Tuesday, November 14, 2017

I love love LOVE what you say "our goal in maintenance is to create, live and trust our healthy lifestyles, not succumb anymore to yo-yo dieting/binging/dieting behavior."

I spent the first couple of years of maintenance not having to do any work because I was somehow able to eat nearly anything and maintain. Then I spent the next couple years thinking that if I ordered my life just right I'd be able to maintain. I'm finally starting to get comfortable with the idea that not every day is perfect. That's life. And that doesn't have to make or break maintenance. That was my old toxic thinking: oops I ate a cupcake, guess I'd better chalk today (or this week....or this month...) up as a failure and just order Chinese food until I can be perfect tomorrow.

I am really beginning to think that maintenance isn't defined as staying within a certain 2lb. range...or 5lb. range...or 10lb. range (though wouldn't that be ideal!!). I really think it's about learning how to be willing to continuously set the "reset" button when needed. Because that takes so much courage! But it's not a blemish on our character, but rather a defining moment!

That was my old toxic thinking: oops I ate a cupcake, guess I'd better chalk today (or this week....or this month...) up as a failure and just order Chinese food until I can be perfect tomorrow.

This was that faulty negotiation my brain was doing that I was having trouble articulating! It was ?well, you already ate 3 of these 170 calorie bombs, you might as well polish off the other 5 since you blew today.? It?s that feeling that if I?m not perfect, then the day is lost and it?s not worth trying anymore until tomorrow. Which logically makes zero sense, but emotionally seems to hold water in the moment.

I do think it's easier as time goes on. You will discover your own boundaries and have more confidence in them. Personally, I'm a big fan of everything is allowed. At a recent party I was given a hostess gift of toffee. The really good kind. I've had a single piece every few days over the past 3 weeks and there's still a tad left. Why? Because I know I can have it. I know that not everyone can or should do it my way. But for me, I've "de-weaponized" food.

I also think that being at a maintenance weight makes it a little easier to say no. When I weighed 277lbs., it all just felt like an exercise in futility. So I eat one less piece of pizza...what's that gonna change?! I know that's not a great mindset to have, but I did feel that way. Now I know that a weekend of overeating might mean I feel my pants a little tighter on Monday--and that's some incentive to behave!

But even 7.5 years out I have days where I'm extra hungry and eat more (not altogether bad), or days when I eat things just to spite myself (this is the behavior I really try to avoid). But I think acknowledging them and moving forward is all we can ask to do. I really do think it gets easier as time goes on.

Thank you, Liz! I try to make sure I have snacks around that aren't high calorie and are higher protein for when I find myself wanting to eat. Yesterday's run in with the toffee is a good example of why having high calorie, highly desirable-to-me foods sitting in my kitchen is a terrible idea! Because when a challenge day intersects with a those food in the house, the results can be ugly...

I talked to my therapist about it and she suggested rather than making toffee off-limits, buy a single piece at the candy store or one candy bar on a day when I plan for it instead of keeping a whole box in the house.

209. I am under water, tossing around in the breakers, but still going. I know what I need to do and need to do it.

I bought a box of Lenny & Larry's Complete Cookies. https://www.lennylarry.com I remembered them as tasting good and thought they'd be a good breakfast option for the kids and something I could eat in case of emergency (i.e., better than kids cereal or Pop Tarts). Being always in a hurry, I read the outside of the package (16g protein) and the calories on the side (180). The kids love them so I had to warn them not to eat more than one because they are high in fiber.... The younger says it only has 4 grams. I said I thought it had 8 so he handed me the box. I didn't check the serving size!!! What am I new??? Of course, they would have the serving size be HALF A COOKIE! Luckily I caught this early and while it's no big deal for the kids, 360 calories for 16 grams of protein is a dealbreaker for me. And I'm mad at them for the trickery.

Jeez! Who lists "half a cookie" as a serving. That's more than misleading. That's nutritional usury!

Seriously, who stops at half a cookie and saves the rest for later?

Yes, this is why I don't buy these. I'd rather have a couple real cookies and get protein elsewhere than be tricked into eating an entire 360 calorie cookie that happens to have protein. It does make me MAD! Sorry :(

Greetings A;;

A power blip just ate my post. Just go home with DH from the cataract surgery. He is fine. Already on the iPad. I spent the couple of hours wait at Bed Bath and Beyond and Kohl's. I hate shopping and it was about the right interval to get some things I have been wanting. I can't believe all the holiday stuff that is out. No Christmas Sweaters for me.

Joey, shame on Larry's cookies. Who ever eats a half of anything? And forgive yourself Cecily. Always a learning curve on what you can have around and what you never want to bring in the house. Its just as well that we have no Trader Joes here. Too dangerous.

Hey Liz congrats and enjoy yourself. More time for "me stuff" and not house chores. And I hope you all get to do the Appalachian trail. But be safe.

I think I am up today but don't remember what I weighed pre coffee. Last night was canadian bacon and eggs. I have not eaten much today but that is not a positive since I am more likely to overeat later. Too bad those so called complete cookies are not so hot as I would like to have something more convenient for breakfast besides yogurt.

Paula here is hoping you got something set up with Mayo. And BB, for goodness sake enjoy the baby kicks. I can see you being a mom with a baby stroller that is meant for serious joggers or walkers. I had a stroller for our old dog. Still do but its now used as a wine cellar.

Take care all. Diane S