Scorbette: Congratulations on reaching maintenance! I remember being excited about eating carrots also..as it had been so long since I had eaten them! Also the return of cheese was so nice!
Kitkat: sweet potatoes are one of my favorite high fiber carbs.
Ishbel: I love your bobbleheads for the cake. Your fiance will be so happy. My son lives in Seattle and they just had some day where everyone walks around wearing star war and star trek costumes.
Greeniris:How fun that you are going to see the Celtic Women. Everyone goes through periods where it is hard to be highly motivated. Are you planning your meals ahead? I envy your freezer and cupboards full of homemade products.
Gazelle: I loved Italy and Italian food. What a wonderful thing to do with your daughter. The airfares are not as bad as I thought.
Maile - don't get me started on the cheese!!! I let out a WHOOP in the grocery store this morning because I found fat free Feta. That means I can use the reduced fat feta on my lunch salad but I have an option for breakfast or dinner that I can use for the flavor too! Yay cheese!
First day of maintenance is now under my belt and I feel REALLY good about it. Took a bit to give myself permission to have a slice of garlic bread at dinnertime, but I made good choices and stayed within a calorie range I am happy with. Also learning to REALLY listen to my body's signals when it comes to hunger - just because I CAN eat snacks, doesn't mean I NEED them. I've been telling myself "not now" quite a bit Always learning!
Congratulations Scorbett! I just love reading your posts, as they are informative, supportive, and/or funny!
Maile - I have not been planning as carefully as I should recently. Have found myself staring into the fridge a few mornings, wondering what to take for lunch that day. Most days have been ok, but yesterdays lunch was leftovers from the night before, so too many carbs.
Ishbel - what a fun reception you're going to have, if the bobbleheads on the cake are any indication! Love it
I went back to my clinic this morning - it has been 2 months since I've been. My official weight is back up to 154, and my fat mass is also up a bit. Had a nice long talk with my coach, and she really encouraged me to go back on P1 for at least a week, then P2 & P3 so that I won't be back to maintenance for a month. In the meantime, I really need to find alternative behavior(s) to this emotional eating "in the moment." Typically I might go out for a walk, but the parking lot at work is really icy yet, so that's out of the question. I'm going to try to stay away from the 'sweet' foods during the next month in the hopes that my tastes will change. She also said that due to the stress I've been under, and my not sleeping well, I probably have way too much Cortisol (sp?) in my system. It is a chemical/hormone that effects weight loss. (I really should look it up so I understand it better...) Back to the basics beginning today. Since I never quite got to my original goal of 135 I may try for that so I'll still be below 140 after phasing off. I'm afraid it might be to low though, as a couple people told me I was looking gaunt when at 140. We'll see.
Congratulations Scorbett! I just love reading your posts, as they are informative, supportive, and/or funny!
Maile - I have not been planning as carefully as I should recently. Have found myself staring into the fridge a few mornings, wondering what to take for lunch that day. Most days have been ok, but yesterdays lunch was leftovers from the night before, so too many carbs.
Ishbel - what a fun reception you're going to have, if the bobbleheads on the cake are any indication! Love it
I went back to my clinic this morning - it has been 2 months since I've been. My official weight is back up to 154, and my fat mass is also up a bit. Had a nice long talk with my coach, and she really encouraged me to go back on P1 for at least a week, then P2 & P3 so that I won't be back to maintenance for a month. In the meantime, I really need to find alternative behavior(s) to this emotional eating "in the moment." Typically I might go out for a walk, but the parking lot at work is really icy yet, so that's out of the question. I'm going to try to stay away from the 'sweet' foods during the next month in the hopes that my tastes will change. She also said that due to the stress I've been under, and my not sleeping well, I probably have way too much Cortisol (sp?) in my system. It is a chemical/hormone that effects weight loss. (I really should look it up so I understand it better...) Back to the basics beginning today. Since I never quite got to my original goal of 135 I may try for that so I'll still be below 140 after phasing off. I'm afraid it might be to low though, as a couple people told me I was looking gaunt when at 140. We'll see.
Greeniris, don't know whether you noticed my post in the 'Fabulous at 50+' thread, but I was asking there about how you've been sleeping. I've been doing a lot of reading about how our hormones react, etc., and affect our feelings of hunger, etc., and became much more aware of what your coach is talking about re increased levels of cortisol in your system, if your sleep is poor. It's definitely something to look into. I know that when I don't sleep well, or just don't get enough sleep, I'm much more prone to craving carbs and sweet things.
Hopefully some phase 1 will help you get the emotional eating under control. In my new pland they ask us to track how we felt before and after an emotional episode and to try to come up with a plan for next time. It makes sense, although I still find myself giving in to social eating sometimes. Even if I am prepared. Sigh.
Greeniris - I really think half the battle is staring the problem in the face - and you're already there! You know you're dealing with emotional eating, and what your go-to foods are....now all you need is a strategy. You can do it!!! Good luck on your reboot!
Had another "aha" moment last night - went out to karaoke with some friends, armed with my Mio bottle. Someone asked if I wanted a drink, and my first thought was "no! Alcohol will keep my body from burning fat!"....then realized I don't NEED to burn fat anymore, ketosis is a 2 week old memory Not going to touch the wine yet, and beer will be a fun day-only item...but having a vodka/soda water with a squirt of Mio was REALLY nice!
Greeniris, don't know whether you noticed my post in the 'Fabulous at 50+' thread, but I was asking there about how you've been sleeping. I've been doing a lot of reading about how our hormones react, etc., and affect our feelings of hunger, etc., and became much more aware of what your coach is talking about re increased levels of cortisol in your system, if your sleep is poor. It's definitely something to look into. I know that when I don't sleep well, or just don't get enough sleep, I'm much more prone to craving carbs and sweet things.
I just saw that post this morning. I have not been sleeping well, but this is normal for me. I thought the night sweats were getting better for a while, but they are back full force I will make more of an effort to get to bed early enough so I get enough sleep, and will also talk to my doc about this when I go in for my physical in a couple of months. The progesterone cream seems to be helping with the day time flashes somewhat, but I put the cream on in the morning. Will switch it up and put it on before bed to see what happens. Thank you for pointing these things out!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Momto2cs
Green iris
Hopefully some phase 1 will help you get the emotional eating under control. In my new pland they ask us to track how we felt before and after an emotional episode and to try to come up with a plan for next time. It makes sense, although I still find myself giving in to social eating sometimes. Even if I am prepared. Sigh.
I (sort of) tried to get back to P1 a couple weeks ago, and felt really sick, and since my heart wasn't in it yet, I stopped. Coming up with a plan on how to deal with the emotional eating is going to be crucial for me...I believe your new plan is right on with that. Will be easier here when the ice goes away; then I can get out for a short walk when the stress builds. Also, beginning today, I've changed when I workout. Going to the gym first thing in the morning, before work. If today is any indication, this will help, as I am feeling great and in a really good mood! Will need to go to bed a bit earlier to accommodate getting up before 5:30 a.m., but that shouldn't be a problem. (My bigger concern is how will I fit in the P3 breakfasts on this schedule. I can't go home between working out and going to my job; it's too far.) So far the social eating aspect hasn't been very challenging, but we don't really socialize much due to VIPs work schedule. RE: your social eating difficulty...we all have our more challenging areas. Whatever you are doing to handle these slips seems to be working for you Momto2cs, so you've got this! Good luck, and thank you for your thoughts.
Scorbett - You're right, recognizing the problem for what it really is is half the battle. For me, getting back to the right frame of mind to do what needs to be done was the other half. Think I'm there now.
Wow..it is fun to see new names reaching maintenance! Congrats to everyone! I haven't been on in a week, so I just caught up on the last few pages and loved getting some new snack ideas. Almond butter has become a favorite, but I tend to only have it in the morning on a piece of toast. I think I will try it with apples or celery for a snack.
greeniris I can so relate to what you are going through with the emotional eating as I seem to be struggling a bit more with that lately as well. I seem to do great for awhile and then one day can throw me off and before I know it, I have had 2 or 3 bad days. I find I end up reverting to my old "fat" mentality. Then, as I am doing right now I end up going back to P1 for several days to get myself back on track. I keep saying I need to stay away from sugar entirely but as soon as I feel overwhelmed or stressed I go right for it. I just keep telling myself that it is not worth feeling crappy when I binge and I hope it will sink in eventually. I think not sleeping can really take its toll on our bodies and resolve so hopefully that will work itself out for you soon.
Scorbett I am giggling at your excitement over carrots and cheese! It's funny what foods excite us once we haven't had them for awhile. I am not a huge cheese person, but do like feta on my salads and didn't realize how deprived I felt not having carrots! I take carrots out of my salads when I go to P1 days like I am right now and it is amazing how much I miss them.
Congrats on reaching goal!
Lori T - Thanks for sharing. That darn "fat mentality" just needs to go bye-bye forever! Grrrr... old habits are so hard to break. It amazes me how easy it was during P1 (for the most part) to not fall into the same old patterns, yet on maintenance it is such a struggle. Why is that? I'm sure it's because certain foods do trigger cravings, but where did my mental strength disappear to? Wasn't 7 months long enough to break the old habits? Geez...
Hey! I see you lost about 100 lbs! That is truly awesome!!! Congratulations
Stress and cortisol release is a huge problem for weight loss. It was intended by the caveman years where stresses like the lack of food would slow the body's metabolism as a preservation method. I see huge fluctuations in my weight loss when going through times of stress. As soon as I can get it calmed down, I get a whoosh.
I'm in a highly stressed time myself and had an extreme need for chocolate last night. I opened a Perrier instead and felt immediately better for being in control. However I'm still in P2 and ketosis so I'm a bit worried on how to handle it once in maintenance. I hope I have a little more of life figured out before then but I know there will just be something else around the corner.
Stress and cortisol release is a huge problem for weight loss. It was intended by the caveman years where stresses like the lack of food would slow the body's metabolism as a preservation method. I see huge fluctuations in my weight loss when going through times of stress. As soon as I can get it calmed down, I get a whoosh.
I'm in a highly stressed time myself and had an extreme need for chocolate last night. I opened a Perrier instead and felt immediately better for being in control. However I'm still in P2 and ketosis so I'm a bit worried on how to handle it once in maintenance. I hope I have a little more of life figured out before then but I know there will just be something else around the corner.
I've read in a few places that a little Dark chocolate every day is fine in Maintenance. I have a Dove Dark chocolate bar stashed away, when I want that chocolate taste I have 1/3 of the bar. Heaven
greeniris: I have read the same that both stress and lack of sleep can mess up your chemical balance and can cause cravings and low blood sugar. The reason using packets was easier was because you kept on a rigid eating schedule. Add back real foods brings challenges. Everyone is trying to figure out what they can handle to maintain. It is not easy. You are wise to go back to Phase 1 for awhile. All of us while in maintenance go through times when we are working off up pounds.
Scorbette: How nice that you have really begun maintenance and that you are doing well. It amazes me how a little feta can make you feel like you are eating something speciaL.
Kitkat: nice job of reaching for a perrier when stressed. I drink sparkling water also. It helps. I also turn to hot Good earth sweet and spicy herbal tea. It helps.
LoriT: I can return to the fat mentality when I am working on up pounds. It is hard to see myself as thin when I feel fat..even if I am in my range.
Momto2cs: Social eating can be stressful..especially if you are the only one not indulging. I still get comments about eating salads everyday for lunch at work.
Evepet: I agree with you...when you are tired you are much more prone to cravings and depression. I use coffee on those mornings.
I am very busy doing state testing. I am exercising.
I have a tiny paragraph in the National Weigh registry.
scorbett1103 Too funny you like Star Wars that much, trouble is, before I met VIP I couldn't remember Han Solo's characters name now I know what Harrison was before Star Wars and I actually knew who Owen Lars was....it's like osmosis in my life. I do like to bug the VIP's youngun' by calling Jango Fett "Janga" - and say "I thought it was JjjjjjANGA! - like the game!?" His expression the first time I said it was priceless!
Greeniris The cycle of sugar is hard...it's an addiction. When I was heavy the cycle was a daily struggle...then in maintenance I try to keep it to fun day. Lately I even removed it out of fun day because I just don't feel good and I can control my cravings better if I don't have it (others can handle it, me personally I've accepted I can't so therefore I won't have it). Sleeping is VERY important to me. I don't think it was the melatonin that effected me, Maile uses it and I've read about it on other maintainers boards (shift workers use it for their work)...try it for one night even just to give yourself a good rest.
maile I love your last sentence All of us while in maintenance go through times when we are working off up poundsAIN'T that the truth and I think this board has really helped me realize just that. Perhaps before I knew it but didn't really 'accept it'. In TOPS, when you reach your goal you become a KOPS and keep going to meetings for support. The 'congrats' note you get in the mail says "We know that maintenance of a healthy lifestyle and goal weight requires constant vigilance and support". Someone who's maintained for 40 years (these people are at TOPS rallies)...aren't necessarily 'obsessed' but they are contantly watching themselves.
LoriT I miss my fruit on Phase 1 days, but I have rhubarb in the freezer
SO, I've found a new way to maintain...break a tooth...UGH, just happened and now I don't want to eat in case it hurts...LOL Hopefully I get in to the dentist tomorrow *shudder*...I hate fillings!
Location: Pine Mountain, Georgia & on a little lake in NE Michigan
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scorbett1103
I've read in a few places that a little Dark chocolate every day is fine in Maintenance. I have a Dove Dark chocolate bar stashed away, when I want that chocolate taste I have 1/3 of the bar. Heaven
I have also read this and have a couple bars of Chocolove Orange Peel in Dark Chocolate and Raspberries in Dark Chocolate. I broke them into the individual pieces before unsealing so I'm not tempted to break off more than one small section, which is less than a serving even.
I have this prepared as I was only a couple days behind scorbett with arriving officially into maintenance. Today's the day!!! In celebration, I found a low carb Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp recipe, which I've already baked and will be tonight's snack. It's an interesting psychological feeling of being "free" and in maintenance. I'm still VERY cautious on my eating. Don't mind this low number of carbs type of eating.
Off to something called Scarborough Chicken and roasted mushrooms and asparagus.
Scorbett: I used to eat Green and Black's organic dark chocolate bars. I really loved them and it was easy for me to eat just one square, especially because the bars were so expensive.
Maile: I love your posts, so supportive and helpful.
Ishbel: sorry to hear about your tooth. Hopefully the filling isn't too bad. At least you can have a protein shake if you need to eat but maybe not with ice in case your cold sensitive.
Molly: sounds like you have a good dinner to look forward to. Is there a thread somewhere to share maintenance recipes?
I had a better day today. I didn't check my personal emails until I got home so there were no flurries of activity and stress that I didn't need. Today I have prepped dinner for tomorrow and Friday plus lunch on Friday. I am going out for lunch tomorrow so it feels like the rest of the week will be easy. I'm taking a last minute trip Friday night to Monday night but I have food packed (it was the first thing organized!) with dehydrated zucchini and red pepper chips to make sure I can get my veg in while on the go.
Always learning!
I will make more of an effort to get to bed early enough so I get enough sleep, and will also talk to my doc about this when I go in for my physical in a couple of months. The progesterone cream seems to be helping with the day time flashes somewhat, but I put the cream on in the morning. Will switch it up and put it on before bed to see what happens. Thank you for pointing these things out!
