CarlaD's Check-in

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

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carlaD
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CarlaD's Check-in

Post by carlaD » Thu Apr 27, 2017 4:55 pm

Well, I am off work for today and tomorrow because I have strep-throat. It hasn't hurt my No S plan because I barely have an appetite. I figured today would be a good day to start a journal. I appreciate all the people who shared their wisdom on my other post. I feel optimistic. Monday didn't go well, but Tuesday was great. Today, I have only had a little coffee and two eggs. I just can't eat much.

RAWCOOKIE
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Post by RAWCOOKIE » Thu Apr 27, 2017 7:15 pm

I hope you feel better soon. It's great that you've started a check-in thread.
I love Everyday Systems :3

13.6.15 124.25lbs
11.11.21 101.00lbs

carlaD
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Post by carlaD » Fri Apr 28, 2017 11:53 pm

Thanks Rawcookie. :)


Today is day 5. It was a major SUCCESS.

B- bacon, egg, cheese, coffee
L-salad (lettuce, ham, cheese, salami, mustard dressing), lime yogurt with pecans
D-ground beef, guacamole, lettuce, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, cheese, flour tortilla

Tomorrow is my first S Day. I am kind of excited!

carlaD
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:45 pm

Post by carlaD » Sun Apr 30, 2017 12:43 am

Day 6 SDay
B-bacon, egg, cheese, hash browns, coffee
L- milkshake (homemade), few fish sticks
S- pumpkin seeds
D- steak, bread, salad (lettuce, tomato, carrots, onion, cucumbers, avocado)

:D I like S days
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

carlaD
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Post by carlaD » Sun Apr 30, 2017 11:43 pm

Day 7 S Day

B-sausage, waffle, coffee
S-finished pumpkin seeds from yesterday
L-yogurt, raspberries
S-crackers
D-milkshake (homemade)

:shock: I enjoyed it all, but feel a little guilty now.
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

Skycat
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Location: Germany

Post by Skycat » Mon May 01, 2017 10:42 am

I really think those guilt feelings are undeserved. You are sticking within the guidelines of the plan, well done. Your D say snacks seem very restrained and reasonable, hardly a blow out. I think you need to congratulate yourself (if anything that seems like very little food - were you previously on a very restrictive diet?)
I CAN do this.

oolala53
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Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Mon May 01, 2017 7:33 pm

The guilt is probably a leftover from diet head. I noticed in my case it was also related to the physical sensations of being too full. There was a sense of regret over not feeling comfortable that got mixed up with self-judgement. When I could distinguish them, it helped me be less dramatic about it, which is more effective in creating the new habit. If guilt worked, we'd all eat moderately!

You are just getting going. There will be lots of experiences. Almost no one has it just go without hitches or getting through times when s/he doesn't feel as excited any more, which is typical of long term loser/maintainers.

You are right on track.
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)

carlaD
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:45 pm

Post by carlaD » Tue May 02, 2017 12:20 am

Hello Skycat. Thanks for the encouragement. My life long struggle has always been sweets...even when I wasn't fat I at too many of them. I cycle between giving up sweets completely to month long binge sessions. I felt guilty after having the milk shake on Sunday. There was a voice that said "You know you shouldn't have eaten that."

I get the hang of it.

oolala, I like what you said in my other post about calmly making changes. I will remember that if I hit a snag later on.
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

carlaD
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:45 pm

Post by carlaD » Tue May 02, 2017 12:24 am

Day 8 FALIURE

B-bacon, egg, toast, coffee
L- salad (lettuce, cukes, green beans, ham, salami, cheese, ranch); corn chips
:( chocolate bar, crackers
D-chicken fillet, broccoli, rice
:( roll, banana

I did manage to take a brisk walk for about 20 minutes.
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

Skycat
Posts: 189
Joined: Wed Apr 12, 2017 4:52 am
Location: Germany

Post by Skycat » Tue May 02, 2017 4:51 am

Yay for the walk. As for the failure, OK that happened. Sending you hugs and wishing you the best for getting straight back onto another green day. We all have failures some days. Perfection is boring :)











:) :) :) :) :)
I CAN do this.

carlaD
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:45 pm

Post by carlaD » Wed May 03, 2017 12:31 am

Day 9 FAILURE

B- bacon, egg, coffee
:( chocolate
L-ham and cheese sandwich, yogurt
:( chocolate
:( cheese and crackers

Are there nutrients in chocolate? hehe

I left work late so didn't get to walk.
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

oolala53
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Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Wed May 03, 2017 1:17 am

There are certainly nutrients in chocolate. Reinhard recommends that if you want the health benefits, have it like the Aztecs did- as a hot, unsweetened beverage...

I'll have that right after the cod liver oil. (Which isn't a bad idea.)
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)

carlaD
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:45 pm

Post by carlaD » Thu May 04, 2017 11:28 pm

Day 10 FAIL
Day 11 FAIL
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

oolala53
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Location: San Diego, CA USA

Post by oolala53 » Fri May 05, 2017 2:29 am

Sometimes contemplating easing yourself in instead of cold turkey makes it easier, and even gives you the oomph to get more compliant. For instance, instead of setting out to go all in all week, do only TWTh the first week, then add the Monday or Friday, etc. Or allow a snack during the morning or afternoon for a week, whichever gap is hardest. (I don't recommend evening because there's often too much history of people being "good" all day and then eating explosively all evening.) But you get the idea. Just be honest with yourself and stick to whatever decision you make for the week.

On a daily basis, there is success and failure, but overall, there is only adjusting or adjusted. There is plenty of room for adjusting.
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)

carlaD
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:45 pm

Post by carlaD » Fri May 05, 2017 10:34 pm

Thanks oolala. I am so glad you said that. It's weird because I was thinking about the very thing you mentioned before I logged on. I think going cold turkey is too hard for me right now. Tonight I will think about what might be a reasonable change. Thanks again!!
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

carlaD
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:45 pm

Post by carlaD » Sun May 07, 2017 2:27 pm

**Warning! This is a long post.**
I came across this interesting website called Eat Like A Normal Person. This woman's idea is that we binge on sugar and junk food because we lack proper nutrition. We eat and eat and eat because we need nutrients. The junk provides calories but no nutrition. She believes the solution is to eat 3 highly (or semi) nourishing meals a day until you are completely full. Once our bodies get the nutrition it wants then we no longer binge on junk because the brain knows it's junk and the body doesn't need to seek more and more calories in an attempt to get proper nutrition. Once this happens you can eat sugar and junk on special occasions along with nourishing foods and you won't be compelled to binge.

It totally makes sense to me. It falls right in line with No S. I am going to see if this approach works. I just need to let go of the idea that I have to restrict my portions of healthy foods right now. I also have to let go of the idea that if I eat a not so healthy food with a meal that I have failed. I have to eat 3 satisfying meals until I am totally full (not 80% full). I want to see what happens.

This morning I encountered the mental struggle. I look at my plate and thought "This is a lot of food" and part of me wanted to take some away, but I continued to eat until I was full. I didn't finish everything. I just stopped when my stomach was completely full.

http://www.eatlikeanormalperson.com/how ... vereating/

If this works, I will be forever grateful to this woman. If it doesn't work, I will have to try something else.
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

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

Post by oolala53 » Sun May 07, 2017 3:09 pm

The only thing you can do is test it out. Authors make promises all the time. Eat this and you'll be satisfied. Do this and you won't get hungry. Don't worry, it won't be hard. They absolutely cannot promise this for any individual, though they may have many people who do have the experience they claim. But most of them haven't kept records.

What I liked about Reinhard is that he didn't say it was going to be easy. Just reasonable AND with a track record of generations! But because we have developed other habits, it may take some adjusting to get it to be the default, and by that I mean some mental power to resist the urge of the pattern, an effort that people in those cultures who have never overstepped the bounds don't have to exert. I agree that eating meals is an excellent foundation, not because it will make the urges go away, but because it's such good evidence when they come that they don't arise from any real need.

The good news is it pretty much fits with No S. Commit to your green weeks and let the chocolate chips fall where they may for a few months. It may be all you need and mazel tov to that!
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

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

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

Post by oolala53 » Sun May 07, 2017 3:10 pm

BTW, "long post" is a relative term. I think I beat you with my response. And you never have to apologize for the length of a post on your thread!
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)

carlaD
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:45 pm

Post by carlaD » Fri May 12, 2017 11:55 pm

This week was interesting. I had a few good days and a few bad ones. I think the idea that I picked up from that website works. I just have to find the right combination of foods to keep me full (that also fit my budget and schedule). I can't follow all of her food recommendations. I still think it makes sense. I am going to continue with it and see if I can make progress.
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

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

Post by oolala53 » Sat May 13, 2017 12:59 am

There's nothing else to do BUT experiment. Research on long term maintenance shows that relapse doesn't decrease to below 50% until people have gone through a series of adjustments--meaning adherence, slips, recalibration, etc.-for a minimum of two years. Some people luck out and have it all fall into place faster, but you can't really tell if that's happened until it plays out. The good news is that it's not all torture along the way! It can be fun, as long as you don't keep wishing it was faster when it isn't.

Enjoy every bite!
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)

carlaD
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:45 pm

Post by carlaD » Sat May 13, 2017 6:57 pm

Thanks oolala. I do intend to keep experimenting. I realize now that I had been limiting my portions at meals (maybe subconsciously thinking that it would help me lose weight) and then I struggled to make it to the next meal. The only problem with snacking is that it was hard for me to stop. I would start with a few crackers and end up eating a whole row of crackers, grabbing some cookies, picking up a banana, a roll, etc. In less than one hour I would eat all of that. Crazy.. I know!!!

Now, after trying this method if I eat until I am full then I can make a logical choice not to eat a snack/sweet even if I have a craving. But that was only on the days where I actually did eat until full at lunch time.
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

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

Post by oolala53 » Fri May 19, 2017 4:27 am

You aren't the first to "careen" with cutting too much and overdoing it later. It's all part of the learning. Very few tennis players get good at serves without a LOT of too long, too short, and too wide of shots. All you have to do is get really good at them on N days for now!
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)

carlaD
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:45 pm

Post by carlaD » Sun May 28, 2017 10:05 pm

I have had a hectic couple of weeks. I really want to start checking-in daily again. Things have calmed down so I should be able to do it.

I definitely haven't had an all green week yet, but I haven't given up.

My goal is to have a full green week! :shock:

Today I had a big ole bowl of pudding as a treat. It was yummy.
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

carlaD
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:45 pm

Post by carlaD » Tue May 30, 2017 12:20 am

Green :D
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

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

Post by oolala53 » Tue May 30, 2017 3:38 am

Remember that goal. Imagine how great it will feel to be able to declare a green week. Are you using habitcal?
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)

carlaD
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:45 pm

Post by carlaD » Wed May 31, 2017 1:04 am

Green :D

oolala, I haven't been consistent with HabitCal. I need to use it.
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

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

Post by oolala53 » Wed May 31, 2017 1:09 am

I don't use it consistently, either. Maybe that can be a June addition.
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)

carlaD
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:45 pm

Post by carlaD » Thu Jun 01, 2017 2:05 am

Red :(
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

carlaD
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:45 pm

Post by carlaD » Fri Jun 02, 2017 12:59 am

Red :(
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

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

Post by oolala53 » Fri Jun 02, 2017 1:02 am

On Habitcal? :wink:
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

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

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

Post by Merry » Fri Jun 02, 2017 5:36 am

carlaD wrote:Green :D

oolala, I haven't been consistent with HabitCal. I need to use it.
It's amazing to me how much getting to click and fill in one of those little boxes can motivate me if I'm having a tough day! 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

carlaD
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:45 pm

Post by carlaD » Sat Jun 03, 2017 4:12 pm

Two green days this week. Next week I will aim for three or more green days. Baby steps.
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

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

Post by oolala53 » Sat Jun 03, 2017 8:52 pm

That's as valid a way as any to develop the habit.
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)

carlaD
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:45 pm

Post by carlaD » Wed Jun 07, 2017 1:55 am

Monday Red :(
Tuesday Red :(
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

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

Post by oolala53 » Wed Jun 07, 2017 2:00 am

YOu still have a chance for your three green days.
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)

carlaD
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:45 pm

Post by carlaD » Thu Jun 22, 2017 1:08 pm

Still hanging on. I have only been able to get two Green days weekly. I haven't given up though.
Starting at a size 12/14 (April 2017)
Goal is a size 6/8
Currently:

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

Post by oolala53 » Tue Jun 27, 2017 11:19 pm

Do hang on. That's two saner days a week than you were probably eating before.
Count plates, not calories. 11 years "during"
Age 69
BMI Jan/10-30.8
1/12-26.8 3/13-24.9 +/- 8-lb. 3 yrs
9/17 22.8 (flux) 3/18 22.2
2 yrs flux 6/20 22
1/21-23

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

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