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First of all, I want to say that I feel like my journals have had a negative tone for the past few entries and I don't mean them to be that way...but just sharing what's on my mind...which, isn't actually negative, but I'm certainly not in the super positive state I was in a week or so ago.
Some days I think that I'd like to just live...and make healthier eating choices and exercise more but stop recording every food I eat. Somehow being on a diet (I know, I know...a lifestyle change) makes me obsess about food. I don't want to become this obsessive...I just want to live and not CONSTANTLY think about what I'm going to eat or what I'm not going to eat or how I'm going to eat it or how I'm going to avoid eating it. It gets to be draining at times.
I was daydreaming this morning about ending my relationship with FS and my buddies on it for a while and seeing if I could just live and lose weight by making healthier choices but without counting every calorie. I just don't really like the obsession it's become (and always seems to become every time I take on this challenge).
HOWEVER, I know that I'll be most successful here. I know that holding myself accountable and getting inspiration from everyone on FS is what is going to make me reach my goal this time. I know that I've already gone down the "I just want to live" path many times and while it hasn't always been a disaster, it certainly can be...and I've never gotten to my goal that way.
So here I am...trying to strike a balance between healthful eating and the obsession with food that ensues when I embark on making positive food changes.
I know that I've had some of the best lifestyle change days while participating on this site. I know that I've truly made some changes that are going to stick with me. I know that having support of others is key. I know that having the MOTIVATION from others who are actually at or near their goal is priceless.
I just have to get back to that place that I was a week or so ago...when I felt so in control and on top of the world. I'll get there again...I know.
Diet Calendar Entries for 17 March 2010:
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1076 kcal
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Fat: 27.56g | Prot: 85.59g | Carb: 128.22g.
Breakfast: kashi go lean crunch honey almond, blueberries, greek yogurt. Lunch: clementine, chicken breast. Dinner: green beans, spaghetti, Meatballs with Sauce (Mixture). Snacks/Other: apple, almonds. more...
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3469 kcal
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Activities & Exercise:
Driving - 1 hour, Standing - 2 hours, Desk Work - 8 hours, Resting - 5 hours, Sleeping - 8 hours. more...
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 Comments
I think you're wise to stay, for now. You'll know when you're ready to stop counting calories. You need to wait until it isn't a struggle anymore. You've only been at it for a few months and you have a long road ahead of you. I just want to tell you, I remember being where you are and you will get past it. I dropped off counting calories a few times over my journey, and each time my weight loss would come to a halt. Then I'd come back. Finally, it got easy. It took about a year. I'm ready to give up calorie counting now (just did a few days ago)- but that doesn't mean I can stop thinking about what I'm going to eat. You will ALWAYS have to think about it. Mindless eating is what gets people so heavy in the first place. And your motivation will come back! We all have ups and downs, you just have to push through the downs and celebrate the ups. The way I knew it would be okay to stop counting was that I started doing it at the end of the day, just entering in all I ate that day, and it always came out right. Then I realized, I can look at a bowl of cereal and tell how many calories are in it (but I still have to weigh cheese! lol). The point of counting calories is to educate yourself. Not torture :) Well, maybe a little torture... but it's the good for you kind. Best of luck to you.
17 Mar 10 by member: k8yk
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Thanks, K8. I know I'm not READY to not count calories...I just get frustrated with the obsession it causes. ;) But you're right...a little torture is good for me...I will prevail!
17 Mar 10 by member: ChallengeMember
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Maybe you should try preplanning your meals a day ahead and then just stick to that. It might take some of the obsession out of it if you just set it all up ahead of time? I know for awhile I was eating pretty much the same thing every day and that made it easy... but very boring!
17 Mar 10 by member: k8yk
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I have to agree with k8yk...I plan my food out the night before for the entire day. If I change my plans, then I can modify it but getting out of bed with a game plan and a pre-made breakfast and lunch during the work week means I only have to spend about a half an hour a night (usually while relaxing) actually planning my food. I frequently change my mind, and that is ok, because I just take my changes into account BEFORE I eat them to make sure they won't wreck my day. I often have the same thing for lunch but it's a healthy lunch that I enjoy. It can be boring but it is controlled and that seems to be the key with me. If I make my breakfast and lunch the night before I'm not nearly as tempted to run out and grab fast food. Try not to get discouraged...I love food too! If you get bored with what your eating, look up some low cal recipes here to mix it up a bit. Counting calories can be tedious but it shouldn't be torture. Hang in there! You have an awesome support system here.
18 Mar 10 by member: jenju
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I agree I seem to have the most success when I plan meals for the next day or week. It just makes it simplier in the long run, and you don't have to worry about what your going to eat or count calories for that day because it is already done. It can be hard because life (husband, kids, work, etc) often gets in the way of even the best layed out plan. Don't get discouraged
18 Mar 10 by member: sharry41
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I totally hear you about the food obsession...I too thought it was unhealthy for me to be constantly thinking about what to eat or not to eat because it stressed me out! However, I like it now, I think i changed my outlook by changing the way I thought about it. It's just food, have fun with it, there are so many great choices, keep your fridge full, and if your out, eat!! Just eat some, or half, I find now that I not stressed anymore because I am concious of my eating habits, and make decisions that I can live with, if I pass on a cookie its cuz I wanted to NOT cuz I had too, I could eat it and adjust the rest of my intake...It's all choices! AND your not allowed to give up FS, you have people here who understand your frustrations and can help you overcome them!!! Plus I'd miss yah!!
18 Mar 10 by member: Jenn74
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Thanks for the suggestions and support everyone! You guys are great--I couldn't really leave this place even if I wanted to! Things are better today...sometimes you just find yourself in a bad place but they always get better.
18 Mar 10 by member: ChallengeMember
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