Just one other thing, if it's really a mental thing, like really day 4 screws you up so bad, call it day number 3+1 and then the next day will be #5. Just a thought. Not a good one, eh?

Allison a kirby is like a cucumber, only a little smaller and a little less seedy, which I much prefer. That tuna lunch by the way is extremely satisfying, it's a lot of food for not a lot of calories, quite filling too.

KarieH, you need to change your thinking on this--having some chocolate, or ordering take-out for dinner once in a while does not mean you have "failed" and might as well give up. All it means that you exceeded your calorie allotment for one day. The next day's allotment is still yours to fulfill. If the fourth day is always your downfall (although, after only two four day stints, I don't know that you've really established a pattern), allow yourself a small treat on the fourth day, and FORGIVE YOURSELF if you overdo it. Just get up the next day and be more moderate. Do a little more exercise to compensate, if you really blow your calorie budget.

My completely *unscientific* theory on calorie-controlled weight loss (I lost 35lb this way recently) is that having one bad meal a week (going out to dinner and eating half a hamburger and fries, or something else fattening) keeps your metabolism on its toes and stops it from getting sluggish. Allowing yourself one bad meal a week also performs the psychological benefit of reducing your feelings of deprivation.

The important thing is that you forgive yourself if you mess up, and, that you don't let one undisiplined day derail you completely.

You mention that on Day 4 you eat a chocolate bar... Do you go buy this or is it readily available? Because I NEVER stick with my plan if I have tempting goodies lying around waiting for me to feel hungry. I don't keep ANY chocolate, cold cereal, or sugary foods in the house.

I also know that someone mentioned that the point of calorie counting is that you can eat whatever you want. I suppose that is an advantage over, say, a specific diet plan that restricts certain food types. However, for me the point of calorie counting is to limit food intake to what my body needs. I am NOT ONLY choosing to not eat more than my body needs, but I am careful that the calories I do eat are the ones that will FUEL my body. I don't understand the mentality of eating a certain number of calories, half or a quarter of those calories coming from complete junk. I could never sustain that. I am able to sustain eating fewer calories only when I fuel my body with the nutrients it needs, and lots of lean protein and fiber.

I think I got off on the bunnytrail about choosing a variety of foods and eating more often because I assumed that Karie was burning out on Day 4. Sorry, I guess you never really said that you were starving or craving.

Imagine me running off at the mouth without thinking. Hardly ever happens.

As difficult as it seems you may be on to something with your own answers.
if I banned all fatty foods from the house completely and made everyone eat what I was eating so there were no temptations and never order anymore takeaways.
We often are smarter than we give ourselves credit for.

Just work away at keeping the food in the house as healthy as restraints will allow (children, finances, time etc) and try to keep take out for a treat. We all end up in a restaurant or taking out once in a while. It can be done. Like Diva said, we count calories because we want what we want. We eat what we like, just count it and take our lumps, learning as we go.

It's chocolate that happens to be lying around, if it wasn't in the house and I wasn't looking at it I wouldn't eat it and I wouldn't go out just to buy chocolate/biscuits etc and therefore I would be sticking to my plan

Generally I ask my b/f not to bring any or buy any but he doesn't seem to listen or says that it's his sons etc I'll just have to take a tougher approach He is also going away for a few days next week with his son for half term so he wont be here bringing any temptations and I may be able to get through the first week

Thanks everyone for your comments

I would be concerned about losing 5 lbs a week. You are really losing too fast (I know you probably don't want to hear that). You don't mention your height...but I am thinking maybe you should try to increase your calories to 1600, and eat small meals every 2-3 hours. This might give you the stamina to make it to Day 4. I reward myself each week with something (counting it in my calories, of course ) maybe yours could be a piece of chocolate on Day 4?...as long as you can discipline yourself to stop at just one piece. I am thinking that maybe if you have more calories each day leading up to that you'll have better restraint....because you will be feeling more satisifed.

We all know what it is like to want to get rid of the weight as quick as you can....but as Fatburner said "slow and steady" wins the race.

I work at home too- I will cook some chicken breasts on Sunday so I have them on hand for sandwiches, wraps or salads throughout the week- along with tuna/ pitas and whole wheat pasta. I am not a huge salad lover either so I just try to get my veggies in the sandwiches at every lunch or throw some in my sauce for the pasta. Lunch is usually always around 300 calories for me.

One last thing, I agree with Diva 100%. The best part of calorie counting is that you can eat anything.........you just have to make calculated choices. You CAN do this, it sounds like you have the motivation- I would just try increasing your calories a bit.....and pick one day a week as your "official" weigh in day. Weigh yourself in between as much as you want but really pay attention to your weekly weigh in # (and make sure you are not losing too fast) GOOD LUCK!!!!

If you're a chocolate lover, try those Jello chocolate pudding cups- sugar free and only 60 calories. Yum!

i always have jello fat free chocolate pudding cups on hand for the days when i need more vitamin c (chocolate)

lol, vitammin c, I love that!!!!