Maggie Mae's daily check in

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

Moderators: Soprano, automatedeating

User avatar
Merry
Posts: 1658
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:14 am

Post by Merry » Thu Jun 02, 2016 4:48 am

MaggieMae wrote:Thanks, JackN! Doing great today. Feeling tempted this evening. I bought some soft chocolate chip cookies for my son. I hid them in the back of the pantry so I wouldn't see them every time I open the pantry door. I had to get some out for him earlier, and I was soooooo tempted. Now, I'm sitting here thinking I won't be able to do this. BUT, I'm going to take it one day at a time. Just worry about getting through this evening without snacking. I might have a ginger ale. That will help.
How'd it go last night, Maggie?

Hang in there! Put some cookies in a baggie for the weekend if you need to :).
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Fri Jun 03, 2016 3:48 am

Merry, last night was a success! Today, however...

Red day. Ugh. What is my problem. I have heartburn now and I'm glad. It's my punishment for eating like a pig. Feeling pretty hopeless. Tomorrow I'm supposed to only have an s event.... S'more's in the evening with my family. I'm so afraid I'll give in to temptation in the late afternoon when I start to get hungry. It's going to take an incredible miracle for me to not make it a full blown red day. I see posts from New people who seem to do so much better than me and form habits pretty quickly. I've been doing this since November and I'm still spinning my wheels. Why do I keep sabotaging myself.

User avatar
Merry
Posts: 1658
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:14 am

Post by Merry » Fri Jun 03, 2016 4:15 am

MaggieMae wrote:Merry, last night was a success! Today, however...

Red day. Ugh. What is my problem. I have heartburn now and I'm glad. It's my punishment for eating like a pig. Feeling pretty hopeless. Tomorrow I'm supposed to only have an s event.... S'more's in the evening with my family. I'm so afraid I'll give in to temptation in the late afternoon when I start to get hungry. It's going to take an incredible miracle for me to not make it a full blown red day. I see posts from New people who seem to do so much better than me and form habits pretty quickly. I've been doing this since November and I'm still spinning my wheels. Why do I keep sabotaging myself.
We're all different. Just take it one day at a time. Instead of comparing yourself to others, try to see your progress in the successes you do have, and then build on that. Last night you resisted chocolate chip cookies! That's awesome! I find those are one of my biggest temptations too. Think about that success that you had in that difficult situation tomorrow afternoon when you get the late afternoon munchies, to remind yourself that you can do this. Try to have a strategy in place (maybe an iced tea or some other drink you enjoy, maybe some gum to tide you over).

Sometimes I find that Thursday nights are a bit more challenging for me, because my first weekly S day is Friday--it's like my body is anticipating that special day! And I try to think, "Nah, you can do this for a few more hours, and then Friday you'll enjoy S day more." Sometimes looking forward to that special treat and knowing I'll want it guilt-free helps me.

Don't beat yourself up over failures. Just keep trying again. Hang in there!
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Fri Jun 03, 2016 4:53 am

Thank you, Merry, for your words of encouragement! Theymean a lot to me. I know what you mean about that feeling of anticipation the night before an S day. I get that, too! I almost always end up with a red day on Friday because I give in to sweets in the evening. I think theres also some other stressors causing the feeling of failure tonight. I'm not making as much money as I used to due to wanting to be home more for our son, and I've had some excess costs lately( birthday party/vacation, etc). I'm also realizing that I have completely lost my self identity since having our son. I used to play in a rock band and do all kinds of crafts. Now I do nothing. My son is my entire life. I think it's time I find something that I do that I enjoy again. Music took up too much time. I'm planning on scrapbooking our recent vacation. I'll start this weekend. I'm actually really excited! The last time I scrapbooked was 2008! It was a trip to a place in Ohio called the Wilds...a few weeks before our wedding. Sorry for rambling.

Tomorrow is a new day. Going to try to take your advice and have a game plan for the afternoon.

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

Post by lpearlmom » Fri Jun 03, 2016 5:43 am

Hang in there Maggie & try not to beat yourself up. Encourage, encourage, encourage like you would a young child trying to master a new skill. Sometimes ppl that seem new have really tried this many times before something finally clicked for them. This was the case with me.

So keep trying till it finally clicks with you. Just take each slip up as a lesson towards your goal. Learn what you can from it and get right back in there.

It'll happen for ya!

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

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Fri Jun 03, 2016 12:45 pm

Thanks, Linda! I'll keep trying. I know that no s is normal and sustainable. My alternative is to keep being a glutton and end up gaining more and more.

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Sat Jun 04, 2016 2:50 am

Success! Was a green day other than our bonfire snack this evening. I definitely worked off the calories though.... A tree fell in our backyard today. My dad came over and used a chain saw to break it into pieces and I walked back and forth dragging pieces and branches out of the yard. Tomorrow is an s day and I'm looking forward to cake andice cream and I'm making a taco bar for my husband'sbbirthday party.

osoniye
Posts: 1257
Joined: Sat May 22, 2010 2:19 pm
Location: Horn of Africa

Post by osoniye » Sat Jun 04, 2016 5:48 am

The taco bar sounds like lots of fun!
Hope you enjoy it and the cake and ice cream as you celebrate your husband's birthday. Kick diet head to the curb!
-Sonya
No Sweets, No Snacks and No Seconds, Except (Sometimes) on days that start with "S".

User avatar
Merry
Posts: 1658
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:14 am

Post by Merry » Sat Jun 04, 2016 6:19 am

Awesome! Congrats on your green day today! (it's a lot of work to have a tree fall too). Enjoy your S day tomorrow :-).
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Sat Jun 04, 2016 11:24 pm

Today has been a great s day. I was so busy setting up and cooking for the birthday party that I didn't eat breakfast. I wasn't even hungry! That's a first. For lunch, I just made a soft taco with beans, cheese, and sour cream and a few chips with a drizzle of cheese. I ate so much less than everyone else, but I had only my favorite things and was satisfied. Here's the biggie: I didn't finish my cake. I sat it down and came back an hour later and finished it. What's happened to me!? haha. I had leftovers for dinner and then another piece of cake. (We had two flavors, so I HAD to try to the other flavor!) :wink:
Feeling hopeful that I might eat like a normal person someday. :D

User avatar
Merry
Posts: 1658
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:14 am

Post by Merry » Sun Jun 05, 2016 5:00 am

MaggieMae wrote:Today has been a great s day. ...
Feeling hopeful that I might eat like a normal person someday. :D
YAY! So happy for you!
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

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

Post by lpearlmom » Sun Jun 05, 2016 6:24 am

Awesome Maggie--you will definitely get there. Just keep on truckin'!

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

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Tue Jun 07, 2016 12:34 am

:mrgreen: GREEN! Barely. Chewed a lot of gum and drank a lot of fluids, and there was one episode of slamming the pantry door shut when I saw a forgotten Hershey bar left over from the bonfire. Haha. Tiny tantrum. Glad no one was here to see it.

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Wed Jun 08, 2016 11:34 pm

Yesterday and today I have implemented the mod that life is a blessing uses. I can have a small treat with my meal, but meals are still one plate and no snacks in between. I am eating noticeably less food.
I had an appointment with my MS specialist today. I have several new lesions on my brain. Trying to have a positive attitude. Starting a new medication. I feel a renewed sense of determination to take better care of my body.

cedar
Posts: 312
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2011 5:30 am
Location: Australia

Post by cedar » Thu Jun 09, 2016 9:32 am

MaggieMae!! That's quite heavy news..I'm sorry to hear this and am sending you my sincere best wishes. Xxxxx

LifeisaBlessing
Posts: 337
Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2016 1:08 pm

Post by LifeisaBlessing » Thu Jun 09, 2016 11:27 am

Sending prayers your way, MaggieMae. I hope the mod makes things easier for you--be gentle with and take care of yourself. :)
I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
~Jimmy Dean

The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective.
~El Fug, on the NoS Diet

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Thu Jun 09, 2016 9:02 pm

Thank you Cedar and blessings for the well wishes! I have to admit that my attitude today has been just kind of blah. I Pampered myself by getting a facial and a haircut and I am going out to dinner with my family tonight To a buffet. I am going to take a red day. I feel like I just need to go out and celebrate. I don't know what I'm celebrating, I just wanted to go out and have fun and enjoy good food with my family. Hopefully A good night's sleep And this mood will lift and I will be my usual cheerful self. It is so nice to know that I can pop on here and have you guys rooting for me.

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Fri Jun 10, 2016 12:09 am

I hate to keep putting bad news on here, but when I got to my parents to go out for dinner, my dad showed me the newspaper from our hometown in kentucky. On the front page was a picture of a good friend of mine from high school. She and her husband were found dead in their home. They think it was a murder/ suicide. I'm devastated. Numb. Going to try to not eat out of emotion tomorrow.

Jen1974
Posts: 648
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 6:49 pm
Location: Colorado

Post by Jen1974 » Fri Jun 10, 2016 4:02 am

So sorry for all you're going through Maggie!!!! I'll say prayers for you!!!

User avatar
Merry
Posts: 1658
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:14 am

Post by Merry » Fri Jun 10, 2016 4:48 am

Oh Maggie, I'm so sorry about your friends. That's so sad and tragic. (((Hugs))) & praying for you.
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Fri Jun 10, 2016 5:01 am

Thanks Jen and merry! I don't want to bum every body out. Hopefully I can post something positive and happy tomorrow!

User avatar
Merry
Posts: 1658
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:14 am

Post by Merry » Fri Jun 10, 2016 5:07 am

MaggieMae wrote:Thanks Jen and merry! I don't want to bum every body out. Hopefully I can post something positive and happy tomorrow!
Oh goodness, you should be able to post whatever you want to here--no need to worry about bumming others out. Life is real. It's okay.
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

User avatar
kaalii
Posts: 745
Joined: Sun Apr 24, 2016 9:42 pm
Location: switzerland

Post by kaalii » Fri Jun 10, 2016 6:31 am

so sorry to hear you are going through rough time, maggiemae!
and glad you are posting here! :)
Age:40
BMI: 18.8
Body Fat %: 17.6
in it for maintenance and, more importantly, sanity!!

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Fri Jun 10, 2016 8:24 pm

Thanks, kaalii! You guys are awesome!

e-lyn
Posts: 198
Joined: Mon May 23, 2016 7:11 pm

Post by e-lyn » Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:59 am

Sorry to hear you had such a rough week, Maggie Mae. I hope things turn around for you soon!

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:31 pm

I appreciate that, e-Lyn! Feeling better today. Going to try to concentrate on the positive things. :D
Today is an s day, but I'm trying to continue the mod of sticking to three meals and having a sweet treat with the meal if needed. I am planning on having some wild berry skittles with lunch. I don't usually like candy ,but I' ve been wanting those. I usually prefer things like good ice cream or special cake. I'm feeling more in control with this mod. It is forcing me to plan a few things that I really want, instead of permasnacking all day because I'm tryingto cram everything in on the weekend. Thank you, again lifeisablessing! even if I dont lose weight, at least i won't feel out of control all the time.

pinkhippie
Posts: 1293
Joined: Wed Mar 17, 2010 8:00 pm

Post by pinkhippie » Sun Jun 12, 2016 12:50 am

Im so sorry about your friends. :(

Im glad the mod is working for you. I hope you have been enjoying your S day!

cedar
Posts: 312
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2011 5:30 am
Location: Australia

Post by cedar » Sun Jun 12, 2016 4:49 am

[ I'm feeling more in control with this mod. It is forcing me to plan a few things that I really want, instead of permasnacking all day because I'm trying to cram everything in on the weekend. Thank you, again lifeisablessing! even if I dont lose weight, at least i won't feel out of control all the time.quote]

I completely agree MaggieMae. :D

I'm so terribly sorry about your friends..that's horrific xx

LifeisaBlessing
Posts: 337
Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2016 1:08 pm

Post by LifeisaBlessing » Sun Jun 12, 2016 11:26 am

Many more prayers for you, MaggieMae--so sorry to hear about your friends. :(. This has definitely been a rough week for you!

So glad the mod is enabling you to feel more in control--one of the main reasons why I use it is because it's functional with however my day happens to be going. Keep up your great work! :)
I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
~Jimmy Dean

The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective.
~El Fug, on the NoS Diet

RAWCOOKIE
Posts: 1360
Joined: Thu Jun 18, 2015 9:01 am
Location: Cornwall, UK

Post by RAWCOOKIE » Sun Jun 12, 2016 11:34 am

You need never feel bad about sharing what's going on for you here - this is what a community is for - and there is great value in posting about these things as it educates, inspires and encourages other people too. Thank you for sharing it with us.

My heartfelt support comes your way - keep posting!
hug x
I love Everyday Systems :3

13.6.15 124.25lbs
11.11.21 101.00lbs

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Sun Jun 12, 2016 11:23 pm

Thanks rawcookie and blessings and again to everyone else who've offered kind words! This really is an amazing community. Sticking to three meals even on weekends has been a game changer. I planned out a treat with lunch and another with dinner. I didn't even finish all of my dinner! I know that I have been eating heavy, calorie laden foods this past week though. I'll tackle that now that I have this habit down. I've been craving comfort foods and we've eaten out several times this week which is not the norm for us. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

LifeisaBlessing
Posts: 337
Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2016 1:08 pm

Post by LifeisaBlessing » Mon Jun 13, 2016 1:48 pm

MaggieMae, I'm so happy that the three meals all week is working so well for you! Sometimes it only takes some minor modifications to get things working, so good for you! :)

Prayers for you that your week is much smoother and calmer than last week! :)
I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
~Jimmy Dean

The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective.
~El Fug, on the NoS Diet

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Mon Jun 13, 2016 8:31 pm

Well, I slipped into diet head this morning. I knew that the types of foods I've been eating were calorie dense, but I was starting to feel positive about forming the 3 meal a day habit. I weighed myself this morning and it was up. It scared me. I'm less than a pound away from being 200. I downloaded My Fitness Pal (calorie counting app) onto my phone. Again. This is the tenth time probably. I don't know what's wrong with me. When I started no S back in November, I actually wrote on the calendar: "If I start now, I will hit my goal before next October". Well, I'm a few pounds more than I was when I started. I have no self control when it comes to food. I'm disciplined in every other aspect of my life except food. What's wrong with me? Why can't I make a plan and stick to it? Part of me wants to give up. My husband loves me no matter what, and I can always buy bigger pants. Maybe I'll just let myself have this pity party today and then get back on the horse tomorrow. But that's been the pattern for the last 7 months. I want to be a success story. I WANT to be able to encourage others and offer good advice.

LifeisaBlessing
Posts: 337
Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2016 1:08 pm

Post by LifeisaBlessing » Tue Jun 14, 2016 1:05 pm

MaggieMae--there is nothing wrong with you! I know I'm guilty of slipping into "diet head" every now and then; I think it's very natural after years of thinking certain ways. My diet head has been firmly around ever since the family member's comment way back when I was 13. :( Don't panic, and be easy with yourself (remember you had a pretty rough week last week!). If you know that your food selections are calorie dense, maybe try just cutting back on the quantities a bit, rather than eliminating them?

In any case, keep trying--you can do it! :)
I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
~Jimmy Dean

The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective.
~El Fug, on the NoS Diet

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Tue Jun 14, 2016 2:35 pm

Thanks blessings! I am feeling more positive today and getting back on track. My son actually started buddy camp yesterday through the autism center. It's every morning for six weeks. Its basically boot camp for kids on the spectrum to get prepared for preschool. Yesterday was a disaster! He didn't last an hour. Today is going much better, thankfully. I'm pretty that is what caused my meltdown yesterday. I need to learn how to not allow a bad day to ruin my no s habit. Thankful for you guys.

User avatar
kaalii
Posts: 745
Joined: Sun Apr 24, 2016 9:42 pm
Location: switzerland

Post by kaalii » Tue Jun 14, 2016 4:29 pm

you are being very brave and strong in this difficult period!
im glad things are already going better! :)
Age:40
BMI: 18.8
Body Fat %: 17.6
in it for maintenance and, more importantly, sanity!!

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Tue Jun 14, 2016 9:56 pm

Thanks, kaali! I don't feel brave. Haha. Today was much better in terms of my son's experience at camp And my eating. Green day! Woo hoo! Thanks for cheering me on, everyone! I try to pop over to everyone's check in ,but sometimes I don't get a chance. You all inspire me . Every day.

LifeisaBlessing
Posts: 337
Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2016 1:08 pm

Post by LifeisaBlessing » Wed Jun 15, 2016 8:16 pm

MaggieMae--So glad to hear your son had a better day at camp! Honestly, some of my most challenging times staying on plan occur when dealing with life's tough times, so you're definitely not alone. Glad to hear you had a green day too--keep it up! :)
I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
~Jimmy Dean

The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective.
~El Fug, on the NoS Diet

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Sat Jun 18, 2016 6:47 pm

Small victory last night... Went to a little chocolate shop and bought my favorite candy. Dark chocolate caramels with sea salt. Wasn't even tempted to eat them. We got home at 10:00 and I thought about having one. Then I thought, if I eat chocolate this late when I'm not hungry, I will go to bed feeling sick and bloated. Not to toot my own horn, but TOOT TOOT!!!!. Haha. For the last few months, I've been allowing two cans of soda a day if " needed". I call it my glass ceiling because I don't really drink alcohol.I'm thinking my next step is to decrease to one a day. Sadly, this is a very scary thought for me. I'm not hopeful that I can do it. I need to get mentally prepared before I tackle a new habit. Soon though. Soon. I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Jen1974
Posts: 648
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 6:49 pm
Location: Colorado

Post by Jen1974 » Sun Jun 19, 2016 5:07 am

So happy for you!! Those victories feel so amazing!! Way to go!!

Jen1974
Posts: 648
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 6:49 pm
Location: Colorado

Post by Jen1974 » Sun Jun 19, 2016 5:17 am

So happy for you!! Those victories feel so amazing!! Way to go!!

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Mon Jun 20, 2016 4:53 pm

My plan for this week is to stick to three meals and to give up sugary drinks. :shock: I can have one sweet treat a day if it's social. For example, I'm having a meeting with my ladies book club this evening and its the last oneuntil fall. Tomorrow mybrother is visiting, and jujusin case my husband wants to go out for ice cream. I can only have soda if eating at a sit down restaurant. I'll see how this works for this week. I've got to break my addiction to sugary drinks. Its ridiculous.

LifeisaBlessing
Posts: 337
Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2016 1:08 pm

Post by LifeisaBlessing » Mon Jun 20, 2016 7:52 pm

Great job, MaggieMae, on the victory this past weekend! :) And your plan for this coming week sounds perfect. :)
I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
~Jimmy Dean

The second you overcomplicate it is the second it becomes the thing for which it is a corrective.
~El Fug, on the NoS Diet

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Tue Aug 09, 2016 11:19 pm

Well, I took a break fromNo S. I've missed everyone. I was tired of failing. I decided to just focus on quitting sugar. I made some good progress, but I'm back on sugary soda. I don't know what's wrong with me. My brother lost 20 pounds this summer counting calories, so I've been doing that again. The problem is, when I count calories, I see how much junk and sweets I can fit into my daily allotment. I want to eat healthy, but can't seem to resist temptation. I really wish I could just go Monday through Friday without soda like a normal person. It's a stupid carbonated drink! Why does it control me? Ugh. I want to focus on getting five servings a day of fruit/veg and stop snacking. Maybe if I allow a snack of fruit if I'm truly hungry. Why is this so hard for me? It's food. I know there are several countries in the news lately about food shortages and I feel soo guilty for eating all the time. THey would give anything to have 3 plates a day, even with no sweets or soda. I'm a glutton. Everywhere I go, there's temptation. Maybe I'll regroup and start again next week. I need to go grocery shopping. I had some pepperonis, a bowl of cereal, and a SNickers for dinner because I haven't had time to go shopping. I'm working more than I want to because I can't say no. My son starts pre school next week, so maybe I'll get into a routine, life will settle down, and I'll exercise the two mornings he's at school. Part of me hopes no one will read this, It's too embarrassing. I hope to have time to catch up on everyone's daily check in.Hope everyone is doing well and in good health.

osoniye
Posts: 1257
Joined: Sat May 22, 2010 2:19 pm
Location: Horn of Africa

Post by osoniye » Wed Aug 10, 2016 2:37 am

Good to see you again!
Just take it one day at a time, follow NoS rules. No need to berate yourself. Just try to be strong in the moment, at the supermarket or restaurant, and resist one soft drink at a time.
-Sonya
No Sweets, No Snacks and No Seconds, Except (Sometimes) on days that start with "S".

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Wed Aug 10, 2016 4:22 pm

Thanks, Sonya!

User avatar
Merry
Posts: 1658
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:14 am

Post by Merry » Sat Aug 13, 2016 7:04 am

I missed you, Maggie Mae--so good to see you here again!

I think we can all feel stuck at times. No shame in admitting where you are and that you want to change. Pop really can be addictive. I like the idea of using fruit as a snack in place of pop, at least for a time. And maybe try replacing some of it with some ice water, iced tea with just a spoon or two of sugar, hot tea, coffee, or some other drink? Try to have something in mind that can still be a "break" but just not sugary pop. I'll bet when you have broken through that reliance on pop (whether it's physical, mental, or both), you'll find it easier to get into some other No-S habits. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes when I look at conquering a habit like this, I get overwhelmed--but can you do it for one day? One day might be doable. And then build on that success. You can do this! Post here when the going gets tough. We're here to help :-)
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Sun Aug 14, 2016 7:35 pm

Thanks, merry! I'm planning to start over tomorrow.... Going to a cookout with friends so might be setting myself up for trouble!. Lol. Yes, I can do one day at a time. Going to have a mtn dew today though to help get me through the week. I miss that no s feeling.... The one where I don't go rummaging through the pantry every hour or feel stick and stuffed from overeating. I want to eat normally and not obsess about food. Here I go again!!! :D

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Mon Aug 15, 2016 9:39 pm

Was truly hungry and know that dinner is still hours away. Just had a diet coke in hopes of holding out. I never drink diet unless I'm desperate. Haha. Just needed something to fill my tummy and I was doing home visits today, so hit a drive thru. This is day 1 of my return to no s. I want a green day reeeaaallll bad. :lol:

User avatar
Merry
Posts: 1658
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:14 am

Post by Merry » Tue Aug 16, 2016 6:18 am

MaggieMae wrote: I miss that no s feeling.... The one where I don't go rummaging through the pantry every hour or feel stick and stuffed from overeating. I want to eat normally and not obsess about food.
LOVE this! Maybe you should put it on an index card and read it every so often, to help you remember what you really want :-).
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

User avatar
Merry
Posts: 1658
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:14 am

Post by Merry » Tue Aug 16, 2016 6:18 am

MaggieMae wrote:Was truly hungry and know that dinner is still hours away. Just had a diet coke in hopes of holding out. I never drink diet unless I'm desperate. Haha. Just needed something to fill my tummy and I was doing home visits today, so hit a drive thru. This is day 1 of my return to no s. I want a green day reeeaaallll bad. :lol:
Hope you got your green day!
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Sun Sep 18, 2016 11:29 pm

Have had total diet head over the summer. Started with my brother losing a lot of weight counting calories. I Go from reading about one diet to another. Tried to cut out added sugars because I watched a million documentaries about how it's causing so many health problems. The last few years when I start a diet, my goal is to lose the weight before my son's birthday. Well, his birthday is in two days and I weigh ten pounds more than I did last year. Going to try to start again tomorrow. Feeling pretty hopeless in my dieting abilities. Haha. I need to stop reading about all these other diets. It messes with my head. My son's party is next Saturday, so if I'm green all week, I definitely have some great food to look forward to.

User avatar
Merry
Posts: 1658
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:14 am

Post by Merry » Mon Sep 19, 2016 4:57 am

I hope you have a great week. There are all kinds of diets that work for losing weight. How many have a strong track record of keeping it off long term though? I lost weight with calorie counting. Gained it all back and more when I stopped calorie counting. So, I either needed to keep it up forever, or find a different method, LOL! I know I can NOT keep that up forever! No-S is slower and not so flashy, but it's sustainable. I try to remind myself of that every time I see someone losing a bunch of weight on something else. I hope they can keep it off, but I know for me, I can't. Hang in there!
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Mon Sep 19, 2016 10:22 pm

Thanks, Merry! One of the reasons I was looking at other diets is because I have three family members with advanced cancer right now. I was researching alternative treatments. The diets that I saw were ketogenic ( almost no carbs), raw vegan, and even fuitarian (fruits, nuts, seeds). There's no way I could ever stick with any of those, but my diet head kept whispering, why don't you try one and that way maybe you'll avoid cancer. Ugh. I need help. I just can't seem to get myself fully committed back to No S like I was back in the winter. My only problem then was that I still let myself have one or two servings of pop a day. I was at least maintaining, but now I'm gaining again. Maybe after the party this weekend, my stress level will go down and I can get focused.

User avatar
Merry
Posts: 1658
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:14 am

Post by Merry » Tue Sep 20, 2016 5:13 am

I've done the raw vegan route--about 75% raw with lots of juicing. It's really tough to maintain and eat that way unless you *LOVE* it, which I didn't. Did it for about 6 months though for health reasons, and was my skinniest ever then. But...you know what happens when you stop.

So, how can we come alongside you and help motivate you to get back to No-S? What would feel supportive and helpful to you?

BTW, before No-S, I had gotten into the habit of daily drinking pop, and then cut down to 2 cans a week, and just recently felt I could go all the way and cut it out totally. Maybe you could cut back gradually? (We actually labeled the cans and apportioned them--we all cut back here, LOL!)
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Tue Sep 20, 2016 5:39 pm

You have no idea how much I appreciate you asking me what you could do to help! Perhaps you could follow me around and knock the snacks out of my hands! :lol:
I'm going to join the October challenge when it rolls around. I think that might make me get back into things. I don't want to mark my day as red if people are looking! My son is four today! My mom is having pizza and cake at her house this evening. I think now that he is in preschool a few mornings a week, I'm realizing that I have completely lost my self identity. I think I don't feel the need to work hard losing weight because food is one of the only things I enjoy. Plus,my husband loves me the way I am. Maybe I'm getting too deep here, but I like the fact that men don't hit on me. I know that sounds crazy! I'm a nurse and it's so nice not having men make stupid obnoxious comments, and women are nicer to me! They see me as a mom and a nurse. I don't know if that even makes sense. I like your idea about labeling the soft drinks!

User avatar
Merry
Posts: 1658
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:14 am

Post by Merry » Tue Sep 20, 2016 9:52 pm

MaggieMae wrote:You have no idea how much I appreciate you asking me what you could do to help! Perhaps you could follow me around and knock the snacks out of my hands! :lol:
LOL, I think we need a good emoticon for that!

Being a mom does tend to change our identity. Not as much time as we had in the past for certain interests, and then our interests naturally revolve around the kids...I've been thinking about this from the other side because my baby is a senior in high school this year! We homeschooled on top of it...Next year is going to be so strange! I'll hardly know what to do with myself!

I waitressed when I went to college & guys would hit on you there, but I think it would be even more annoying in a nursing situation where you see the same patients all day. Oy! Nice to get some respect as a mom :-).

I hope the October challenge goes well for you :-).
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Tue Nov 01, 2016 10:35 pm

One year ago today I started NO S. Did great through the holidays and early spring, but somewhere along the way kept straying from one diet to another. Today was a green day. I'm going to try to and stick with it. Hopefully, it will keep me from going crazy during the holidays. It was harder today than I thought. Hoping that I will finally form the habit for good. I am going to have to avoid reading about other diets. I keep going back to different things that I can't possibly stick with. My goal will be to do vanilla No S without getting sidetracked from now through 2017. I've been doing pretty good about not eating after dinner for the past month and I'm on day 9 with no soda, which is a big accomplishment for me. I guess you could say that I was taking baby steps. :D Not related, but I'm also going to go from now through 2017 without cutting my hair. I've had a cute little pixie cut for the past year, but I want to let it grow out, so I'll throw that in with my timeline goal. It starts to grow out and gets that shaggy stage where you can't do anything so I end up cutting it again. I'm not going to touch it this time. I like the hairstyle, but I don't want to keep it for the rest of my life. :lol: So, if I follow my goal, when January 2018 rolls around, I'll be slimmer and have long hair. Watch out, world. :wink: :lol:

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Wed Nov 02, 2016 10:26 pm

Green day! Feeling good. NO blood sugar drops when I do No S. A drug rep bought our lunch today from McAllister's deli. They have wonderful, huge cookies. I ate my grilled chicked salad and didn't even miss the cookie. Looking back, between drinking soda and saving room for a cookie, I usually ate about half my salad. Today, I ate the entire salad. My stomach actually had room for protein, veggies, and greens that my body needs.

ModBod
Posts: 78
Joined: Fri Oct 07, 2016 3:00 pm
Location: Europe!

Post by ModBod » Thu Nov 03, 2016 10:04 am

well done on giving up soda... I've done the same! I used to only have 'coke zero' but realise even that is terrible for me, so have just stopped buying the wretched stuff! Our bodies will thank us!!
I'm looking to lose about 12lbs...
31.09: 65.7kg/144.8lbs, BMI-25.7!
14.10: 64.9kg/143lbs, BMI - 25.4!

pinkhippie
Posts: 1293
Joined: Wed Mar 17, 2010 8:00 pm

Post by pinkhippie » Fri Nov 04, 2016 2:31 pm

MaggieMae wrote:One year ago today I started NO S. Did great through the holidays and early spring, but somewhere along the way kept straying from one diet to another. Today was a green day. I'm going to try to and stick with it. Hopefully, it will keep me from going crazy during the holidays. It was harder today than I thought. Hoping that I will finally form the habit for good. I am going to have to avoid reading about other diets. I keep going back to different things that I can't possibly stick with. My goal will be to do vanilla No S without getting sidetracked from now through 2017. I've been doing pretty good about not eating after dinner for the past month and I'm on day 9 with no soda, which is a big accomplishment for me. I guess you could say that I was taking baby steps. :D Not related, but I'm also going to go from now through 2017 without cutting my hair. I've had a cute little pixie cut for the past year, but I want to let it grow out, so I'll throw that in with my timeline goal. It starts to grow out and gets that shaggy stage where you can't do anything so I end up cutting it again. I'm not going to touch it this time. I like the hairstyle, but I don't want to keep it for the rest of my life. :lol: So, if I follow my goal, when January 2018 rolls around, I'll be slimmer and have long hair. Watch out, world. :wink: :lol:
Hey Maggie!
I can so relate to what you say about reading about diets and trying different stuff and diet head. I have had the same issues. I keep coming up with reasons in my head why something else will work better and its always unsustainable and I go crashing off of it eventually. I like your resolution about vanilla no s through 2017 and the hair growing! I have the same resolutions for both! lol I am also growing my hair. :)

Anyway, I stopped by to thank you for the tip about vegetable steamers you gave me on my check in thread back in June. I know it sounds silly but it has truly been life changing. Now I come home from work and just throw a packet in the microwave and have steamed veggies every night with my dinner. I do the same thing for lunch. I eat more vegetables now and have been since June than I have in my entire life. It's amazing what the convenience of the steamers has done for my vegetable consumption.

Good luck with finishing up your week green and I hope you have a great weekend! :)

User avatar
Merry
Posts: 1658
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:14 am

Post by Merry » Sat Nov 05, 2016 6:02 am

MaggieMae wrote:Green day! Feeling good. NO blood sugar drops when I do No S. A drug rep bought our lunch today from McAllister's deli. They have wonderful, huge cookies. I ate my grilled chicked salad and didn't even miss the cookie. Looking back, between drinking soda and saving room for a cookie, I usually ate about half my salad. Today, I ate the entire salad. My stomach actually had room for protein, veggies, and greens that my body needs.
Great day, and such good observations about yourself :-).
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

Jen1974
Posts: 648
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 6:49 pm
Location: Colorado

Post by Jen1974 » Sat Nov 05, 2016 3:55 pm

Welcome back Maggie Mae!! I missed seeing you around.

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Sun Nov 06, 2016 11:52 am

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone! This board is so friendly and helpful! Pinkhippie, I am so happy that my tip about the veggie steamers was helpful! That truly made my day! :D

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Mon Nov 07, 2016 3:04 pm

On a scale of 1-10, my s day wildness was about a7 this weekend. Woke up feeling doubtful that I can make five green days this week. Need to take one meal at a time and remind myself why I'm doing this.

pinkhippie
Posts: 1293
Joined: Wed Mar 17, 2010 8:00 pm

Post by pinkhippie » Mon Nov 07, 2016 3:20 pm

I know what you are saying about the S day wildness. Halloween candy. Sigh... But, I think the S days make it even more important to make Monday a green day. I think it really helps to begin to establish the habit if you can do it on Monday. For me, Monday is the hardest day but then each day is easier until the weekend again.

Good luck! You can do it. :)

pinkhippie
Posts: 1293
Joined: Wed Mar 17, 2010 8:00 pm

Post by pinkhippie » Mon Nov 07, 2016 3:21 pm

MaggieMae wrote:Thanks for the encouragement, everyone! This board is so friendly and helpful! Pinkhippie, I am so happy that my tip about the veggie steamers was helpful! That truly made my day! :D
Yay! :) I am glad.

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Tue Nov 08, 2016 1:27 am

Green day! I did it! I don't believe it! Maybe there's hope for me, yet. :D

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Wed Nov 09, 2016 12:37 am

Green day! This afternoon was hard! I was so hungry. Made dinner earlier than usual because I couldn't wait. Loaded my plate. I'm thinking tomorrow will be a red day. I have to go see a patient who is two hours away, which means stopping for fast food for dinner. Technically, I can keep it green by not getting soda. BUT, when I get home, have to make several batches of peanut butter fudge for my son's school bake sale. I don't think I'm strong enough to not sneak a piece.

Jen1974
Posts: 648
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 6:49 pm
Location: Colorado

Post by Jen1974 » Wed Nov 09, 2016 5:09 pm

I a lot of times won't bake because I can't resist homemade treats. Or I choose something I don't like as much so I'm not as tempted. I've found when I don't even have one bite that I'm much more successful then when I try to have a little. Good luck!! I'm rooting for you &#128522;

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Thu Nov 10, 2016 12:57 am

Thanks, Jen! However, I made today a totally red day. Capital R_E_D. The old habit of being stressed and grabbing a mtn dew and candy bar just seemed too strong today. Tomorrow will be green!

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Fri Nov 11, 2016 3:59 pm

Well, made yesterday red because of something stupid. Late afternoon, I went to put a report on a doctor's desk and there a bucket of leftover Halloween candy. Not even the good stuff! I still had a bunch of phone calls to make before leaving and the hope of a sweet pick me up was sotempting . I had a pack of bottlecaps and a bite size piece of banana laffy taffy. I don't even like either of those! Oh well. Really need a green day today! Planning on stopping at a favorite deli to grab a salad. If I plan yummy meals today maybe I won't be tempted to stray.

User avatar
Merry
Posts: 1658
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:14 am

Post by Merry » Sat Nov 12, 2016 12:58 am

Hope today is GREEN all the way!

I had to LOL a bit about eating the candy and not even liking it--I've been there a few times too! "Why did I just eat that? That was so not worth it!" I think we learn from those times too though. Hang in there!
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Sun Nov 13, 2016 10:29 pm

Friday would have been green excpet I had some soda. Today was a mental struggle. I found myself in the drugstore looking at bottles of weight loss pills! What?! I'm blaming pms. Lol. :lol:

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Mon Nov 14, 2016 11:26 pm

Felt good to have a green day! I even bought donuts for other people at an Amish bakery. I feel like it doesn't take as much food to be full,which is a good thing. I'm noticing that I need waaay less food than I thought. I haven't had any fruit today because I just couldn't hold it after eating the other food on my plate. Hope everyone is having a good day!

User avatar
Merry
Posts: 1658
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:14 am

Post by Merry » Tue Nov 15, 2016 5:37 am

MaggieMae wrote:Felt good to have a green day! I even bought donuts for other people at an Amish bakery. I feel like it doesn't take as much food to be full,which is a good thing. I'm noticing that I need waaay less food than I thought. I haven't had any fruit today because I just couldn't hold it after eating the other food on my plate. Hope everyone is having a good day!
Yay, glad you had a green day today :-). Hope you have a great week!
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Fri Nov 18, 2016 4:10 pm

Had a few red days. The good news is that I just marked it and moved on. Didn't use it as an excuse to say wth. really trying to make today a green day. My motivation today is the fact that I wanted to take my son to he hospital to have lunch with my husband, but I don't want his coworkers to see how Mich weight I've gained. Was tempted last night to start counting calories, but talked myself out of it. I'm twenty pounds heavier than I was last time his coworkers saw me. Trying to not feel bad about myself.... just keep working at getting healthy. Really going to try to get three green days next week before thanksgiving. Need to find time to start walking again. It gets dark so early now! Might take my son to the zoo this afternoon. Can get in lots of walking there. :D

User avatar
Merry
Posts: 1658
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:14 am

Post by Merry » Sat Nov 19, 2016 7:21 am

I know, I do hate how early it gets dark in the winter, plus with the time change--ugh! And yesterday here was shorts weather, and today the temps plummeted & we could get snow tonight! Brrrr! Not walk-inspiring! Hope you got to the zoo with your son! Good for you for marking it and moving on this week. Keep hanging in there, you can do this!
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

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

Post by oolala53 » Sat Nov 19, 2016 8:20 pm

I feel for ya. I have some ideas but I'm leaving on a trip and can't put it all together now. I also don't want to be unnecessarily complicated, but it does seem you (and I and others) need more than just the basics.

I may be missing this by not having read everything, but have you ever consistently used habitcal? I didn't and it may have been a mistake because it is central to habit theory to have a simple way of recording behavior. It's hard to know if it's enough or not if we don't use it. But, I didn't, so I can't fault anyone else.

The only thing I'll say is to calmly and with curiosity, not panic or self-disgust, reflect this weekend on why your previous eating patterns are not working for you and why NO S is your most reasonable, fair option. You must feel No S gives you something you can't get another way. Right now, your old habit is asserting that it- the complete freedom to be an opportunistic eater- can give you something more important than what you can get being a moderate one. But its side effects are causing you a lot of pain, and it's turning out that it doesn't actually get you satisfaction, either. That's one of the pains! The pathways that used to deliver satisfaction have been hijacked, and you keep getting innocently fooled. But there is a part of your brain that is DESIGNED to overcome that. Otherwise, we'd all still be peeing and you-know-what-ing whenever and wherever. (Forgive me if that's offensive.)

You have to start believing that though it's hard, it's not as hard as you think to foil it. THAT thought is a HABIT that the eating habit uses to perpetuate itself. It's not out to hurt you, but to save itself, and honestly it thinks it's saving YOU. You will learn to set it right.

OK, I'm going on and on, but it's because I see so much hope for you, and I'd like to be part of setting you off on an upward TREND.

Off to finish packing and to travel. See you later!
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

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

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Sun Nov 20, 2016 7:14 pm

Thanks merry and ooh la la! To answer your question about habit cal, I have a calendar in my bathroom that I mark every night with either a red,yellow, or green marker. I tried habit cal on my phone and for reason I didn't enjoy it as much. I really can't figure out why this is so difficult for me, even though the way I'm living isn't bringing satisfaction. I'll have to ponder on that one for a while. :D gonna keep your words of wisdom in my mind as I try to keep the next three days green.

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

Post by oolala53 » Sun Nov 20, 2016 8:16 pm

Try not to think about why it's difficult. Concentrate on the unpleasantness overeating creates and what the benefits, the pleasures, moderate eating will bring. Those two are going to take you farther eventually.

Have some delicious meals today and every day!
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)

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Tue Nov 22, 2016 5:34 pm

Your approach worked yesterday oolala! Had a green day, and today is looking like it's going to be green,as well. When I think about nibbling or having a sweet. I just think about how uncomfortable I'll be later. I definitely feel better physically and mentally when I stick to plan. Went to my women's bible study group last night and the host had a table full of tempting snacks and desserts. I had eaten dinner right before I arrived. She made several comments that so much food was going to be wasted because no one was eating. I said that my plan to not gain weight through the holidays was to avoid eating after dinner. She asked " you start before thanksgiving?". I said,yes! I have to balance out all the upcoming goodies and parties somehow.

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Wed Nov 23, 2016 12:56 am

Well, gonna make my green day a yellow. Went to urgent care tonight. Turns out I have a strained trapezius muscle. Given prescription anti inflammatory med and was told to take it close to bed time so the pain doesn't wake me up in the middle of the night( like it has the last three nights). He told me to make sure I take it with food. I thought about taking it with milk,but by some fluke we had a very early dinner, at 4:15. So, I'm taking it with cheese and crackers. Not an excuse to indulge ....just enough to protect my stomach lining. Tomorrow I'll have dinner at a normal time so I can be ok taking it with just milk.

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

Post by oolala53 » Wed Nov 23, 2016 6:15 pm

Sounds like the perfect 4th S= sick days. Not an excuse to overdo it. It takes only small amount of food to qualify for taking meds with food. You can do it!
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

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

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Thu Nov 24, 2016 10:24 pm

Hope everyone is having a wonderful thanksgiving day! No rules today but I did tell myself I wouldn't eat again before7:00pm ( we ate our big meal at 2:30). Just went for a long walk with my husband, brother, and sis in law. Trying to enjoy the day and all the food without over indulging to the point of being sick and feeling disgusting.Hoping tomorrow will be a green day. Th at would really be the boost i need to know that I can do this!

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Fri Nov 25, 2016 9:37 pm

So far, resisting the leftover pie. My mom gave me a box of dark chocolate covered salted caramels....my favorite sweet! I'm saving them for tomorrow! Thankful for the flexibility of no S and that no food is off limits. Took my nephew to the zoo,so lunch was a shared order of cheese fries and soft pretzel. Haha. Was very lenient on the liquid calories today. My nephew bought me a peppermint mocha because he knows they're my favorite and I know they're$5 at the zoo, so I drank it. If I can keep today green, it will be a giant confidence boost.

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

Post by oolala53 » Sun Nov 27, 2016 4:50 pm

Hope you made it, though it isn't a catastrophe if you didn't.
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)

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Sun Nov 27, 2016 7:49 pm

I did make it! Friday was a green day! Woo hoo!!!! I had to really white knuckle through the evening. Feeling pretty good. Maybe I will actually get this no s lifestyle to become a habit after all!

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

Post by oolala53 » Mon Nov 28, 2016 12:57 am

Just about to complete your first "serious" month. Here's to many more.
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)

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Mon Nov 28, 2016 3:10 am

Thank you, oolala! I just did something I probably shouldn't have....I logged onto my fitness pal , just to get an estimate of how many calories I consume daily while having a green day. I know pretty much what I'm going to make for meals tomorrow, so I plugged that information in. It put me around 2100 calories. I'm a little surprised that it's that high. I'm cooking at home tomorrow, and that doesn't include any soda or hot chocolate or any other little "sneak" that I might let slip in. I allowed for one cup of juice, and two glasses of milk(one with breakfast and one with lunch), a vitamin water, and two little creamers. That comes to 630 calories right there in liquids. Hmmm, may need to re evaluate the types of foods I'm eating, too. I do love me some dense, high calorie foods. :lol: The only thing that I was planning on having tomorrow that I would say is "bad" was a serving of Cheetos with my sandwich and grapes at lunch.
Still going to make NoS my plan of action through 2017. I was thinking about the pains of my fitness pal/calorie counting. When I went to a potluck lunch the other day, I had a spoon of several different things made from scratch by coworkers. I remember the pain of trying to search through the calorie database and guess the calories as near as I could. Ugh. What a waste of time and energy. Fitting on one plate is so much easier. :D

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

Post by oolala53 » Mon Nov 28, 2016 4:14 am

I don't count often but I know that I would be uncomfortably full on any day I ate 2100 calories. I just don't have those days much anymore.

A cup of juice would represent many more pieces of fruit than you would eat at a time. Where we got the idea that we should drink liquids with calories with our meals I don't know. Oh, wait, it's the sellers. I regard cow's milk more as a food than a beverage (even though I allow it in coffee, but not a whole cup!) If I had it at a meal, I would plan on a lot less of other protein and fat on my plate. Just a habit.

Then again, I just saw some research by Brian Wansink that showed that most of the extra calories people eat now as compared to in the 1970's come from more flour and cereal items and more added fats such as sour cream and oils in dressings and sauces, as well as just more food overall.

I think any food plan that's going to work in the long run for sane eating is going to have to entail getting people to somehow eat less of dense foods. I'm convinced it's how much dense food is on that plate that makes the difference. A successful weight loss program will help us find a way we can be happy with less of it.

I think counting calories all the time would be torture, but I think it's fine once in awhile to get a sense of what we're eating. I think since I found out that the soft serve at Costco has 400 calories in one shot that I've had just one more. I didn't eat them a lot, but really, one is equivalent to most of my lunches. And it's so easy to finish the whole thing.
Last edited by oolala53 on Mon Nov 28, 2016 5:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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)

Jen1974
Posts: 648
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 6:49 pm
Location: Colorado

Post by Jen1974 » Mon Nov 28, 2016 4:05 pm

You are doing so well!! Think how far you have come. I love when I hear you aren't having sodas. I mean that seems pretty huge when you used to not be able to give those up, right?!?! Move slowly & take each step as your body is ready. It will make the habits become long term instead of making your body more too quickly & burning yourself out. Think how many less calories that is than when you were having sodas snacks & sweets?

But as you feel ready, you could slowly give up the other liquid calories. I've always found that I am better off eating my calories. A glass of milk or juice doesn't fill me up the same way that food does. Especially juice has no staying power. I like the calories I consume to have staying power so I try to fill my plate with things that last. I don't like diet food though so it's not that kind of food. For me adding things like eggs & cheese to my meals makes them stick way longer than anything else!! I avoid things like chips because I can eat them & be hungry for more 10 minutes later (: It's like Oolala said about the 400 calorie ice ceam cone. I can make a 400 calorie meal that leaves me satisfied but a 400 calorie ice cream usually leaves me quickly craving more (:

You are doing SO SO SO good!! Be so pround of yourself & try not to push yourself harder than what you are ready for!! Just be proud of the accomplishments you have made so far!!!

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

Post by oolala53 » Mon Nov 28, 2016 5:28 pm

I should have emphasized, too, that limiting yourself to meals, even big ones with rather hefty beverages, is still a big coup! Just keep going and keep filling up on life in between, even if it's just the little things.
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)

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Mon Nov 28, 2016 8:22 pm

Thank you so much Jen and oolala! I've unfortunately made today red....stress eating. You may have seen on the news, there was an active shooter on campus at Ohio state university. I live about ten miles from there. Just scary that this kind of stuff is getting so close to home. Plus my son had some behavior issues today, like crying and clinging to me when I dropped him off at school. Anyway, Jen....I had just grabbed a coke from the kitchen(my husband bought them for some reason), and when I read your comment about how far I've come by giving up soda It made me feel so good that I went and poured the coke down the drain! Thank you for that encouragement!
The thought of never drinking anything flavorful during is kinda depressing. Not gonna lie. I love water and enjoy a cup of coffee a day, but the thought of cutting out more things? Ugh. Why oh why can't I be one of those people who eat everything and never gain weight?!?!? :lol:

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

Post by oolala53 » Mon Nov 28, 2016 10:41 pm

Ease yourself off the beverages, if it sounds like torture to stop them. I felt that way about S days for months and months.

There aren't many of those people who can just eat and never think about it. And they probably have other things they torture themselves with. The narrative self's job is to find problems and make it look like it's saving your life to think about them. But for some people, eating is the last piece in the puzzle. It wasn't for 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)

User avatar
kaalii
Posts: 745
Joined: Sun Apr 24, 2016 9:42 pm
Location: switzerland

Post by kaalii » Mon Nov 28, 2016 11:19 pm

oolala53 wrote: The narrative self's job is to find problems and make it look like it's saving your life to think about them.
well said and such a big truth here!!!
Age:40
BMI: 18.8
Body Fat %: 17.6
in it for maintenance and, more importantly, sanity!!

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Wed Dec 07, 2016 12:50 am

Already waffling about taking the ' one year No S challenge". Haha. I've been looking at the calories in my beverages and I think it will be hard,but worth cutting down. However, the afternoon is soooo hard when you're hungry. I tell myself that people around the world( and even until recently in our society ) easily stuck to three meals a day. Sometimes having a drink helps,but some times I feel like it's impossible to hold out until dinner. I thought about just cutting out sugar and starting there. I've been putting just a little milk in my coffee this week as opposed to flavored creamer. Also, haven't had any fruit juice for a few days. Maybe I just don't want it badly enough. My mind still bounces back and forth thinking maybe I should do calorie counting for the year instead, or some other diets. Not sure why no sweets and no snacks seems so impossible. Obviously it's not impossible. In fact it's more natural than putting junk in my body constantly. Not giving up. I'll keep reading this board and getting inspired by all of you. 2017 is going to be the year that I get rid of my issues with food and dieting.

User avatar
Merry
Posts: 1658
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:14 am

Post by Merry » Wed Dec 07, 2016 1:41 am

MaggieMae wrote:Already waffling about taking the ' one year No S challenge". Haha. I've been looking at the calories in my beverages and I think it will be hard,but worth cutting down. However, the afternoon is soooo hard when you're hungry. I tell myself that people around the world( and even until recently in our society ) easily stuck to three meals a day. Sometimes having a drink helps,but some times I feel like it's impossible to hold out until dinner. I thought about just cutting out sugar and starting there. I've been putting just a little milk in my coffee this week as opposed to flavored creamer. Also, haven't had any fruit juice for a few days. Maybe I just don't want it badly enough. My mind still bounces back and forth thinking maybe I should do calorie counting for the year instead, or some other diets. Not sure why no sweets and no snacks seems so impossible. Obviously it's not impossible. In fact it's more natural than putting junk in my body constantly. Not giving up. I'll keep reading this board and getting inspired by all of you. 2017 is going to be the year that I get rid of my issues with food and dieting.
Have you re-read the book lately? That always seems to help me with my resolve!

Counting calories is torturous to me, LOL! I know I can't keep that up long term.

Fruit juice really does pack on calories though.

I do think that the appetite adjusts to the meal structure over time (I don't have that "can't wait for dinner" feeling any more). I hope it will soon for you! I really do think you can do this!
Homeschool Mom and No S returnee as of 11-30-15.
2 years and counting on No-S.
29 lbs. down, 34 to go. Slow and steady wins the race.
Respect Moderation

MaggieMae
Posts: 589
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:53 pm
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by MaggieMae » Wed Dec 07, 2016 9:56 am

Thank you so much, Merry! I haven't read the book for a while. I'll definitely get it out tomorrow!

Jen1974
Posts: 648
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 6:49 pm
Location: Colorado

Post by Jen1974 » Wed Dec 07, 2016 4:28 pm

Can you space your meals out differently? That made a big difference to me!! Even now when I need to mess with my meal timing it can completely throw my day off. I can eat later in the morning but do best with no more than 5 hours between meals. Because I virtual plate I will eat berries before my meal instead of eating them with my meal if I need to. I suppose to a lot it might be doing it wrong, but what if you tried something like that to push the meal out further without feeling starving? Even if it was just a crutch until you had the habit down? Frozen unsweetened blueberries taste like a little sweet treat but won't raise your blood sugar & cause cravings. They are my favorite thing to have around!! Good luck Maggie! You can do this! You need to look at the progress you've made, baby steps are still steps in the right direction!!!

Post Reply