When I use to diet before,(mostly starve) I allowed myself one meal of my choice per wk. after being on plan for the week. Sometimes it was a simple tunafish sandwich,most often it seems I missed my cheezeburgers (with the bun of course). I've been thinking of that same cheeseburger the last couple of days,alot. I remember I held this 'carrot' (food I love)out in front of me so I'd stay on track,and it worked. However I know using food as a reward for anything is not a good idea,however I stayed within six pounds of my goal weight for over20yrs.
So far I'm doing well, havn't taken a dive off the deep end. Not sure with this thyroid business I'm dealing with if the numbers on the scale will show up presentable enough,as weight loss now is extremely slow,which can kill the gung-ho-ness. I will see in a few days. I have no question that I'll finish though. Hanging tough~ Choices

you know what i use instead of food to reward myself? pedicures. it gives me at least an hour to myself or with a girlfriend and the best foot/leg rub ever. i get one every two weeks if i've done well at weigh-ins and met my exercise goals during those two weeks.

Thanks abunch for the recomendation.
However,when I want a hamburger,a pedicure doesn't cut it. What I did do was make my own hamburger to satisfy. I put alot of baby spinach on a plate,with some home grown tomatoes,and a few olives..and then made a hamburger patty,with some greek feta on top...and I am a satisfied camper! Changes...oh yea, changes.

Are you on any meds for heartburn??? I suffered for years and years until my mom finally convinced me to ask my doctor for a prescription for Aciphex. I looooooooooooove it. I haven't had heartburn since!!! Unfortunately, my insurance stopped paying for Aciphex, so I had to switch to Nexium. It works well, too, though and I'm still heartburn free. And I'm talking I used to WAKE UP w/ heartburn before I even ate anything!!!

Natasha - I am not taking any meds at the moment, but I used to take Nexium on several occasions when it'd get really bad (constant "lump" in my throat, constant burping, constant pain). It worked well for me too, except I had bad headaches as a side effect. I find that it's stress induced for me, although I also have to stay away from certain foods (peppers among other things). For random bouts of heartburn, I usually take Zantac, and I'm fine.

Today is day 1 of Phase 1 for me for the second time....did so well in the spring with this eating but when I started on phase 2 I started adding too many extras....will know better this time...

I was thinking the same thing, about trying to find acceptable substitutions. Today I had "spaghetti and meatballs" (or actually: shriataki noodles with nsa marinara sauce and SBD-compatible veggie meatballs). Honestly, I don't think I would have been happier with anything else and the whole filling bowl was less than 300 calories and 7 g of fiber.

Things are going OK in general. The only "cravings" I have are for things OK in Phase 2, so I guess that's good. Or am supposed to be rid of all cravings?

I know I will be off plan on Saturday - it's an event that was planned way before I decided to go on Phase 1 and there is no way to request special foods. So my plan is to exercise in the morning, eat plenty of healthy things before the event, strive for moderation while there. AND ya never know, I might be able to stick pretty close to Phase 1. I'll sure try. But I'm thinking about a few extra Phase 1 days after that. I'm not sure yet. I was supposed to be done on Sunday. Maybe I'll just see how I feel after Sunday.

Have a great weekend, Phase 1-ers!

I like being proud of myself,my behavior,and sticking to my resolve. It's very powerful being in control of food desires..Two more days of P1, and time to think of what I will add as a P2 beacher. The last time I was there (moving from p1 to p2)I gained 4lbs.the first wk. and not with any crazy eating..I started w/a bowl of oatmeal in the morning,I don't really like oatmeal but was focusing on the health aspect of it,the 2nd day it was fresh strawberries, etc. healthy choices. So now I'm not sure how to proceed,what to pick.I want to plan ahead so I have my options set up it, helps me manage any excuses. What are your new additions chicks?..as we all tippy-toe into p2~Choices~
and may I add my prayers,and good thoughts to all that suffered the 9/11...tragedy

I was all about the apples when I moved to Phase II. I started 10/1 and really wanted an apple the first day I could have one I'd been cutting them up to dry for two weeks and it was driving me crazy. Best apple I ever ate!

Well, after 10 days on Ph1 - I have apparently moved on to 1.5 I ate about a cup of strawberries today (the other meals were Ph1), and it wasn't one of those "spur of the moment cave ins", I actually planned to. I am down 6 lbs and a little freaked out that I have lost this much in 10 days - I'm thinking, whoa, that's too much too soon, ya know what I mean... and it was enough for me to just say, OK, it's time to add some fruits and slow down. I'll be happy to lose 2-4 lbs more until the end of the month though.
So the plan is to move more now and be very very strict with how fast and in what quantities I'm reintroducing the carbs.

p.a. - Same here. Every time I failed on SBD, it was because I went crazy on Ph2 and lost control over the amount and the quality of the carbs I was eating.

CindyM - everything tastes so much better! It's the same as when I quit smoking - incidentally, that's when I started eating like a mad woman and gaining weight...

I'm ready for Phase 2, for sure. 2.5 more days

The past couple of weeks I have spent what feels like a fortune on food and spent a lot of time cooking. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I'm exhausted! However, I didn't want to take any chances on eating non-legal foods. This is the first time in ages I've stuck with any diet for longer than 2 days, so I'm pretty stoked.

But I've got a Gingergold apple ready for Wednesday!

I knew I would be a little off plan (one dinner) this weekend, so I will probably stay on Phase 1 a couple more days to see how things are going before I move on for real.

Berries. I think berries will be the first thing to add back. And flax meal (I am really missing my "muffin in a minute"!). But also carrots for sure!

So I gained a couple of pounds. Have not been keeping on track at all the last couple of weeks. Even though I did hit my new low of 262...it went right back up and as of this morning was at 264.8. Very frustrating but it is my own fault.

I hope everyone else is doing well.

Hi all! Hoping you can welcome me back with open arms!! I started SB in June, and did well through June, and July - even when I was on my 2 week vacation! But August kicked me in the rear Too many visitors, too much eating out. So I gotta get my system in check! Back to Phase 1 I go! Can't wait to get to know you all

Question - anyone workout during phase 1? I've been seeing a personal trainer and realllllly don't want to stop!

-Aimee

Welcome back SwimGirl . I am killing it on Phase 1. I weigh in today!