JockoT's Journal, 01 Nov 16

Such a shame it's getting the better of you. Still, new month - maybe it will help your resolve. Chin up, Buddy x 

If I were in your situation, I wouldn't be trying to be 'good' right now, if be trying to be be 'moderate'. When plans change like that, then you need to be able to cope with it, and that means eating what is put in front of you, but only eating what you need. You have to kind of use your brain there to hold back your animal instincts that are telling you to gobble it all up! Eat slowly, as it gives your brain a chance to register the food before it's all gone, and drink something low-calorie with the food, as it helps you to feel full. Then stop eating when you no longer feel hungry, and your brain knows you've had enough. I think your going to have to learn to do this if you're going to keep the weight off long-term, as it's no fun trying to control what kind of food you eat every single day, but better to learn not to overdo it when you eat 'bad' foods. 

It's never too late to restart, buddy. Remind yourself why you started this journey... 

Please don't listen to the "take it easy" comments. Like you I'm dealing with setbacks, but also like you if I take it easy I know in a week or 2 the setback will be even bigger. I'm posting this because I see my own struggles in your struggles. Nothing worth having in life is ever easy. Keep your eye on the goal. I will too.  

I know it's hard Jocko, being stressed does not help at all. Try to think back a couple of weeks ago when you got back on track after a setback. You will get back to it once things settle down. 

Jocko. Hold on in there buddy. I agree with a Heidij's comments. I am the same as you and it's at times like this you will find it harder because your body is in 'fight' mode. Then as H says think about a moderate diet right now, as this will keep you steady without veering off course. Your hard working body has done brilliantly and it's time to relax slightly and recuperate. Take care of yourself.  

I hope things pick up for you soon, I really do. And on a semi-unrelated side note, if you get confronted with fish and chips - my 2p, for what it's worth, I'd take the breading off the fish and eat it without. Stick to vinegar and avoid the creamy stuff, eat half the chips and if there's any other sides you like that are filling and lower calorie density, eat that to help if you're feeling still peckish. While it sounds silly, those little tweaks can be the difference between a day on track, and a day over the cliff, and in the end you still get a little bit of what you love. 

Good sense, but I just hate wasting food. I just add salt and vinegar. As for eating half the chips, we split the supper between us (2 fish in a fish supper here is Scotland) and I seldom manage my half of the chips. How anyone eats an entire fish supper themselves beggars belief. 

Well, that doesn't sound too bad then! I hate waste, but I think sometimes food should be left. I think it's better to leave it than do something harmful with it. 

Yes. It should be. I have my 1940's-50's upbringing to thank. Just being out of rationing my mum drilled it into me. I'm afraid, at 68, it is hardwired. 

Such relevant comments Jocko. I was born in the 1950s and because I am part of a big family, I lived with my grandmother. She had a Victorian style upbringing. I'm hard- wired too buddy Back at home , in our own Mini- Scotland in Mid England, you ate just what was there. Not a lot mostly. I spent a lot of my childhood at home going hungry. I appreciate food. I was bought up ... longing for a fish supper Mmmmmm. I know I couldn't resist it now. Not eating all the chips, well done. Have a happy day  

I have to admit I don't leave the chips through choice. There are just so many I have to call "Uncle" before they are finished. 

Do you have your Uncle living with you?? 

We had lunch out. I managed to leave 3 pieces of potato. It was a token gesture, but I was pleased with it. Luckily my mum wasn't around, or I wouldn't have been allowed to leave the table 😁 Times were different back then, and they wanted us to grow up big and strong. Mind you, I was a very chubby kid... 

"Uncle" is a US expression. "Uncle!" is equivalent to "I give up" and indicates submission.