Everyday Systems

Starla · Joined: 14 Sep 2009 Posts: 398

Today is my two-year anniversary of starting NO S. You can read my far more inspirational first-year testimonial here: http://everydaysystems.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=6745

My second year has been much different than my first, and not in a good way. I've tended to blame it on stress and change - a new house, an unexpected death, the beginning of menopause, an injury to my walking partner. But the truth is - that's just life, isn't it? Things happen. The truth is that I eat way too much on S days. I rarely post or use HabitCal. I don't exercise. The truth is that I've lost any sense of urgency. I read my first year testimonial, and how I listened to the song "One Last Chance," and I remember playing it over and over and over. I had an overwhelming sense that something had to change, and it had to change now. That's gone.

Do I sound like an engaged, committed No S'er? I am not. But the silver lining in my little black cloud is that I'm still a creature of the habits I developed during my first year. I eat three meals a day with no snacks or sweets. I think I had only five failures during the year. In terms of weight - I weigh 0.2 pounds more than I did a year ago, so my total weight loss is at 65 pounds. I know that maintaining that weight loss is an accomplishment.

I have not had a weight loss goal on No S. I have always told myself that I wanted to eat and exercise moderately, and that I would be happy with whatever weight I ended up at. My disappointment with myself is because I am not living in moderation. Just writing this down makes things a little clearer for me, and maybe that will help.

Please don't let my problems discourage you! I hesitated about posting, but I always think the truth is best.

NoelFigart · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 1633 Location: Lebanon, NH

I'm sorry you've had a rough time, and I'm glad you want to be accurate in your reporting, but the truth isn't as negative as all that.

You had a really rough year -- the type of year that will often pack on the pounds. And yet...

It didn't. The habits helped.

That's pretty awesome when you think about it.
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My blog http://noelfigart.com/blog/ I talk about being a freelance writer, working out and cooking mostly. The language is not always drawing room fashion. Just sayin'.

Clarica · Joined: 12 Dec 2008 Posts: 154

boo tough year! yay excellent maintenance!

I very much appreciated this yearly update. Losing a sense of direction isn't great, but keeping every other success is awesome.
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Looking for intelligent daily defaults of all kinds.
http://claricaandthequestion.blogspot.com/

sheepish · Joined: 20 Feb 2006 Posts: 118

I think you're being too hard on yourself. Maintaining a 65 lb weight loss is AMAZING. You're a statistical anomaly - virtually everyone who loses that much gains it back again but you didn't. Why? Because all that work you did in developing good habits has really paid off.

NoSnacker · Joined: 11 Jun 2011 Posts: 1481 Location: Buffalo, New York

I agree with Sheepish!!

And you have maintained your N days habits..how great is that...

And best part is you lost 65lbs and kept it off that is much harder than losing they say..

Don't lose faith, you'll find your groove again!
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Age 56: SBMI=30.6 (12/1/13) CBMI 28.9 (2/2/14) GBMI-24.8

reinhard · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 7:37 pm Post subject:

Staria,

Flashy, this testimonial may not be -- but it's deeply impressive.

It reflects well both on the system and (even more) on yourself.

I think it's pretty amazing that you were able to get through this all without gaining weight.

Still, impressive as it was, for your own sake I wish you a much easier year going forward!

Thank you for letting us know and congratulations on sticking with it through such a tough time,

Reinhard

Sweetness · Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2011 6:02 pm Post subject:

Starla,
Thanks for posting this, and Kudos to you for losing and maintaining 65 lbs. Maybe you really are at your ideal weight??
Patty
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Patty

Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down, but an encouraging word brings him joy. (Proverbs 12:25 NET)
I'm a glutton for encouragement.

Blithe Morning · Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 1212 Location: South Dakota

I think this is an amazing testimony. This is No S on Real Life. The whole point is to get everything so ingrained that you don't need to be a committed No Ser. It's no longer what you do but who you are. Well done!

r.jean · Joined: 24 Dec 2010 Posts: 1610 Location: Midwest

I found your post encouraging ...not discouraging.

I had a rough year in 2010 and gained 20 lbs. At the end of 2010, I started No S, and it has literally been a lifesaver.

If I ever have another super stressful year, I hope I am able maintain the habits I have learned....like you have been able to.

Great job!
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The journey is the reward.

Too solid flesh · Joined: 17 Jan 2007 Posts: 638 Location: England

I'm sorry you've had such a challenging year. You have done brilliantly maintaining, and having so few failures, when you have been dealing with all these stresses and strains. An inspiration!
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“Be kind, for everybody you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

tobiasmom · Joined: 05 Oct 2010 Posts: 1341 Location: Honolulu

I know it's been a few years..... but I think about you often. Your first year testimonial is what hooked me to NoS. I have been off and on NoS for years now.... but that's been me and my own diet head, not the plan. I hope you're doing well. And I hope some day you come back and tell us you're doing ok...NoS or not! Your fire on here was contagious!
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Military wife and homeschool mom of two boys
Committed to No-S, period!