Agreed! Steve and I are doing a kickstart of a month with Nutrisystem. We ordered a la carte so we wouldn't get roped in for 3 months. I lost about 5 pounds last week, but Steve had a hankering for Burgerville's double cheeseburger and rosemary fries over the weekend so I added one pound back.
Isn't it aggravating how easily it comes back on? I really messed up my gut with the combination of Park food and cold meds. I am doing a bit of a broth/yogurt cleanse/fast. Then I will get onto a serious food plan with lots of vegetables, less chocolate and less alcohol. Not even risking the scale yet.
The scale can definitely be the enemy, but it's nice to know where you're starting at so you know you're making progress. Steve thinks I should weigh myself every day. That does nothing for me, so I make sure I step on at least twice a week. Generally after the weekend (when I cheat), and on Thursday or Friday (before I cheat again).
I'm going to avoid the scale this time. That is, at least until I notice some physical difference. I know from my past behavior that I can become obsessed with weighing myself. It's elating to find that I have lost a pound or two, but it's so damn discouraging when the scale tips the other direction. And, my weight fluctuates 1-4 pounds throughout the day. So, I play mind games with myself and weigh in at various times. I do have a plan that worked for me before. It may not be the healthiest, but for me, it works ok. I eat very little throughout the day--just kind of graze a little bit. I save the bulk of my calories for the evening meal so I can eat a nice dinner with my family. It also gives me something to look forward to. Then, on a typical weekend, I lay off of the diet somewhat. I go ahead and have a few drinks and some pizza. Again, it gives me something to look forward to and allows me to blow off some steam and be a normal human being for awhile.
That actually sounds like a pretty good strategy; it is not too regimented. Over-weighing can be a real trap. I will know I am doing well when my clothes, that are way too tight, start to fit right again. Then I will get on the scale and try to hold it down to once or twice a week.
I like that strategy too. Once I'm done w/ this month of Nutrisystem that is the kind of tone I want to set for myself as well. I'm not enjoying having to eat of of this packaged and processed food, but if it gets me back on track so be it. I can do just about anything for a month...will I be a little cranky at times throughout the month...YOU BET!!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and Steve and I are allowing ourselves a cheat day on the weekend which is super helpful. I can't tell you how good that Burgerville double cheeseburger was on Sunday night...LOL!!
It was always easy to keep it simple and just count calories. Then, I got a good feel for what I could and couldn't eat. And, if I am busy doing things throughout the day, I can easily go without food. It's the evening, when we're all just lounging about, that I get in trouble. There's a really good (and free) calorie tracker on Livestrong.com.
Well, I think getting so sick gave me a real kick start. After we got home I could barely eat anything. Yesterday I stuck to a very sensible food plan. It was the first time that junk food even looked appealing but there was no craving; I easily dismissed it and had a little plain yogurt instead. I also plan to fit in an exercise routine today to get back on that track as well.
My good intentions notwithstanding, my weekend was hard. I was up 4/10th of a pound. Working to stay on track for the week.
It's been a tough week to stay on track because Monday was Steve's birthday. I got him a griddler (for me to use) because he LOVES grilled cheese sandwiches. Needless to say that is all he's been wanting all week...LOL! Not my pic, but the sandwiches look similar...hehe!
I would say the best I have done all week is, in one visit to the mall, I walked past the food court, Wetzel's Pretzels, Cinnabon, Auntie Anne's, and Orange Julius without getting a thing!
That is huge!! I was very proud last night. We went to our usual gamenight but before we left we had a reasonable dinner. I took some cranberry water to drink and did not indulge in any snacks.
I have been bouncing around but this AM I was finally 139.4. Can't fit into anything with a zipper but I broke the 140 barrier. Challenges abound as I have a luncheon tomorrow, a brunch Saturday AM and a crabfeed Saturday PM!! I can skimp at lunch and brunch..... but a very expensive all you can eat crabfeed that starts with Pesto Pasta and French Bread??!!??
I've hopped over onto the Weight Watchers train. I feel soooo much better eating "real" food rather than the ready packaged stuff. Not really attempting to lose weight right now because I want to have a weekend where I'm not thinking about points so I can drink wine...LOL!
Our weight loss food plan has always been based around WW. Though we go back to the '70's where there was just a food plan and not calories nor points. But no matter how you slice it; eating reasonable portions of real food is the best "diet".
It wasn't the pasta, nor even the rolls, and not really the mass quantities of crab. It was the full stick of melted garlic butter my daughter and I nearly finished off between the two of us. And to make matters worse; I used my bun to sop up any that found its way down to the plate. If I can hold it down to the one night and get back on track; I think it will even out in just a few days.
I made a lovely turkey & bean soup that is ZERO points! Super tasty...easy to make. I will share the recipe if you're interested.
