[Bloomer]

I've noticed several posts here by people who are battling the "all or nothing" attitude. I have the same issue.

For me, All or Nothingism is that I must be On Plan Perfectly or I'm a Failure (which is a terrific excuse for the related syndrome, I'll Start Again Monday.)

For those who also struggle with this, how are you doing, and do you have any suggestions?

[littlefishy]

I am totally that way, almost all the time. I have been trying to lose this weight for two years, but every day I get up and see leftover pizza in the fridge, or a half-finished bag of chips and bottle of soda, or candy bars are on sale or there's a great deal at Starbucks or all my friends are going to McDonald's -- you get the idea. I tell myself I'll start again tomorrow, and then the same thing happens. This is how I ended up gaining thirteen pounds on top of my previous "oh no I've got to lose it now" weight.

Some people restrict their diet heavily so they never touch foods that trigger them into this behavior, and eventually they stop having the cravings. Others allow for cheat days or eat what they want within a calorie budget.

I find it most helpful personally to plan what I'm going to eat the next day and stick to it. If I'm planning to go out I can fit that in, but if it's a surprise or a sudden craving, I tell myself not right now, the food is not going to run away and I can have it later.

Hope you find something that works!

[jenjulia]

I'm new here but your post is exactly what I have struggled with in the past. Tracking points is the most important thing for me to do to stay on track. When I don't track my points I tend to gain the weight back a little bit. I'm getting to the point that when I do backtrack, I tend to retain water and feel icky so I have started to be smarter when making choices (I hope!).

I'm really excited because we went on vacation last week and I was surprised that when I came home I weighed less than when I left. Not a lot, but a little less. Then I remembered that I was estimating points and taking hikes everyday. Starting to wonder if the "life change" that everyone talks about is starting to become more of a routine? I've lost 12 pounds in 5 weeks and have my next weigh in tomorrow. I have 50-60 pounds to go. For the first time in years, I think I can lose it.

[bbg200]

im totaly the same!, i calorie count so i have some control on whats going in my mouth but i do have days where i slip and feel like giving up! but i come on here and see some of the success stories and it puts me right back on track .. just have to remember there isnt a time limit on getting healthy and losing weight its all about changin your life to a healthy one, it all takes time and we all have big falls. if you fall just get back up and start again x

[GeneralCustard]

I am definitely in this boat. But after reading a lot of threads, I have come to realize that that attitude will allow you to sabotage yourself.
That's why I reached my goal weight and then ballooned up 20 lbs in the past 2 years. Each time I ate a large dinner, had a large dessert, went out with friends, I though 'Oh well, I blew it anyways, might as well just go all out.'
This is a defeatest way of thinking. If I continue to think this way the rest of my life, not only will I be humongous, I will have given myself no credit for what I HAVE done. And that just makes for a bad self-image.