Amy's Checking In Again

WINhappy · Post by **WINhappy** » Thu Jul 27, 2023 1:15 am

Hi Amy - You and pinkhippie both raise some really interesting points. Thank you for sharing your perspective as someone who has focused on No S for some time. Best regards, WINhappy

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Thu Jul 27, 2023 5:44 am

Hi WIN! I think there is something about sticking to this longer term, it becomes ingrained, even when I'm not doing it perfectly it is still my framework. I still struggle with bouts of overeating (stress, celebratory eating, and being out of my routine all trip me up sometimes!) and have to mark lots of days red. But my baseline is always there for me, and helps me keep things from getting too out of hand for too long.

There are a lot of things we can do, and might have to do, in addition to No-S to help us get to our desired weight, and my experience has been that what worked a few years ago might not work as well in the present - our circumstances change, our metabolisms change, etc. But when it feels like nothing else "works", focusing on just three one plate meals is the one thing I can always do.

I have a very busy September coming up this year and I really want to take the rest of the summer to solidify my habits and focus on getting more green on my Habitcal. You know, have fun with the "fence around the law" and being "comically strict" for a time

WINhappy · Post by **WINhappy** » Tue Aug 01, 2023 12:44 am

Hi amy!

I think you're really on the right track with focusing on having fun with the "fence against the law" and "being comically strict". Isn't it wonderful to include the concept of "fun" when thinking about how we are going to eat? Not one of my past dieting attempts ever had even a tinge of fun about them, only some variation of teeth-gritted, white-knuckled, grumpy, resentful subservience - against which I rebelled within hours!

I predict great success in your future with your focus on enjoying the process.

I am sending you cyber-encouragement! Best regards, WIN

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Tue Aug 01, 2023 7:20 am

Thanks so much, WIN!

Once a month I do a night shift for my volunteer work, and the day after I am very tired and end up overeating, not so much out of hunger, but just because I am so loopy from not having slept, and often count it as a Non Weekend S Day. I had my night shift for July last night and I want to commit to making today a green day regardless of how tired and snacky I feel today. I am going to come here and report how it went tomorrow (with the hope that committing to reporting it to you folks will help me stay the course). Thanks in advance

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Wed Aug 02, 2023 6:54 am

Yesterday was green!

I am going for another green day today. Will have to do some virtual plating as I have a housewarming to go to this evening.

pinkhippie · Post by **pinkhippie** » Wed Aug 02, 2023 6:42 pm

Congratulations on the green day yesterday! That sounds like that would be tough to do with a nightshift!

Have fun at the housewarming party!

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 8:06 am

Thanks, Pink! The housewarming was fun but the virtual plating threw me off my game and I have to mark a red. Onward and upward towards green today.

WINhappy · Post by **WINhappy** » Sat Aug 05, 2023 12:21 am

You can do it, Amy! I am rooting for you. Best regards, WIN

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Sat Aug 05, 2023 6:17 am

Thanks, WIN! Phew, got things back under control.

I gave myself a good talking to. The thing I always try to remind myself, when having an urge to overeat, is to ask myself how I will feel about this tomorrow. But sometimes hard to remember that in the heat of an urge.

ladybird30 · Post by **ladybird30** » Sun Aug 06, 2023 2:43 am

I think of how life used to be when I gave in, which I inevitably did. Can't go back there, and I know I can wait the urge out. At least until I am properly hungry for the next meal.

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Sun Aug 06, 2023 5:57 am

Giving in leads to giving up, in the end, doesn't it? And I never want to go back to how I was, or become who I would have become had I not changed my habits. I see people my age and older around me who are physically impaired because of lifestyle factors, and I feel bad for them, but do not want to be in their shoes. This is my motivation every day.

ladybird30 · Post by **ladybird30** » Sun Aug 06, 2023 10:39 pm

My thoughts too

oolala53 · Post by **oolala53** » Mon Aug 07, 2023 4:35 am

Hi, and thanks for posting. It's nice to have the board still active.

I so agree about having some kind of baseline eating in place, something to come back to for sanity, or from mods for whatever reasons. No S is so reasonable for that.

Regarding giving in: I once read someone, who I think was quoting someone else, write that one of her mantras was never give in to a craving. A craving is for a specific food and I'm assuming she wasn't talking about pickles or something light. I'm sure she meant the common craved foods, often flour-y, sweet, or fatty salty. A craving is not hunger. It's signaled by anxious feelings. It's jonesing! Someone here on No S used that term years ago and boy, does it fit. It doesn't even mean I can't eat the craved foods. It just means have it only when it's not the anxious jittery desire is there. When I give in, it's just reinforcing the pairing. I can still decide to have the food at a meal or at a specific time on an S day or in a time window, though most of the old craved foods don't play much of a role anymore. Turns out the experiences aren't as fun or satisfying as I used to think they were. When that gets clear, a lot of the effort drops away, but never giving in to a craving in the moment can sure help.

Kudos!

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Tue Aug 08, 2023 5:55 am

Thanks Oolala and Ladybird! I like the idea of "never give into a craving".

A big part of what we have been working on all these years is weakening the link between eating certain things and a perceived emotional comfort. And every time we can stop ourselves from giving in to the craving, the link gets weaker...

WINhappy · Post by **WINhappy** » Tue Aug 08, 2023 10:51 pm

Hi Amy - It's wonderful that you've improved so much that a desire to avoid returning to how you used to be is an effective tool. I'm very impressed, inspired, and frankly, a bit jealous, all at once! Best regards, WIN

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Wed Aug 09, 2023 6:02 am

Hi WIN! It is definitely an effective tool, but that is not to say that I am perfect at No-S, not by any means! I have red days every single week.

But I know if I hadn't been here working on this the past ten years or so, I would still have a BMI of 30 (or probably higher by now), because I would probably still have habits that supported that weight.

Another way I look at it sometimes is that my current weight (BMI 25) is a direct result of my current habits. If I want the weight to change, then I need to change the habits that are supporting it. If I notice my weight creeping up, that means I have slipped back into habits that support a higher weight.

At the moment I am about 5 lbs higher than I would ideally like to be, so I know there are some habits that need tweaking. It is a continual work in progress. But beating myself up for not doing it perfectly is not going to help me in the long run! I get up every day, mark my Habit Cal for the day before, and begin again with a clean slate. Remind myself of my reasons for doing this, get my exercise in and practice No-S the best I can that day.

pinkhippie · Post by **pinkhippie** » Thu Aug 10, 2023 7:22 pm

That is how I think of it too. What habits are supporting my weight? It really helps to break it down like that. Sounds like you are doing great!

ladybird30 · Post by **ladybird30** » Fri Aug 11, 2023 5:39 am

Amy3010 wrote: ↑
Wed Aug 09, 2023 6:02 am
I get up every day, mark my Habit Cal for the day before, and begin again with a clean slate. Remind myself of my reasons for doing this, get my exercise in and practice No-S the best I can that day.

Any day I get my steps in and don't overeat gives me that little feeling of accomplishment when I go to bed.

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Wed Aug 16, 2023 6:07 am

Was a holiday here yesterday, we had a big party at my sister-in-law's, which always translates into a bit of a wild S-day. Time to reign things in and go for green for the rest of the week.

One of the things that really helps me is planning out what I am going to eat ahead of time in the morning, and write it down. Then it is settled in my mind and I don't really have to think about it too much throughout the rest of the day. Just follow my plan. Now that I think about it, I do the same with my exercise. Today will be yoga and a walk.

WINhappy · Post by **WINhappy** » Wed Aug 16, 2023 11:08 pm

That sounds like an excellent plan, Amy. Great job planning everything out. I can see how that could lessen the energy you have to devote to decision-making on the fly, which is often a good thing. Wishing you best of luck with your plan! WIN

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Sat Aug 19, 2023 6:22 am

Thanks, WIN!

I am starting an FMD (Fasting Mimicking Diet) five day plan today. It feels a bit scary to think about eating such limited food for five days but the DIY plan I am going to use (Robin Murphy's) is all based on whole healthy foods and is mostly stuff I eat anyway, which appealed to me. And I have a very quiet weekend and manageable days at the beginning of next week, so it felt like the right timing. And I do enjoy a challenge from time to time to shake things up a little when I am feeling a bit stuck.

What am I hoping to get out of it? Well, there are all the longevity and general health benefits that FMD is supposed to generate, but I think for me the main goal is to reset my appetite, kickstart some more moderate eating and nudge the scale a bit downwards.

I did 5:2 fasting a couple years ago for several months and it really helped to reach those goals, so I have high hopes. I will update here how it goes.

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 5:35 am

Two days in on FMD and it is going well. The meals I am making are really delicious - it feels like a lot of food and is surprisingly satiating. Three more days to go.

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Tue Aug 22, 2023 5:21 am

Day 3 done and dusted. Not feeling very hungry at all and I have been sleeping well. Two more days to go!

Soprano · Post by **Soprano** » Tue Aug 22, 2023 5:43 am

The FMD sounds interesting what have you been eating? Presumably calories are restricted. Do you follow any time restricted eating protocols too?

Jx

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Wed Aug 23, 2023 5:37 am

Day 4 done - today is the last day and I am not going to lie, a slice of bread sounds really good right now!

But this has gone much better than I expected. I am eating yummy meals with whole foods I enjoy. I have not felt overly hungry at all. I am roughly following a DIY version of FMD with real food (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IpR_uu ... qvTax/view) - I used this template as framework but input all my own meals into MyFitnessPal with slightly different ingredients. You are supposed to have 1100 calories the first day with certain percentages of macros, and then 800 calories days 2-5 also with specific percentages of macros.

I also got a copy of Valter Longo's book from the library yesterday, which gave me a mental boost for the last two days - the health benefits he cites are impressive. I could definitely see myself doing this a couple times a year (which is what he recommends for people in generally good health and at a normal weight for health maintenance and longevity) - it feels like I am giving myself a reset. And it easily fits with No-S!

Soprano, I don't follow any strict time restriction protocol, but I do generally try to have 12-14 hours of overnight fasting every day, just by starting with breakfast around 8, lunch around 12:30, and dinner by 6 and then shut down the kitchen for the night.

pinkhippie · Post by **pinkhippie** » Wed Aug 23, 2023 4:23 pm

Wow, I have not heard of fasting mimicking. Glad it is going well for you! Just get through the day!

Ellis · Post by **Ellis** » Wed Aug 23, 2023 6:18 pm

Wow, this sounds challenging! I am glad to hear you are feeling good about it!

Soprano · Post by **Soprano** » Wed Aug 23, 2023 8:12 pm

Well done on sticking to it.

Jx

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Thu Aug 24, 2023 6:04 am

Thanks for the encouragement, Pink, Ellis and Soprano!

Day 5 felt hard towards the end, I had no energy yesterday evening. I think also because we went for a bike ride and it was hot and I think it took a lot out of me in combination with the low calories. But I stuck to it, I didn't want to mess up the very last meal. Weight is down 2 kg and I lost a few centimeters around my waistline. I feel like these five days helped me interrupt some unhelpful habit energy I had going around overeating. Now it's back to normal No-S programming. I am looking forward to a banana and toast with peanut butter for breakfast

and not having to weigh and measure every single thing on my plate. But I think I will definitely be more aware and mindful of how much is going on those plates.

WINhappy · Post by **WINhappy** » Sun Aug 27, 2023 10:43 pm

Hi Amy, I am late to the encouragement party so just want to say "Well DONE!" on sticking to the plan you mapped out for yourself. I am VERY impressed with your discipline. I hope you are still doing well as you transition back to your moderate approach. Best regards, WINhappy

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Mon Aug 28, 2023 5:54 am

Thanks, WIN! Yes, I am back to usual programming with No-S and reasonable plates. Reflecting on FMD and previous 5:2 fasting I did, I think one of the biggest benefits is the way this kind of short term fasting seems to reset my appetite to being satisfied with a bit less.

It feels very similar to how doing a night shift once a month resets my sleep - I can be sleeping poorly for a while, but if I do a night shift, the next few nights I sleep really well...

ladybird30 · Post by **ladybird30** » Tue Sep 05, 2023 4:39 am

Hi Amy, interesting to read your experiences with the FMD.

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Thu Sep 07, 2023 6:56 am

Thanks, Ladybird!

pinkhippie · Post by **pinkhippie** » Fri Sep 08, 2023 6:43 pm

Hi Amy!

I have had similar experiences with my appetite being reset after fasting as well. Glad it was a positive experience for you!

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Sat Sep 09, 2023 5:26 am

Yeah, it's not what you'd expect but a nice side effect, right?

amerie · Post by **amerie** » Mon Oct 30, 2023 7:05 pm

Amy, I was wondering: is today your birthday? (because of the 3010 in your name) - if so: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Wed Nov 01, 2023 5:50 am

Aww, thanks Amerie! The 30th isn't my birthday but the 20th is, so you're not too far off - thank you for the good wishes

3010 is actually my postal code

Today is an S day here - All Saints Day - as usual we visit my in-laws and there is always a piece of MIL's sponge cake... Talk about getting the month off to a good start

I always stick to one slice, and after all these years she is used to that fact and is okay with it. As long as my husband has two slices, that is...

WINhappy · Post by **WINhappy** » Fri Nov 10, 2023 4:58 pm

Hi Amy, I hope you enjoyed your mother-in-law's pound cake. Great job setting a historical precedent of only one piece - and for enjoying the one piece so she gets some warm, happy feelings too

No S seems great for just this kind of balancing act. All the best, WINhappy

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Sat Nov 11, 2023 6:32 am

Thanks, WIN!

Yes, it is a balancing act, isn't it? In some circumstances, food really does express love and care. Have a good weekend!

Ellis · Post by **Ellis** » Sun Nov 12, 2023 2:25 pm

It's really great you could stick to one slice!

There are a few things that make me want to eat a lot of until I am sick...

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Sat Nov 18, 2023 6:02 am

I can totally relate to that, Ellis...for me that food is potato chips...

I just started a new job this week, so it's been a challenge to adjust to the new routine, also with regards to my meals...

Ellis · Post by **Ellis** » Fri Dec 01, 2023 3:01 pm

How's the new job, Amy?

I hope you are adjusted to the new routine!

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Sat Dec 02, 2023 6:39 am

Thanks, Ellis! I'm three weeks in and getting used to things... I work M-F mornings, leaving at 8.30 and getting home about 1. So I am eating breakfast a bit earlier and lunch a lot later than before, which has been fine to get used to. Having a later lunch actually makes me less snacky in the afternoon! So meal-wise it has worked out better than I thought.

Exercise-wise I am still trying to figure out how to fit in everything I used to do (I exercised pretty much every day in the mornings) which, combined with the winter weather, has been a challenge. This week I managed to get up early enough on three days to make time to do a 20 minute workout. I figure 20 minutes is better than nothing, and I do walk to work every day (but it's only a 10 minute walk

)

My goal for December is to finish out the year with a positive green vibe

pinkhippie · Post by **pinkhippie** » Tue Dec 05, 2023 8:32 pm

Hi Amy,

sounds like you are handling the change in routine really well! Exercising in the mornings has been tricky for me too. Good for you with making time for 20 minute workout 3 times this week! That is hard to do and it's great that you have accomplished it!

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Sat Dec 09, 2023 7:17 am

Thanks, Pink! I notice I feel more energetic and self confident if I get that workout in before I leave for work. So this week I made sure I did one each day - yoga on M-W-F and strength training on Tu-Th.

WINhappy · Post by **WINhappy** » Sat Dec 09, 2023 11:03 am

Hi Amy!
I'm so pleased for you that your job is going well and the adjustment hasn't knocked your routine out of whack. Great job on the morning exercise, too! Twenty minutes is not only "better than nothing", it is awesome, stupendous, and valuable, especially if you sustain it pretty consistently over time.

Best, WIN

Soprano · Post by **Soprano** » Sat Dec 09, 2023 6:08 pm

Congratulations on the new job and morning workouts. I much prefer to exercise early if I can. Not so good heading for the gym at 6.15 if the car is frosted up though

Jx

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Sun Dec 10, 2023 6:18 am

Thanks so much, Soprano and WIN!

I totally agree that having to get to the gym on a frosty morning by car makes it a much bigger challenge! I stopped going to the gym with the Covid lockdowns, and never went back - I have a few Youtube channels that I use for my workouts, so I don't have to leave the house, which definitely lowers the bar.

Sometimes I do miss the gym, though. Once you get there, you can focus on your workout without any distractions. Plus all the variety in equipment! And I did enjoy using the treadmill when the winter weather got nasty...

pinkhippie · Post by **pinkhippie** » Thu Dec 21, 2023 7:31 pm

Hi Amy!

How has it been going? Still, keeping up the 20 minutes in the morning? That's an awesome habit you are building!

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Sat Dec 23, 2023 6:30 am

Thanks for checking in, Pink! This past week, I got three morning workouts in, which made me very happy, and additional walking and biking throughout the week for errands.

My food is a little bit all over the place, though. I am aiming to focus on getting solid green days in next week. I have to work on Wed-Thu-Fri, so that should help me stay in my routine. It would be nice to end the year on a positive note!

WINhappy · Post by **WINhappy** » Fri Dec 29, 2023 9:41 pm

HI Amy, I just wanted to reach out and say "Hi" and that I hope you are doing well this week. Wishing you the best as we head into 2024! WINhappy

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Sat Dec 30, 2023 7:10 am

Thanks, WIN! I too am looking forward to a fresh start after this weekend

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Sun Oct 13, 2024 6:37 am

Wow, it's been a while since I posted. I am here every day to fill in my HabitCal and usually also see what is going on on the boards.

It has felt like a busy year - I am still enjoying my job but it got very busy, I worked extra hours for several months this summer to help cover for several colleagues who were out long term with illnesses. I went to NYC for the very first time with a good friend and then continued on to visit my mom in TX, where we did a major forced declutter because of water damage she had in part of her house. And then our oldest son got married in September!

Coming off of all of that, my habits have slipped. I have a certain threshold weight, and if I see that on the scale, I know it is time to buckle down. Well, that time has come!

It helps so much to come back here and recommit, in writing, to what I know works for me, to what has worked for the past 12 years:

- No-S (the part that has the most impact for me is No Snacking, most importantly in the evening after dinner)
- Focusing on whole plant foods
- Daily exercise
- No alcohol (exception for very special occasions, like a birthday or holiday, otherwise nope)

When I nail these four things, the rest falls into place. Hope everyone here is doing well!

Melderin · Post by **Melderin** » Mon Nov 04, 2024 10:27 am

Hi Amy - welcome back and good luck! Always nice to see a new post on the boards

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Mon Dec 02, 2024 6:16 am

Thanks Melderin!

Despite good intentions, November threw me for a loop. My FIL passed away unexpectedly, and we are still reeling from that.

But I don't want to end the year feeling out of control. I want to do December differently, and have a very green Christmas season. Will post as usual on my Habitcal, but also here for extra motivation

SUN 1: YELLOW

PS: Good blog post about "Why not December?": https://brainoverbinge.com/december-bin ... Newsletter

Melderin · Post by **Melderin** » Mon Dec 02, 2024 10:18 am

Hi Amy,

I lost my FIL this year too - sending you my deepest sympathy. Sometimes life just has to be dealt with in whatever way we have to to get through it so please be kind to yourself.

A green Christmas sounds festive as well as NOS-positive

! I'll definitely check out the link.

Sending you good vibes x

pinkhippie · Post by **pinkhippie** » Tue Dec 03, 2024 1:13 am

Hi Amy,

I am so sorry to hear about your Father-In-law.

I understand not wanting to end the year feeling out of control. I would like that for myself this year as well. A green No S Christmas season sounds amazing! I hope you keep us posted on your habit progress.

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Tue Dec 03, 2024 6:06 am

Thank you Melderin and Pink - even when someone was 86 and had a good life, it still takes time to adjust.

SUN 1: YELLOW
MON 2: GREEN

Soprano · Post by **Soprano** » Tue Dec 03, 2024 7:05 am

So sorry for your loss Amy and Melderin, hugs

Jx

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Wed Dec 04, 2024 5:42 am

Thank you, Soprano. And Melderin, condolences to you and your family, as well.

Yesterday has to be marked red (away day with work, colleague brought cake she had made, and it would have been awkward not to partake

)

SUN 1: YELLOW
MON 2: GREEN
TUE 3: RED

I will shoot for better today.

Soprano · Post by **Soprano** » Wed Dec 04, 2024 6:56 am

It's always difficult when you are presented with food in that situation but it's not going to make any difference long run if you don't let it derail you.

This has to work in life.

Jx

pinkhippie · Post by **pinkhippie** » Wed Dec 04, 2024 5:14 pm

Work situations with food can get so awkward! This is always the time of year where there is lots of food at work being given and offered and its challenging. Sometimes you just have to mark it and move on.

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Thu Dec 05, 2024 6:15 am

Thanks, Pink and Soprano - and indeed, long term, we have to be able to roll with these kinds of food situations and not let them get us off the wider track of living our lives with good eating habits.

SUN 1: YELLOW
MON 2: GREEN
TUE 3: RED
WED 4: RED (unplanned snack after dinner)

Today is a new day - going for more green by Christmas

everydaynew · Post by **everydaynew** » Sat Dec 07, 2024 11:38 am

pinkhippie wrote: ↑
Wed Dec 04, 2024 5:14 pm
Work situations with food can get so awkward! This is always the time of year where there is lots of food at work being given and offered and its challenging. Sometimes you just have to mark it and move on.

So true. I have found that people are very sensitive about food. When you decline to partake, they see it as a personal attack. Tough waters to navigate.

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Sun Dec 08, 2024 7:16 am

Happy Sunday, folks! Hope everyone is enjoying a good S-Day today.

SUN 1: YELLOW
MON 2: GREEN
TUE 3: RED
WED 4: RED (unplanned snack after dinner)
THU 5: GREEN
FRI 6: YELLOW (holiday - Sinterklaas - got treated both at work and at my volunteer gig to chocolate, gingerbread and clementines)
SAT 7: YELLOW
SUN 8: YELLOW

Onward and upward to more green next week!

pinkhippie · Post by **pinkhippie** » Mon Dec 09, 2024 8:40 pm

Hi Amy,

I find it quite inspiring to see the yellow and red days that you have and that you keep on going and don't give up. I need to work more on that. Onward and upward indeed! Hoping for more green days for both of us!

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Tue Dec 10, 2024 5:56 am

Hi Pink,
Thank you - that means a lot to me. I have been doing this for years, with lots and lots and lots of red days! I just keep going because what other option is there? Over the years, one of the habits has become second nature (one plate meals) but I still struggle with No Snacks (mostly in the evening after dinner if my husband isn't home) - I am still trying to figure out a workaround on that one! And I was never a huge sweets eater.

SUN 1: YELLOW
MON 2: GREEN
TUE 3: RED
WED 4: RED (unplanned snack after dinner)
THU 5: GREEN
FRI 6: YELLOW (holiday - Sinterklaas - got treated both at work and at my volunteer gig to chocolate, gingerbread and clementines)
SAT 7: YELLOW
SUN 8: YELLOW
MON 9: GREEN

Happy Tuesday, folks!

oolala53 · Post by **oolala53** » Fri Dec 13, 2024 1:07 am

Hi, long time no see.

If I may weigh in no pun intended on work food. I followed No S from 2010 until I retired at the end of 2018 (and more but I am talking about work situationsa). I found that I could usually accommodate the food offerings as long as I had them at my meal time. I occasionally took sweets for later or chose to have them as one of my extra S days. Everyone just got used to me and didn't push, plus they had seen me lose 40 lbs and maintain so they couldn't claim it didn't work. And they saw me eat plates of real food. So. I was so convinced of the benefit and also saw my slim nephew-in-law never get pressured into eating. I do admit it sometimes feels like it creates some distance, but it can usually be bridged by changing to some kind of topic with agreement. And it continues to be worth it. I am just so familiar with the heavy feeling and effect of the sweets and will do a lot to avoid them.

Warmest wishes.

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Sun Dec 15, 2024 6:51 am

Hi Oolala, nice to see you here again!

Well, it has been a crazy week and I am sorry to have to mark red on so many days, but there is no way around it, red they were.

But I always tell myself, just keep going, mark them and move on. Keep striving!

SUN 1: YELLOW
MON 2: GREEN
TUE 3: RED
WED 4: RED
THU 5: GREEN
FRI 6: YELLOW
SAT 7: YELLOW
SUN 8: YELLOW
MON 9: GREEN
TUE 10: RED
WED 11: RED
THU 12: RED
FRI 13: RED
SAT 14: YELLOW
SUN 15: YELLOW

pinkhippie · Post by **pinkhippie** » Mon Dec 16, 2024 7:53 pm

Hi Amy!

The no snacking after dinner is my absolute strongest and easiest habit that I managed to attain years ago and the one plate is still a HUGE struggle. My worst snack time temptation is between lunch and dinner. It's interesting what different challenges we struggle with. Any tips for making the one-plate habit work? I am always tempted to add more food to my plate for a second. My tip for not eating after dinner is hot tea. I have created a hot tea habit that I love now and as soon as I drink my tea, its a cue to stop eating for the day.

I had nothing but red days last week, so I feel the struggle! Good luck to both of us this week!

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Tue Dec 17, 2024 6:16 am

Hi Pink! Yes, it's so interesting how one person can really struggle with one habit, while another person nails it easily. I am going to try out your hot tea after dinner as a signal that the day is done - thanks for the suggestion! I actually did have tea after dinner yesterday, with my son and his girlfriend, and I set out cookies for them, but I was so determined not to mess up the beginning of my week, that I did not join in. Phew! But my life would be easier if the tea by itself was a solid ingrained habit, so I didn't have to struggle with it so...

I established the one plate habit years ago and at the beginning I had to put "enough" on my plate to make sure I didn't feel deprived, and driven to take seconds. Over time, I got so used to not taking seconds, just having my one plate, and gradually serving myself reasonable serving sizes. I guess my tip would be to make sure to serve yourself enough on the one plate so that you are quite sure you won't want more. Which in the beginning can seem like a lot

SUN 1: YELLOW
MON 2: GREEN

TUE 3: RED
WED 4: RED
THU 5: GREEN

FRI 6: YELLOW
SAT 7: YELLOW
SUN 8: YELLOW
MON 9: GREEN

TUE 10: RED
WED 11: RED
THU 12: RED
FRI 13: RED
SAT 14: YELLOW
SUN 15: YELLOW
MON 16: GREEN!

TUE 17: GREEN!

WED 18: GREEN!

THU 19: GREEN!

pinkhippie · Post by **pinkhippie** » Fri Dec 20, 2024 5:35 pm

Hi Amy!

I hope the tea habit ends up working out for you! I don't know if you like sweet teas but red rose dessert teas are stevia sweetened and I LOVE them for after dinner. One of my favorites is the lemon cake as its sweet but not cloying and kind of cleanses the palate after a meal.

That is completely my problem with the one plate! Its my habit to put as little as possible on my plate and then go back for more. I think the habit actually originated from being a mom and wanting to make sure everyone had enough food. I realized I did this two nights ago and then I was like oh no! I didn't give myself very much. But luckily I also had a big salad on the side and it was enough food. I need to start giving myself adequate portions. Thanks for helping me figure out that insight!

Ellis · Post by **Ellis** » Fri Dec 20, 2024 7:45 pm

Hi Amy, I admire your perseverance in keeping track of your days so diligently, even when they’re red!

How long have you been following No-S? After a few months of diet hopping, I’m back again—I don’t understand why I keep stopping.

I totally agree with Pinkhippie about tea! I absolutely love tea, especially the fancy, “crazy” flavors. Hopefully, it helps you resist the snacks!

P.S. I saw your mention of Sinterklaas evening in your previous comment—we celebrate it on the 5th, Dutchie here!

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Sat Dec 21, 2024 6:43 am

Hi Pink, hi Ellis! Thanks for your supportive comments

- I did the tea all week (thanks for the suggestion!), and then yesterday evening, after my volunteer shift, I felt like joining my husband in having a beer (you know, that celebratory Friday night feeling?) and some nibbles successfully tempted me. So I have to mark yesterday as a Red, but I am okay with it in the sense that I am happy with how my week went, I felt more a sense of control and moderation than I have felt in a long time.

Ellis, I joined the boards in 2012, so I have been here for over ten years, and like many people, have times when I get discouraged, give up, try other approaches. But I have been pretty consistent with the Habit Cal and use it to mark No-S and sometimes other habits. Right now, I am tracking No-S, No Wine, and No Chips (my nemesis).

For me, with my tendency toward perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking, it has been an important practice to get comfortable with marking days red and not letting that discourage me.

SUN 1: YELLOW
MON 2: GREEN

TUE 3: RED
WED 4: RED
THU 5: GREEN

FRI 6: YELLOW
SAT 7: YELLOW
SUN 8: YELLOW
MON 9: GREEN

TUE 10: RED
WED 11: RED
THU 12: RED
FRI 13: RED
SAT 14: YELLOW
SUN 15: YELLOW
MON 16: GREEN!

TUE 17: GREEN!

WED 18: GREEN!

THU 19: GREEN!

FRI 20: RED

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Mon Dec 23, 2024 6:24 am

It feels like the quiet before the storm here this morning - going to be a busy week. I work today, tomorrow and Friday, so my goal is to treat those days as normal N days as much as I possibly can. In the meantime, wishing everyone here happy holidays and peace with food.

SUN 1: YELLOW
MON 2: GREEN

TUE 3: RED
WED 4: RED
THU 5: GREEN

FRI 6: YELLOW
SAT 7: YELLOW
SUN 8: YELLOW
MON 9: GREEN

TUE 10: RED
WED 11: RED
THU 12: RED
FRI 13: RED
SAT 14: YELLOW
SUN 15: YELLOW
MON 16: GREEN!

TUE 17: GREEN!

WED 18: GREEN!

THU 19: GREEN!

FRI 20: RED
SAT 21: YELLOW
SUN 22: YELLOW
MON 23: GREEN!

TUE 24: YELLOW Christmas Eve w kids

WED 25: YELLOW: Christmas Day
THU 26: YELLOW Family Christmas Party
FRI 27: GREEN!

SAT 28: YELLOW
SUN 29: YELLOW
MON 30: RED
TUE 24: YELLOW NYE

Happy New Year!

Ellis · Post by **Ellis** » Sun Dec 29, 2024 3:22 pm

It sounds like you’ve found a good balance, and of course, being honest with yourself by keeping track of your days! That’s really great!

And I hear you about the all-or-nothing mindset—I’m sensitive to that too. Did you give yourself permission to fully enjoy the Christmas holidays, or did you set a limit to avoid overeating?

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Tue Dec 31, 2024 6:00 am

Thanks, Ellis. I find radical honesty the best policy - who am I fooling, other than myself?

I do usually limit myself on S-days but not in a way that makes me feel restricted - it's more limiting myself to what I will enjoy and won't make me feel like crap later. Which means I don't go overboard on portions, especially because we eat later in the evening with the holidays than my body is used to. And I am also careful with alcohol. Two glasses is my limit these days, more than that has a negative impact on my sleep.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Thu Jan 02, 2025 6:42 am

I think I will keep doing an additional check in here for the month of January, it seemed to help me be extra vigilant last month

WED 1: YELLOW
THU 2: GREEN

FRI 3: RED

pinkhippie · Post by **pinkhippie** » Sun Jan 05, 2025 12:45 am

Happy New Year Amy!

Looks like you are doing really well with the habit building! I am going to keep checking in here as well. I think it really does help to have even our very tiny active community to check in with and support each other.

Ellis · Post by **Ellis** » Sun Jan 05, 2025 5:41 pm

Checking in really helps, and it’s also interesting to read older posts. I sometimes go back to my older posts to see what I did then.

Amy3010 · Post by **Amy3010** » Wed Jan 08, 2025 6:29 am

Thanks Pink, thanks Ellis! Yes, checking in helps a lot

I am glad you both are active here

WED 1: YELLOW
THU 2: GREEN

FRI 3: RED
SAT 4: YELLOW
SUN 5: YELLOW
MON 6: RED
TUE 7: GREEN

WED 8: RED
THU 9: RED
FRI 10: GREEN

SAT 11: GREEN

SUN 12: YELLOW
MON 13: GREEN