I had a bad two days and got carried away. I was wondering your opinion on the following:
I'm at 33 points daily -- I want to drop to 23 points the next three days, before my weigh in, to try to compensate for my two days off plan. I wrote it all in my journal -- lots of veggies, fruits, etc. -- nothing crazy.
Do you think this is okay and most importantly, do you think it will clear up the mess I made the last two days.
I just want to continue with my momentum and hate to have two days ruin a whole week of work.
I don't suggest this method of "making up for it" by taking away food.
It has the potential to cause a cycle of overeating & then simply taking away points to "undo damage". Your body may be very hungry, because it is used to getting a certain amount of food. It, in fact, needs this amount of food to function properly. Taking away food to "make up for" is like saying your body doesn't deserve the amount of food it needs on a daily basis. It may not show up on the scale, but what your body hears is "Uh oh, didn't get enough food yesterday or today... better hold onto what I've got!" You don't want to mess with your body in that way.
The best way to return to normal, is to return to normal. It might mean a weight gain this week or next. But, so what? Gains are part of the journey. The sooner you get back to your normal routine the less damage will be done in the long run.
I don't suggest this method of "making up for it" by taking away food.
The best way to return to normal, is to return to normal. It might mean a weight gain this week or next. But, so what? Gains are part of the journey. The sooner you get back to your normal routine the less damage will be done in the long run.
I think I was just desperate and tired last night - back to "normal" today -- did write down my next three days, using my usual points -- so I have a plan and I'm right back on track today. I hope that the time I spent off track won't show up on the scales, but if it does -- just a lesson learned.
I'm not sure about using the method to make up for eating "sins," but I've heard of doing similar things.
On South Beach (which I've never been able to continue past Day 5 of Phase 1...need my whole grains and fruit too much), people who have been on Phase 2 or Phase 3 (maintenance) who have gained a few pounds, are actually advised (the suggestion is made) to go back on Phase 1 for a short time, so they can lose the weight and get back on-track.
With calorie-counting, many people do an intermittent calorie thing, just to keep it mixed up so the body never gets used to being at a low-intake. They might do something like intervals of 1400 and 1600 cals...something like that.
Myself...I've been losing 1-2 lbs/week at 27 points (plus some flex points) for the past 4-1/2 weeks, and it's great. I now "should" go down a point or so because the first 2 numbers in my weight have dropped to 19 rather than 20. But I'm torn between trying the Quick Start plan for a week because I never did it in the beginning...and dropping that point to where I "should" be...and just sticking with what I've been doing. A week of Quick Start shouldn't hurt me, since it is suggested at the beginning anyway. But if I'm still losing at 27 pts, it'd be good to stick that out as long as I can.
Anyway...sorry if this didn't make much sense!! I realize it was kind of all-over the place.
It does seem that punishing yourself even for a few days, isn't the wisest way to go about things. Rather, as the others suggested, just get back on track.
I'm just back on track, but I have noticed that the weeks I have a "Bad day" I lose more -- go figure!! I do think that mixing it up a bit actually helps and, if you are still losing where you are at -- maybe you are right to stay there.
I was happy when I did my numbers again last week -- I dropped from 260's to 250's so figured I would be down a point, but I also have increased my exercise quite a bit, so when I figured the two together, I actually went up a point!!
Shelby - glad to see you're back on track. A big WooHoo for being in the 250's.
Jet - if you're still losing 1 -2 pounds weekly at 27 points, I personally think you should stay with that amount, until your weight loss slows. Also, I am an advocate of eating all the Flex Points. They are built into the program to help us stay OP and get the nutrients we need. Also, you'll be used to a higher number of points during maintenance if you eat them now. Just my 2¢.
Cutting my points
