I brought my lunch to work but today was one of the days when the company decided to have a catered lunch. So I decided I'd save my healthy lunch for later and eat what was provided. It was a salad and sandwiches from Panera's. I had never eaten from there before but I thought, "It looks healthy".

1000 calories - in the sandwich alone. =(

I'm so disappointed. I didn't even do it on purpose. I estimate that I've consumed approximately 1600 calories today and it's only 6:30...

I better sleep early tonight...

It's going to happen. And it will happen again. While 1600 calories may seem like a lot, that's well within the range of what we should be eating. I've had days where I just went on to bed when I hit my limit......but then I'm in my 60s, not 20s!

It is definitely hard to eat the way we want to in situations like that. The important thing is not to just throw in the towel -- which is what I've done in the past -- but to get up the next day and just begin again.

Really? =o I thought I was burning about 1600 a day which is why I try to stay a little lower. I don't exercise in the winter, it's so cold where I live and sometimes I come out of work to quite a lot of snow so I'm not as active. When I pick up my activity level, I increase my calorie intake so I'm not killing myself. But I thought at 1600 I was sort of just maintaining.

lovedancelive, it happens and it's ok!! Please don't be so hard on yourself. I too was shocked at the calorie counts at Panera! It must be their yummy bread or something!

If it makes you feel better, lower your calories for a couple days by 50-75 to try to make up a little but it's not necessary to do!

Think of it as part of the learning curve and you learned something today. That's the most important part of our journey no matter what plan we are on, to learn and take the knowledge with us for the future.

Thanks elvislover! =)

I figure I won't always know what's in the food they order and I'm not working out during the winter so I just came up with a plan!

I sit at this really high table and sometimes, if those of us sitting at the desk get bored or antsy, we push our chairs in and just stand up. If I stand up for 1 hour a day, that's ~200 calories burned. If I stand for more, that's even better. =)

Well at least you did realize it sooner than later! I had a similar experience, just a few days ago I decided to treat myself to some instant noodles. I checked the packaging and it was 263 kcals (I can still remember that so clearly!). After I'd eaten it, I realized the packet had TWO servings... Just fell into another marketing trap!

I think the best thing you have done was to realize how much you've taken in, and not gone like 'oh well since I blew it I might as well eat some more!'

Happens to me, too. Finding out something has more calories just STINGS, you know! It's the same amount of effort and willpower as staying on plan, but without the benefits.

On the bright side, a few more days of your normal diet and any extra cals will be gone. So don't force yourself to eat nothing tonight. Eat on plan tonight!

Thanks guys, I appreciate it. =)

Yeah vabs, I think I will. It's the weekend, I'm feeling good, and going hungry because Panera makes ridiculous sandwiches will just make me grumpy. I almost figured, "Screw it" and had a bunch of chips but I stopped myself. I made some vegetarian chili last night, I'll have some of that!


Sidenote: Srsly? A 1000 calorie sandwich? Are you for real? Do they truly think that's okay? That wasn't even a lot of food, it's not like it was a foot long sub... God, that just turned me off that place on the spot, I won't be eating there again unless I look up calorie content first. What bull.

lovedancelive - i LOVE Panera. As in, I would eat there daily if I could afford it (financially and calorically). But you're right, it is ridiculous how many calories are in their sandwiches and soups. However, every once in a while you deserve a treat. Maybe you add in an extra 30 minute workout, or eat a little less tomorrow. Don't beat yourself up about it though!

As for the weather, I'm in NJ so I feel your pain on the cold. Do you have cable? A lot of the providers offer exercise videos on demand. They are usually about 20-30 mins long, but they do the trick when going outside is just not an option!!

Nope, we only have Netflix but we have workout stuff. I just prefer to be in a gym or outdoors. I'm the type who can't focus at home. I can't even work from home, my mind just goes WOOSH out the window.

It really amazes me how many calories resturants can pack into a little portion. Jerks!

I agree with the advice you've been given. One meal won't erase all of your good efforts. Move on. Live and learn. I remember being given some Indian candy as a gift. I ate one medium sized piece and thought it was ok, but not great. I looked up the calorie count and it was something like 200 calories! That put a damper on the day for sure.

I just wanted to put in a good word for Panera. When you go into the restaurant, the calorie counts for their food are clearly listed on the menu. One day I went in and had a totally satisfying lunch of chicken noodle soup and a small salad for under 300 calories. I left totally pleased.

I think I regularly eat 1600 calories (or more) by 6:30 p.m.

Chances are, 1600 calories is still "losing weight" calories for you. If not, you'll maintain your weight. AND THAT'S TOTALLY FINE. Even if you ate enough to gain a little (which you didn't), one day won't mess up your progress.

One day didn't cause us to gain weight—it was series of days eating too much. Likewise one day won't cause you to lose it all either! A series of days on a particular plan ensures that you will lose weight (or maintain it).

So don't stress too much about it. Just get back on track tomorrow.

Yeah this. I used to go to Panera a lot because it is one of the few places you can get a satisfying low-calorie meal. I eat a lot of different stuff on the menu, but I don't think I've ever had my meal end up being 1000 calories

Chipotle has sort of become my new thing at this point though

Don't let one day get you down. It takes 3500 calories to gain a pound so you would have to eat like that consistently. At the very least you maintained for a day and that's good.

Good luck.

Restaurants dont care about health, they care about making things taste good so people will buy it. And of course all those bad things like butter and carbs taste good