinner ready), the 4-yr old is still whining that he wishes it were still the weekend so he could watch something.
RaisingReaders-N Day
Still need to log one hour
Update: made it!
EveryMinuteHelps-N Day
Nothing yet....I should do this now while the pasta is boiling! :)
Update: 5 minutes

Kookie, of course you can use any of these names or systems. In fact, please trouble-shoot them for me! :lol:

ironchef, I so get now what you were concerned about. I just have a tendency to try to make myself be "on" all the time. I think I have a deep-seated fear that I am a lot more lazy than my friends with clean houses. Truly, it's probably more complicated than just "I'm lazy." In the future, don't hesitate to let me know if you see a red flag like that. I won't say that I never get defensive (haha), but it's good for me to hear truth spoken from well-meaning NoSers.

eschano, how did you get so wise in just 31 years? Are you a time-traveler like the girl in The Rose Garden (by Susanna Kearsley, great book, by the way)? :) I am referring of course to not just your fantabulous post for Kookie, but countless others. Does anything rock you?

8 Month Epiphanies
OK, so here after 8 months of NoS, a quick summary of what I have noticed this month:
*For the first time since I started, I am occasionally (and voluntarily--no diet head) choosing to put smaller portions on my plate, trusting that it will fill me up, and then having the self-rewarding experience of feeling full and great and not hungry after the meal. FIRST time in 8 months. I am no longer ALWAYS piling up my plate. Lesson learned? Don't be afraid to pile up the plates at first; eventually I have begun to "know" how much I need. I still finish my plate instinctively; and like Reinhard and Oolala mention, I am going to let that fly and not try to fight it.

*I am beginning to realize I don't need as much food as I thought I did to fill up. Weird to realize that; I've always imagined myself as having a gigantic appetite. That's either changing, or I never recognized it correctly.

*I have phases of "really hungry" for a week or so and then phases of "not very hungry" for a week or so. It all kind of balances out. Linda, if you're reading this, it is kind of neat to see the wisdom of my body, and be able to listen to it (within the confines of some reasonable NoS guidelines). It actually is a very sensual and rewarding experience to come to the table and happily share that "I'm really hungry" and then devour a tasty meal. It is also neat to look back on an evening in which I recognized that 1 chicken breast (rather than 2) would be adequate to fill me up, and then find out i was right. If I'm wrong, the next meal is never too far away. :)

So, to sum up, I guess this month has been my first experience with what some NoSers talk about regarding finding themselves naturally filling their plates with less food. There is no coercion, no motive other than looking for a good meal that fills me up, but doesn't stuff me.

I have begun to question/consider my definition of overeating. In the past, it was limited to "eating so much food I feel sick". Well, now I consider it to be eating food when I am not truly hungry. But honestly, I couldn't have made that definition change 8 months ago--I didn't know what it MEANT to be truly hungry. Ah, NoS, you've changed (and are changing) my life.
Last edited by automatedeating on Tue Apr 29, 2014 4:05 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

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

Post by lpearlmom » Tue Apr 29, 2014 3:09 am

Yay--awesome stuff auto! And just so you know I meant to trust yourself within a structure too. Too many eating opportunities are disastrous. Anyway really happy for you. I feel like your journey is going to be really helpful to a lot of people.

FYI I somehow imagined you were eating tiny portions already and thought that was probably why you were losing weight & why I wasn't ever going to lose weight on NoS. This new insight into how the nos process unfolds gives me some new hope.

So Thanks!! :D
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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

Post by eschano » Tue Apr 29, 2014 9:44 am

Auto, you are so sweet! Thank you but believe me I am in fact so far removed from wisdom that I just learn EVERYTHING the hard way ;)

As for your clean house: are you sure those people don't have a cleaner? Or that something much more valuable than a clean house, such as spending quality time reading to their children has not suffered instead? I think you're doing brilliantly.

Also, delighted about your NoS insights. I fluctuate between hungry days and less-hungry days too. Usually, my cycle also affects how ravenous I am. And I often have a lighter lunch and a bigger dinner or the other way around.
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

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

Post by Diligence » Tue Apr 29, 2014 4:27 pm

auto, thanks for continuing to share your insights and experiences here. I enjoy learning from you. I'm glad to see you're cutting yourself some slack/being more realistic in relation to your life with some of your non-eating systems/goals. It's neat to read about your various systems, but it's also great to hear how you're adjusting them to meet your specific life.

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

Post by automatedeating » Wed Apr 30, 2014 12:49 am

Diligence, thanks for stopping by! :)
Eschano, thanks for reminding me that I have to prioritize, and since I work, my limited time at home needs to be filled with things that will matter forever. And, being the nerdy bookworm that I am, books shaped who I am and I always remember them: I hope I can pass even a little of that joy of reading on to my kids. And housework, sheesh, I make them do most of their own (laundry, bedroom, bathroom), so actually--that's probably better for them anyway! :lol:
Linda, me eat tiny portions?! Hahahaha, that is pretty funny, because I eat A LOT compared to my friends. They raise eyebrows. :) But, I can honestly say that my portions have decreased a little, from time to time, over 8 months. Of course there is hope for you! Don't you think you lost about 15-20 pounds on NoS? That is fantastic progress! You have lost more than I have, for sure.

Tuesday, Week 36
131.1
NoSEating-N Day
B: coffee with cream
L: spaghetti, apple
D: fish sticks, soup
JustMoveIt-N Day
walked to work
StrategicSpending-N Day
All Clear
KidsUnplugged-N Day
All Clear
RaisingReaders-N Day
Need to log 20 minutes--did it!
EveryMinuteHelps-N Day
Nothing yet... :oops: nothing...stay tuned for version 3.0 on this system! :)
Last edited by automatedeating on Wed Apr 30, 2014 7:48 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

User avatar
Dandelion
Posts: 696
Joined: Tue Sep 15, 2009 2:42 am

Post by Dandelion » Wed Apr 30, 2014 3:25 pm

Very interesting insights. I don't have a lot of time to comment right now, but I am following your thread with interest :)
'I do think the way to a full and healthy life is to adopt the sensible system of small helpings, no seconds, no snacking, and a little bit of everything. Above all, have a good time.' Julia Child

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

Post by automatedeating » Thu May 01, 2014 3:44 am

Wednesday, Week 36
130.6
NoSEating
B: coffee with cream
L: spaghetti, apple, grapes
D: pizza, popcorn
JustMoveIt
walked to/from work
walked around neighborhood with the boys
StrategicSpending
All Clear, one exception: $25 deposit for 4-yr-old Birthday party reservation
KidsUnplugged--S Day
My husband and I are going out of town tomorrow for two nights to celebrate our anniversary. We decided tonight for a couple hours after dinner would be an impromptu S Day for electronics. It gave me a chance to pack up for the kids and for me.
RaisingReaders--S Day
Impromptu, see above
NotReadyForMore
Forget this cleaning system! I am so not ready for it yet. Back to my old system, that has been "functional" this whole school year--I do odd cleaning now and then on weekdays, then get all my chores done on the weekend. Not necessarily a system that makes the house pretty on Thursday (!), but we've been surviving with it. Back to that for the time being. I think I have finally found my "max" out point for systems. It bumped squarely into my house!

Well, my husband and I are heading out tomorrow for a couple day get-away to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. 2 nights away is unheard of for us! It's pretty exciting. I'm taking Friday as a NWS day.
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 May 01, 2014 4:14 am

Yay--have an amazing time! Good for you for realizing your limits. I don't think anyone looks back on their life wishing they spent more time cleaning. You have your priorities straight & I think that's great.

Have a wonderful time!

PS I have no idea how much weight I've lost since it'd been forever since I weighed myself but onward!
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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

Post by eschano » Thu May 01, 2014 9:43 am

lpearlmom wrote:I don't think anyone looks back on their life wishing they spent more time cleaning. You have your priorities straight & I think that's great.
Lol Linda! I agree.

Auto, happy anniversary! How amazing, 15 years. Have the best two days!

NotReadyForMore made me laugh out loud so much! I think you have enough systems in place anyways. Love reading about them.
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

sweetaj
Posts: 52
Joined: Thu Jul 05, 2012 9:33 pm

Post by sweetaj » Thu May 01, 2014 2:56 pm

Yes, forget the cleaning system, haha!! I think that the habits we put into place should make our life more enjoyable, and while a clean house is enjoyable, the process is only enjoyable if someone else is doing the cleaning!

I hate to clean. And we just found out that my husband has dust allergies!!! I told him I hope his insurance pays to hire a cleaning person. :lol:
Restarting Feb 16, 2015
2/16 177.6

User avatar
Dandelion
Posts: 696
Joined: Tue Sep 15, 2009 2:42 am

Post by Dandelion » Thu May 01, 2014 11:23 pm

I'm still trying to find a cleaning system that works for me. I figured out cooking, but cleaning? Not so much. Mostly I'm too tired when I get home. And then there is all the homework....

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

Jill d
Posts: 67
Joined: Tue Nov 26, 2013 3:27 pm

Post by Jill d » Fri May 02, 2014 1:03 am

I hope you have a great weekend away, auto! I see you've been dealing with some insomnia, as have I-----SO NOT FUN! I hope you get some well needed rest and relaxation.
"A small daily task, if it be really daily, will beat the labour of a spasmodic Hercules." -Anthony Trollope

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

Post by eschano » Fri May 02, 2014 11:01 am

thanks for your lovely reply on my thread auto! Hope you're enjoying your time away.
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

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

Post by automatedeating » Fri May 02, 2014 12:58 pm

Thursday, Week 36
NoSEating--S Day
B: coffee with cream
L: chicken pot pie
D: taco salad, ate some french fries off hubby's plate
Dessert: part of a piece of fudge cake
snacks: bite of hubby's hamburger, few more fries
too much wine! :lol:
JustMoveIt
walked to work
StrategicSpending-S Day
Wow--hotel, meals, good thing I've been more frugal lately so we can afford this special outing!
NoKiddosWithMe!!
:wink:
I'm sure no one is surprised that I miss them, though!

About 5 seconds into our journey to the hotel, I realized I had every intention of taking Thursday as an S Day, as well as Friday. It's not every day (or year) that I'll celebrate my 15th anniversary.
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 May 02, 2014 11:35 pm

Friday, Week 36
NoSEating-S Day Whooooo-hooooo I'm partying! ;)
B: coffee with cream, hashbrowns, eggs, bacon, english muffin
L: couple more bites of that delicious fudge cake piece, a bite of bread, 1 chocolate piece
A shot of scotch (can you say, "burns"?) :) and a glass of wine
D: burger and fries, diet coke
Dessert: finished off the fudge piece of cake
JustMoveIt--S Day
5 mile hike on gorgeous mountains overlooking the ocean; weather was perfect!!
StrategicSpending--S Day
yep, spending money today!
NoKidsAround--S Day ;)
The babysitter sent a couple cute texts about what the boys are up to. I really appreciate this because it eases my separation anxiety so that I can truly enjoy myself--which I am doing thoroughly. We are taking a nap break after we had a swim and a sit in the hot tub. Ahhhhhhh

Having a great time, really feel this deep relaxation that my body needs (well OK the scotch probably helped....) :lol:
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 » Sun May 04, 2014 1:08 am

Saturday, Week 36
NoSEating-S Day
B: hashbrowns, eggs, bacon, english muffin, orange juice, coffee with cream
L: 10 pieces chocolate (!)
D: beef macaroni, oatmeal raisin cookie, chocolate cookie, milk
JustMoveIt-S Day
StrategicSpending-S Day
$300 at Costco. What the ?!
bought birthday presents for 4-yr-old (not much longer until he's "the 5-yr-old")
$220 to sign up the 8-yr old for a football team. Uh-oh, something this tells me this is only the beginning of sports expenses. I'll have to add a line into the budget for "kid activities"!
recorded all the expenses from our outing in my budget, and in the expense ledger. We overspent by 20% on our anniversary outing.
We need to save for two reasons, 1 practical and the other fun. 1. I don't get paid in the summer and I don't want to run out of money and have to live on credit cards before fall quarter starts. 2. We want to save $3000 to go to California at Christmas to visit LOTS of family and cousins, and go to Disneyland! So this month with a birthday and our anniversary is a tough one, but then we'll tighten up the belt further.

Here's what I have found necessary to track expenses and keep a budget:
1. budget book. Each expense is recorded in a category. At the end of the month I can compare what I predicted I'd spend and what I actually spent. The budget must be remade each month, since some months have more expected expenditures than others. I'd imagine after a year, you could see which months require the most money, etc.
2. Expense ledger. This is the part of the system I initially balked at, but now I love it. On the left page I have credit cards. Each expense charged on the credit card is listed. Then at any moment I can see what the credit card balance is. We have two credit cards--one we use for many many things; the other just has 2 or 3 regular things.
The right side of the page has the checking account balance and each transaction--whether it's a cash withdrawal or a bill payment. At any moment, I can see what our checking account balance is. (Yes, this is basically like a checkbook register)
The bottom of that page has a listing of what all the cash was used for: babysitters, school lunches, etc.
3. Clip together all the receipts and bills from the month, then use an index card with MAY written on it. At the end of this month, I will staple the pile together, file it with the previous months, and then begin clipping new receipts in the "active" month, with an index card clipped to the front that says JUNE.

I can't tell you how many times I have considered going back to Excel to try to track everything there--or with an app or with Microsoft Access or Quicken or you-name-it. However, there are drawbacks to the electronic systems that keep me doing what I'm doing:
1. I can see everything easily. No tiny screen, no flipping between Excel "sheets", etc. I can lay out both books in front of me and go to town.
2. It takes LESS time to open up my budget book and quickly record the expense (granted, I have each expense in TWO places: the budget book and the expense ledger) than the time it takes me to drag out the laptop, log on and go find my document. The tiny inconveniences are huge when it comes to building habits.
3. This one is actually more of a defense against the electronics advantage--the math. I don't mind using my calculator to add everything up, so it's not a burden to me. I wondered about this at the beginning, but it's turned out that the task is actually a satisfying one (adding up columns and categories, that is). In fact, it's far more rewarding to "see" how organized our finances are by doing all that math than it is to "see" the figures that the Excel document calculated for me. Interesting psychological insight into what makes me tick. And it's not as if we have so many transactions in any given month that I am spending tons of time doing the math. It's just a couple minutes worth each weekend, really.

I like to reflect back on StrategicSpending. It began as a commitment to not spend money on weekdays. It's original name was NoSpending. See, we had planned to go to California LAST December, but we didn't have any money to do it. I felt ashamed, because I think we make enough money that we should have been able to save for that trip. I think that is what really spurred me to cut out the frivolous spending (kindle book purchases, lattes, and toys the kids were bored with in a matter of days).

Anyway, by March it was clear that NoSpending was changing my life and bringing structure to our spending. But even though I'd been tracking expenses, I wasn't clear on how much money we even made in a month, let alone how much we were spending in total.

My Excel documents were not very well-designed (by me). So I scrapped them and went to paper-based budgeting tools. Now, after doing everything by hand for a little over a month, I am starting to realize WHAT information I have to record, and WHERE I should record it so that I can answer those questions any time I want: how much money did I make this month? How much did I spend and what did I spend it on? And then the third question begins to have an answer: Where can I reduce spending in my life?
I have goals now for why I don't want to buy lattes or clothes I don't need, or toys my kids don't need, or books I can borrow for free, or restaurant food that I don't need.
The goals are:
1. pay off second mortgage by May 1, 2015
2. Go to Disneyland and visit relatives at Christmas (Dec 2014)

I think that the skills I'm learning by doing the budget by hand will help me successfully translate the information to designing a more functional Excel document down the road, if I so choose. It's kind of like requiring students to make graphs by hand at first, so they understand how they work, before allowing them to computer-generate graphs.

KidsUnplugged-S Day
They've been playing with friends and playing video games.
RaisingReaders-S Day
I am SO glad it's an S Day. After getting back from our get-away, I just want to lay around. It's always a bit tricky getting back into routine after time away.
Last edited by automatedeating on Sun May 04, 2014 4:41 pm, edited 6 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

friscobob
Posts: 91
Joined: Tue Jan 24, 2006 1:57 am

Keep It Up!

Post by friscobob » Sun May 04, 2014 3:50 am

You are doing well with your diet and exercise it appears, and being a home engineer, teacher, and accountant as well! I notice your diet is pretty structured and is working for you. Myself, I have a semi structured diet, but do adhere to No S principles. My key is before every meal no matter what, I drink two glasses of water. This allows me to rise above temptation for foods that are not good for me. Even at social events where cake and other goodies are served, I only "sample", by just taking a taste and no more, giving me a feeling of overcoming and empowering myself. Best regards.
Health Is The Greatest Wealth!

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

Post by lpearlmom » Sun May 04, 2014 3:45 pm

Awesome on the budgeting. It gives me palpitations to read through your budgeting stuff but I'm so happy for you and makes so much sense to save for the big stuff instead of spending on frivolous items.

Disneyland will be a blast!

Btw, I see we both have May babies! :D
:twisted: SW: 210 lbs
CW: 172
GW:160

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

Post by automatedeating » Mon May 05, 2014 3:02 am

Linda, I'm so sorry to give you palpitations! I think it does the same thing to my husband--he just wants me to not stress him out about the details of our finances! So I enjoy talking about it on this forum. If it drives everyone here crazy, better y'all than my husband (no offense, but marriage ain't no cake-walk!) :)

Sunday, Week 37
NoSEating--S Day
B: 2.5 bowls of honey nut cheerios, coffee with cream, oatmeal raisin cookie
L: tuna fish sandwich, chips, diet coke
Dessert: ice cream cake, 7 more pieces of chocolate
snacks: 2 plates of chips and salsa, copious quantities of carrots, peppers, cucumbers and yogurt dipping sauce. True to form, all those veggies gave me bad gas. Does that happen to anyone else? It's pretty much predictable for me.
JustMoveIt-S Day
KidsUnplugged-S Day
We were at a birthday party on a farm, so mostly outside play with other kiddos. But we're having some nice wind-down time right now, before we read.
RaisingReaders-N Day
Still need to log 20 minutes
Update: :oops: FAIL

I just posted this idea on Dandelion's thread, but I thought it worth repeating here:

Right now NoS is a little tough for me. I see it on my S Days, which have been a little wild. I contemplated that just because I will beat this tough spot, it does not mean that I will not encounter this exact same tough spot again. Habits don't work that way. Habitual living requires fighting the same damn little battles over and over again, and not to be taken surprise by the same temptation rearing its ugly old head.

I guess I have marriage on the mind again, but the analogy fits: in marriage, the same underlying issues plague a couple for their entire marriage. It's almost like they are fighting the same fight decade after decade. I believe NoS is probably going to be like that. But, to end on a somewhat happy note, marriages thrive and couples can laugh about their "same ole' fight"; maybe NoS can thrive in my life, even though I know the same ole' temptations to graze and fill my "empty" spot with food will never go away. There will just be times when it rears its snack-food-covered-head. :) And the solution is always the same: don't eat until mealtime.
Last edited by automatedeating on Mon May 05, 2014 1:14 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

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

Post by lpearlmom » Mon May 05, 2014 5:18 am

Auto: you should definitely feel free to post whatever you want on your thread. It's not like you're forcing anyone to read it. I was just teasing ya because May is an expensive month for us with both the girls bdays and mine squeezed in between them and Mother's Day too of course.

Sorry you're having a rough spot with nos but admire you're maturity to stick it out instead of doing what I do which is try to mess with a good thing. It is like marriage in the fact that you just have to take the idea of opting out off the table. I think that's what DH & I have done. That and I tend to blow everything off these days. Most things just aren't worth fighting over IMO.

Hang tight!

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

ironchef
Posts: 1630
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2012 10:12 am
Location: Australia

Post by ironchef » Mon May 05, 2014 5:50 am

Auto, you are my budgeting hero - go you!

You made me smile with your description of your husband. My husband is the same way - he tells me "show me your nice graph at the end of the month if you like, but keep the rest to yourself". I guess that it is kind of nice to have that autonomy and having the control and visibility does keep anxiety in check, but sometimes it feels like a lot of responsibility to earn almost all of our money and also keep track of how we save, spend, invest, etc. Stupid being a grown up...grumble...I wanna do play-doh....grumble...

r.jean
Posts: 1653
Joined: Fri Dec 24, 2010 7:47 pm
Location: Midwest

Post by r.jean » Mon May 05, 2014 1:12 pm

Wow you are a tracking pro. I tracked my finances a lot more when I was younger, and we were raising three children. You will be happy you did this when you are comfortable in your retirement.
The journey is the reward.
Maintenance is progress.

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

Post by eschano » Mon May 05, 2014 8:29 pm

Auto, I love your thread. Because of you I got inspired to properly look into personal finance and got lots of great tips from the internet that I hadn't thought about yet.

Also, yes, some weeks are tough but all in all it's easy compared to other things.

I liked your analogy to a marriage :)
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

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

Post by automatedeating » Mon May 05, 2014 11:30 pm

Well, thanks everybody for the compliments, but honestly, the reason I'm tracking is because my finances have been a wreck. I keep thinking about all the money we've wasted over the years and I feel so ashamed. But that is not helpful, is it? It's sort of like beating myself up over failed N Days, which is not productive. But it's so hard to not think of myself--I should have this together! I should know how to handle my finances by this point in my life! Ah, well, onward.

Monday, Week 37
132.5
NoSEating-N Day
B: small piece of cheese, coffee with cream
L: chicken pot pie, chips, apple
D: spaghetti
JustMoveIt-N Day
walked to/from work
StrategicSpending-N Day
All Clear
KidsUnplugged-N Day
All Clear
RaisingReaders-N Day
need to log 1 hour--have completed 45 minutes already
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 » Tue May 06, 2014 4:31 pm

Auto, just to let you know, I decided to do a mini-StrategicSpending by making Mondays and Tuesdays no-spending days. Nothing compared to your system but I'm already finding this crazy hard ;)
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

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

Post by automatedeating » Tue May 06, 2014 5:29 pm

You should name your system, SavingToBuyAYacht--wasn't that one of your great ones? :)
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 » Wed May 07, 2014 12:22 am

Tuesday, Week 37
132.4
NoSEating-N Day
B: coffee with cream
L: spaghetti, apple, chips
D: breaded cod, green beans
JustMoveIt-N Day
walked to/from work
StrategicSpending-N Day
All Clear
KidsUnplugged-N Day
All Clear
RaisingReaders-N Day
Have 30 minutes to log Update: Made it!

I'm trying to just calmly observe, but occasionally I feel a bit of panic rise that my S Days are getting MORE wild. They were normal for months and months, in fact I wondered what all the fuss was about wild S Days. But the last month (or two?) I feel like I've become a terrible junk food addict on the weekends. I almost posted something on the general board, but decided to confine this fear to my own thread so that I don't freak others out. Has NoS trained me to eat junk on the weekend? OK, so that is a possibility. Another possibility is that I just notice the junk more right now. A third possibility is that this time of year I always eat more junk; in which case, NoS is preventing the normal gorge-fest.
Last edited by automatedeating on Wed May 07, 2014 11:08 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

User avatar
Dandelion
Posts: 696
Joined: Tue Sep 15, 2009 2:42 am

Post by Dandelion » Wed May 07, 2014 2:31 am

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

Imogen Morley
Posts: 1022
Joined: Sun Mar 21, 2010 1:11 pm

Post by Imogen Morley » Wed May 07, 2014 8:04 am

auto, I hear you about S-day worries. I've just posted a related question on the general board. It's not something I'd post there upfront, but I believe S-days can ingrain/reinforce binging habit in some of us. Weekday restriction can lead to weekend overindulgence and rebound effect. But maybe I'm wrong, and S-days do get tamer with time. Never got to that point myself.

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

Post by eschano » Wed May 07, 2014 8:54 am

Auto, I think you are going through something completely normal. If anything, it was not normal that you weren't an idiot before haha.

So yes, I think seasonality is a possibility - I know I eat a lot of junk this time of the year and in autumn. Somehow not in winter or summer.

Again, yes, you would notice it more. Sometimes I think I was a massive idiot on S days but then I honestly remember one of my pre-NoS days and in comparison my idiotic S day pales, especially considering that my pre-NoS day was everyday, not just on weekends.

Your fear is your biggest enemy here. Just stick to NoS, think about your N days and don't panic. This too will pass :) I wouldn't add a mod until I had at least 8-12 weeks of idotic S days in a row. Otherwise it might just be a phase. Remember, it's for the long haul.

If you crave a lot of junk I suggest you might try napping a bit on weekends - I noticed that part of why I need junk most in spring and autumn is because I'm most tired. Maybe it will help.

P.S.: you're right SavingToBuyAYacht was mine haha!
eschano - Vanilla rocks!

July 2012- January 2016
Started again January 2021

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

Post by automatedeating » Wed May 07, 2014 11:07 pm

Thanks, eschano. I'll try not to overthink things. Overall, I've lost weight and I'm probably eating way better than a year ago. I'm content, I'm at peace about my body and my food--why should I try to fix what's not broken?

Wednesday, Week 37
131.9
NoSEating-N Day
B: coffee with cream
L: PB&J; chips; apple; clementine
D: pot roast and mashed potatoes
JustMoveIt-N Day
walked to/from work
StrategicSpending-N Day
All Clear--Hey, keep it up eschano, for your "mini-StrategicSpending" experiment. :)
Update: Fail!!! My 8-yr old was having a meltdown while I was trying to get him finished with schoolwork and then off to swim lessons. Well, about 1/2 way to swim lessons, I realized that he hadn't eaten since lunch (see, even the kids don't do much snacking in this house anymore!!), and he was ravenous. So I broke down and bought him a granola bar before his swim lesson. I think there's a lot to be said for the old "after school snack" for growing kids. Really, it's just a small "4th" meal. I think I am going to become more intentional about planning that snack for the boys, with the same kind of rhthym and planning I use for breakfast, lunch and dinner for them.
KidsUnplugged-N Day
All Clear
Update--Emergency S evening! A friend needed me to watch her girls this evening--they will be here in a few minutes--and I am no Mary Poppins, so I am letting everyone turn their brains to mush tonight!!
RaisingReaders-N Day
1 hour to log
Update--Yikes! This is going to be ruined by babysitting tonight (sorry folks, I am not interested in trying to read to ALL of them at once....I'm just not that kind of mom). So last minute change--I will go for 20 minutes (instead of an hour) right before my boys go to sleep.

And last, I'll share a cute story from dinner:
4-yr-old: Can I have dessert?
Me: Eat some of your dinner if you'd like dessert later.
4-yr-old (plate nearly untouched): OK. (Silence as he shovels in 3 bites). I am so full that if I even THINK about another bite I'll get diarrhea. I know this about myself.

And who could resist that? So he happily scarfed his ice cream (somehow he had room, and somehow I don't think he'll be getting diarrhea). :)
Last edited by automatedeating on Thu May 08, 2014 1:01 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

ironchef
Posts: 1630
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2012 10:12 am
Location: Australia

Post by ironchef » Thu May 08, 2014 3:30 am

automatedeating wrote: I think there's a lot to be said for the old "after school snack" for growing kids. Really, it's just a small "4th" meal. I think I am going to become more intentional about planning that snack for the boys, with the same kind of rhthym and planning I use for breakfast, lunch and dinner for them.
Very much in keeping with No-S I think: in France the 4pm after school mini-meal is called "gouter" and is part of routine. I liked the story I read of someone in France overhearing a little child getting a pastry at the bakery and being told they could buy it, but needed to take it home to have at gouter.

Love that line from your 4 year old!

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

Post by lpearlmom » Thu May 08, 2014 1:40 pm

We definitely do a planned after school snack everyday & then the idea is kitchen closed till dinner. That way I know they'll be hungry enough to eat dinner and won't be permasnacking either.

I think it's normal to get a little burnt out after so many months of compliance. It may be that this is manifesting itself w wilder S days. With me it usually means I try to change things up. This will pass I'm certain. Hang tight!

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

Post Reply