|
I've been having a few thoughts since writing yesterday's journal, which I thought I would like to record here. I'd also welcome your views!
First thought:
I seem to be getting perfectly adequate nutrition on the restricted diet I've been eating to lose weight, so any extra calories that I consume don't need to belong to any particular food group. Looking at the macro-nutrients (proteins, fats and carbs):
- More protein would potentially be harmful, as dealing with some of the break-down products from it puts stress on the kidneys. I'm getting enough protein, and I don't need more, could actually eat less, but I'm not going to reduce it at the moment, as it helps with satiety, and I need to maintain that while making any adjustments.
- More fat is difficult for me, as my digestive system doesn't cope with it. More fat for me would mean simply more meds for indigestion, reflux and possibly statins too, and more likelihood of gall bladder problems.
- That leaves carbs. Carbs mostly give you energy, but I already have enough of that! I don't really want more carbs.
There is another source of calories, alcohol! But I already get enough of that too!! I really don't want more.
I have come to the conclusion that any any extra calories I might decide to consume are just for fun! So I will use them when I have meals out etc, within reason, and just not worry so much about making up for it on other days subject to weight not going up, of course.
Second thought:
I'm going to be away from home for a long time. I won't be recording food or weighing. That really is scary, and I need some training to get used to it. I am thinking that I should use the next five weeks to do that training. That would mean NOT recording food, and only check-weighing occasionally. I currently record and weigh every day, circumstances permitting.
Maybe I should also cut down on using FS too, as I rely on it so much to maintain focus? That's a VERY scary thought. How would I managed without you all helping to keep me 'straight'?
Conclusion:
It's going to have to be a gradual approach. So here's the plan:
Phase 1. Stop recording everything, but keep weighing. Go back to recording for a few days if weight goes up. Phase 1 starts today. Wish me luck!
Phase 2. Reduce frequency of weighing.
Phase 3. Reduce dependence on FS. But I will check in at least once a week, just not every day. I don't want to lose touch with you all!
Finally, I would be very surprised if I don't need to come back in June, and do a stint of daily recording etc. again! Thank you for reading, and for being my buddies on this journey.
|
 Comments
Just because you are not recording here, doesn't mean you cannot record on a note pad (or your Phone). Just acknowledging what you have eaten will keep you on the straight and narrow. Best wishes and good luck for your travels.
15 Mar 16 by member: JockoT
|
I think it is a good thing to try out your diet 'in the real world' so to speak. If you are eating a balanced, healthy diet and are not consuming too many calories you shouldn't have to focus on recording stuff. (unless you want to) Your clothes, mirror and energy levels will soon tell you how you are doing! The most important thing is to be aware of what you are eating, which you are. Healthy eating should be a way of life and Fat Secret here for you as a support when and if you need it.
Enjoy!
15 Mar 16 by member: Anne_145
|
Wishing you all the best Heidi! Good luck with it and thanks for being such an active, awesome buddy. :)
15 Mar 16 by member: real_gone_girl
|
Just enjoy your trip, you know what you are doing, what to eat and how much, so you can enjoy your trip without doing the damage you fear. It's when the little daily treats creep in that the damage is done, but the occasional indulge will not break the bank so to speak. When I have spare carbs/fat to consume I have Greek yoghurt with bio cultures, I feel like I have had a real treat without doing myself damage. I am sure you will be actively exploring and burning off the calories anyway. Enjoy!
15 Mar 16 by member: Lorneylorna
|
Thanks all! I guess I am worried about overindulging at a time when I won't be able to record, and even if I could it would all be estimates anyway. You folks have more faith in me then I have in myself! But I know what I've been like in the past. I think it could be different now, however 😀 and I will have thoughts of you all, and of your achievements, to inspire me!
15 Mar 16 by member: heidij123
|
You've done your research and have a solid plan so go for it!! As suggested you can estimate and keep a log in a tiny notebook if you think you're gaining. You have become so concious of what you are putting in your mouth that I'm not worried about you over doing it! Worst case scenario...you gain a little and come back full time in June! If possible you can download the app for your phone and keep in touch during your vacation via phone & wireless connections! Wishing you the best of luck and keeping you in my prayers!
Have a great time :D
15 Mar 16 by member: spiritspell
|
Over indulging at times is something everyone does, no matter how fit they are, it is the long term effects you are worried about. You could try recording food intake on days you think you may have over done it. I think you will be surprised how little you have gone over the limit and even if you do then it gets your brain back on track. Anyone wanting to loose weight is not on a diet, they are on a life change program into training themselves to eat properly and be aware of overindulgence.
16 Mar 16 by member: Mindfull_Body
|
Heidi, you know I stick around even checking in the main forum sporadically to see how my friends are doing and tracking is often in spurts. It keeps my focus some even though my WOE is rather ingrained now after a few years, though not as restricted as it used to be, as long as my weight stays the same. I still need to push my fitness level. The Sassy challenges also help even if life has been a bit crazy lately (that time of year) and hard to follow through for me. For me it is not a diet but a way of life, that WOL seems to include jumping on FS.
16 Mar 16 by member: wholefoodnut
|
Thanks, people, for your support and wise words. I really do feel more confident knowing that you are there for me! And I will be back in the summer, I know it, lol. I still have a few more weeks around here before I go, too. I'm very keen to stop recording if I possibly can, but will keep a check on weight and return to recording if I need to. I feel like I'm out 'on parole' at the moment! So far so good, anyway! This is my third day, and I'm having no problem sticking to my WoE. Planning to introduce some variations slowly, and will watch weight to make sure there is no negative impact.
17 Mar 16 by member: heidij123
|
Good luck Heidi, hope it works for you, A note on acid reflux and fats. When I ate a 'normal' diet I had terrible acid reflux, and had a constant cough from the fumes coming up from my stomach. I had other dietary difficulties, indigestion among other things and had to give up all grains and seeds. The acid totally disappeared and has never come back. Conversely to what I was told and thought, it was not the fat in my diet which caused my problem, by the grains and seeds aka carbs. I don't like 'fat' food, cream, fatty meat, all that, I never have. I have to get my kcals somewhere and without grains, white potato and banana, which all cause a dietary upset for me, I have little else. My food breaks down into 60-70% + kcals from fat and it's not fatty/greasy diet, and has a lot of veg. I eat avocados, butter and evoo, eggs and oily fish, raw nuts and lean unprocessed meat along with the veg. Delicious and inherently healthy for me. It's the fat/carb combo which is the killer...... stay well.
17 Mar 16 by member: Penlan
|
Penlan, I'm fine on grains, but can only take fat in small quantities. I also can't eat bananas any more! Funny how we're all so different, and how our digestive systems change as we get older!
17 Mar 16 by member: heidij123
|
Hi Heidi,
I know how scary it is to manage without tracking.
When I decided to take control for myself I would just record my meals if I felt I had over indulged, but usually was ok and still within my limits.
Another option for me is to increase my daily exercise if I think I am going to exceed my plan.
And sometimes if not sure I take smaller portions.
It does get easier as you go along, and your confidence grows as your weight is maintained, or follows whichever line you are on.
Good luck with your plan, I'm sure you will be fine, as always the first step is the hardest but once you are over the edge it will become easier.
Enjoy your trip :)
19 Mar 16 by member: Darkazana
|
Thanks, Deborah. I had the same thought about exercise, it does help a lot. At the moment I'm still weighing daily so it will be easy to see if I need to take action. I think while I'm travelling, I may need to carry a tape measure, and check my waist in the mornings. I think that will be a good indicator of how I'm doing. I also think that, if I know I have overdone it, then another good way of correcting will be deliberately having a low-calorie day, along with some extra exercise if possible. I just need to be aware of what I'm doing. It should help a lot that I now don't like to drink alcohol every day. Haven't lost my sweet tooth, though. Actually I am quite amazed that I have now completed four days of not recording, and have relaxed a little bit, but not gone overboard at all. Weight was actually slightly down this morning! Feeling optimistic, but that doesn't mean I think I'm out of the woods yet, lol.
19 Mar 16 by member: heidij123
|
|
heidij123's Weight History
|