Everyday Systems

woah what a day.

It's just gone 8pm where I am, and I know that I'm now safe to call it a successful N day but it's been tough.

Afternoons from about 12 midday to 5pm are my toughest time of day, the time I just want to eat and eat and eat. Somehow I white knuckled through a very tough day today, sometimes just focussing on getting through the next 10 seconds without giving in to the urge to eat. That's how strong the urge was.

Not really sure why I'm posting, just needed to get it out there I guess.

Tomorrow is an N day.

Congratulations on a hard won victory. You should be very proud. I'm practicing struggling more and giving in less myself so I'm totally impressed. Enjoy the rest of the evening.

Hooray! I hear you - and feel your pride - every win is a brick in the wall - brilliant!

Congrats on pushing through! Bask in the pleasure of building that will-power muscle!

I love hearing about success like this - very inspiring!

I'm convinced that getting through those tough days is one of the best ways to cement your habits. You did it, and you get to sit back and feel great about that. And recall this good feeling next time you are facing down a tough patch.

Well done you!

Don't want to scare you but even years in, the afternoon hours can be tough. I have things I SHOULD be doing but don't want to. That can generate eating desires as a pleasant diversion. But I've gotten used to it. I've failed enough times to know that snacking (or worse) is even less satisfying.

For years, a decaf cafe au lait around 4 got me through,too, but I've been weaning myself off them. Still better than chewing.

I get very hungry around this time of day, and I often do a religious fast. (Catholic) and miss lunch. But it is a test of my willpower and religious commitment. I will have a nice, moderately-sized dinner at a local Greek restaurant this evening.

I was looking at some medieval illustrations of gluttony. I don't want to be a glutton!

When the motivation is strong and not about self-hate, those longer gaps between meals can be very beneficial. (But I think there's a big difference between gluttony and three moderate meals.)

Looking forward to a good meal is an excellent delay tactic. I don't doubt the meal was delicious.