I haven't planned properly - but I don't know why, there was a big mental barrier there. So meals have been a bit ad hoc, and sometimes a bit odd. It certainly costs me more money when I don't plan.

However, one part of the mentality really has shifted, and even when I'm not eating properly, I'm staying within my calorie and carb allowances. This has meant throwing out a meatloaf and feeding some things to the dogs ~ this is a waste but it was better than going down my throat.

Persistence rewarded, though, and, after the obligatory bounce, I'm now tromping down through 176 again.

I promise to try and get the planning organized though ~ it's a vicious circle, if I don't eat right/get the right nutrition, I get even more gloomy and detached and plan/eat even worse and so it goes on. No. Plan, you fool!

I am sooo dependant on my food (mood swings, sugar drops, etc.) that I'm lost if I don't plan. You've come a long way - you can do the planning and keep on top of it! To quote what a wise person once said: "Plan, you fool!"

Get back to planning. It's a lifesaver. Staying within your calorie budget while staying outside of your plan can only work for so long. And it's not the way to go. But I think you are more than aware of that.

Three days to get back tight again, to end that cycle? Not even. I have found that it takes a mere day. Just one day of eating well to feel marvelous and enthusiastic about my plan. It's such a relief and comfort. Not sure then why I still stray from it occasionally.

Rosinante - that's a very hard thing to do, at least for me... is to just throw away the food... I grew up in one of those families where there were always "starving people in some random country far away", so we couldn't let things go to "waste". I'm getting MUCH better at this and realize that if I do plan, I don't waste, or "waist" it Just wanted to comment on that statement and kudos to you for doing something that can be challenging! (along with everything else we got going on!)

Rosinante, Good for you for still staying under calories! You know what you need to do so all I want to say is "You go, girl" - Am I dating myself?

It's not waste to throw out the food when you consider the health consequences -- doctor bills, hospital bills, pharmacy costs, etc.

You did the right thing!

Making my b'fast and lunch very routine makes shopping easier. I don't have to think twice. I just vary dinner.

And besides, eating that food isn't going to help any starving children in Africa or anywhere else.

It is MUCH more wasteful and harmful to eat food when not hungry or to eat food that is not good for you. What a waste TO eat it!!!

It really is OK to throw away food that is tempting or off your plan. Better in the trash than in you. I often will take dish soap and squirt it on leftoveres or DH's stuff. We need to keep our environment as friendly to our plan as possible.

I used to have to constantly remind myself - I am not a garbage disposal!

It sounds like planning is what works best for you, so yes get right back to it. And congratulate yourself for doing well while not planning...but dont tempt the fates by trying to keep it up.