When I decided to start back on calorie counting this week because I was sick of restricting fat (5-10% calories a day) with the McDougall diet I was doing, I made up an original menu that didn't include "junk" food. I quickly found out that this is not going to work for me, as I need some "junk" food to keep me away from craving binges. So I decided to incorporate 2 foods that are "junk" foods but that I actually don't feel I have too much of a problem controlling in terms of portions: whole wheat pretzels and 70% dark chocolate (vegan, without milk).

I was nervous about doing this because I thought it would really push my calorie level up. But when I did the Fitday thing, I found it actually turns out less calories than my original menu (as I replaced some snacks with these foods).

It did push my fat level up a bit (from 16% to 20%) but the calories are a bit lower (from 1290 to 1260).

So I'm a happy camper now - it's one thing I like about calorie counting. I don't have to feel guilty eating my chocolate!

Tam

This proves how important planning is.

I honestly believe depriving yourself of foods makes binging more frequent. At least for me it does.

Yep, me too. I can now control myself around most sweets. For instance, a few weeks ago, I made a homemade apple pie. I had no problem restricting myself to 1/8 piece a night, and staying within my calorie range. However, I still have some "red-light" foods. Pecan pie is one. I tried making that last Friday, and . . . well, let's just say that my calories for Sunday were 3600 (tried freezing portions, but frozen pecan pie is actually better tasting than room temperature). As such, I've been strict this entire week so that the week's total balances out to 1700 calories per day (the maintenance calories for my goal weight). So, I just need to be aware of what my danger-zone foods are, and pecan pie is definitely one of them.

I agree with that too - depriving myself of some treats just doesn't work for me. I know that in order for any eating plan to work long-term I have to be able to have something salty and something sweet every day that is like a "treat". That treat doesn't have to be a completely unhealthy, fat-laden treat (like, say, a donut) but it does have to be something I look at as a treat (so, for example, fruit won't work because that's not a treat for me).

Unfortunately, the dark chocolate might have to go . Not because of the calories but because of the caffeine. I noticed that I woke up at 4 a.m. this morning with a dull migraine and I'm pretty sure it's from the chocolate, since it's happened before. I suffer from migraines so I'm avoiding triggers as much as possible. I made some carob almond fudge tonight (which is also a treat to me but a bit more time consuming to make) and we'll see if that doesn't cause a migraine. If not, then I'll know it's the chocolate and I'll have to find an alternative.

Tam

I agree with Pag. Deprivation always sets me up for failure.