And the mental game begins

Haha. I do this too. I baked a ton last week.

Agree, removing yourself is sometimes the easiest thing to do. In the beginning I just did not participate in meals with family. I actually irritated people - who said Oh can't you even SIT with us? Holidays were a little tough. Now, I sit and eat my portion and sometimes will excuse myself and tidy the kitchen, or go sit elsewhere so I am not distracted. And I have to admit to a tiny bit of judgment of people's HUGE portions ;) I never realized how much people can eat!

OMG Cjonorcas, I think the same thing... and cannot believe how much I used to eat too! And I do the very same thing, start out eating with others, then when I'm done with my little spoon and plate, I get up and move. It's just me and hubby now, but when I'm with the whole family I too will get up and start cleaning up! Funny how we all sort of "change the subject" in some way!

I believe with my entire body that this is more of a mental thing then a stomach thing. I was down right depressed after surgery. I am good now, but the first few months were difficult. I had to find other ways to cope like you are. Walking and such. Best of luck to you, I remember not thinking it would ever get better, but it has.

I spend a lot of time and effort with making new protein foods. My husband asked me the other day why I work so hard on food when I can't have much of it? It's because of that desire to taste something that is amazing! You'd be surprised at how you can season beans (all types), chicken, fish and beef! Yes, I end up making a boat load, but when I get my little bowl out I can have what I have and I'm happy! The World According to Eggface and Pinterest are my best friends when it comes to how I prepare my food. Granted, not everything tastes right now, but I have taken the advice of the veterans and I'm embracing this honeymoon phase and getting the weight off now and making new habits!

I also get a lot of ideas from the daily menu board... things like the crack chicken, egg roll in a bowl, crack slaw, egg custards. There are some great recipes out there. My family also wonders that I am still so obsessed with food. Used to be, I loved to eat it all. Now, I need to have good high-protein options available. Lot of planning on my part leads to more successful outcome!

Egg roll in a bowl? Crack slaw? Please post links!!!!

There are plenty of recipes for these, just type the recipe name into an internet search box.

Crack chicken lot of people here make... it is just crockpot chicken breasts (skinless boneless) with light cream cheese and either a package of ranch dressing mix or I use a jar of salsa. Cook for 4 hours on high, shred and eat.

Egg roll in a bowl is usually cabbage, ground meat of some sort, spices (don't recall just now) sautéed. Very good.

Crack slaw is similar to the egg roll in a bowl. I think it might use sausage though.

It's tough. The farther along you are, the worse it gets...or that's how it is for me. I do, however, ask my kids, "can I smell that?" After a good little whiff, I set my eye on the prize (being 140 or less) and go about my business.

Cake smells so good. Donuts, too. The taste of victory is sweet and something that I plan on having later this year!