Living The Lifestyle Monday 11-5-18

imastar2

We meet here to explore, share, celebrate, and (sometimes) agonize over how we do (or don't) incorporate weight loss guidelines into our daily lives. "It's a lifestyle, not a diet" is easily and often said, but sometimes not so simply put into practice.

This is a thread for everyone. If you're new to GoaD, or to weight loss, your questions and comments are always welcome. If you're maintaining, or a long-term loser, your thoughts on the topic may be just what someone else needs to hear. If you're reading this, join in the discussion!

Each weekday, a new topic is offered up for discussion. Thread starters for November below:

Monday - Imastar2 (Derrick)
Tuesday - whathapnd (Emmie)
Wednesday - Jimb376mfp (Jim)
Thursday - EliteCoachKal (Kal)
Friday - savignr (Bob)

Today's topic: Different spin on Trigger foods and trigger situations. Topic. I'd like to approach the topic of trigger foods, drinks and trigger situations in a little different manner. We all have them consciously or unconsciously.

1st ... What is at least one trigger food item and or situation that you have.
2nd ... When confronted with the above mentally how do you deal with that trigger food or situation as far as eating it and controlling it? or running from it and avoiding it all together.

I really don't think there is a wrong answer just the manner of how we deal with them.

gadgetgirlIL

Brownies are a trigger food for me.
After not having brownies in my house for a long time, I made a batch yesterday. I did allow myself to have a double portion but the remainder are all portioned out and stored away in the refrigerator. I don't work from home so I expect them to last me until the weekend.

If I'm really craving something over several days, it is better for me to have a measured portion. Portioning out desserts and putting them in the refrigerator or freezer is a pretty effective strategy for me.

imastar2

For me it's pretty much all or nothing and no in between. My history and habits and self will power have taught me to avoid a number of trigger foods and trigger situations. Certain people sweets are a no no. Oreo, chocolate chip cookies. Voluntary trips to a buffet.

Dictionary. Com defines trigger as anything, as an act or event, that serves as a stimulus and initiates or precipitates a reaction or series of reactions./b]

Let's face it I use to love a good cold beer as good as the next person but before the low kcal beers or wine it gave me havoc with weight. Certain sweet foods I just have to avoid and I know from my history on this earth that buffets and certain Chinese foods are just off limits.

I'm still at age 71 dealing with buffets. Some I can't avoid if I want to eat lunch or dinner because of business meetings. So the primary defense is avoidance. Stay clear don't have it in the house don't go near it. It's almost like a plaque I just have to be aware and avoid it as my first line of defense. This is why I began saying it is all or nothing.

Is there really a secret out there to the solution to this topic of trigger foods.?Not sure I've ever seen or heard of one. I have to eat and I have to reside to the fact that this is the way it is for me and I must keep my choices within the boundaries that I know are safe zones for me.

Sorry on my phone and for some reason couldn't get bold type off.

SW 400.8
CW 342.6 🙂
1st 340.0 Goal
2nd 300.0 Goal
Final GW 185.0

58.2 lbs Total Loss

podkey

Least trigger food? Probably Kale. I do eat it and like it in foods but zero trigger.
Oooops I misread the question but will leave the above response.

OK could be some salty items,could be pizza or could be great ice cream.

My solution to ice cream is that I make the conscious decision not to eat mediocre ice cream or have large amounts in the house (usually none in house). I really love world class gelato or the like but don't live near a place right now that makes it by hand. Basically I will have small amounts on rare occasions and enjoy it. I like the idea of measured amounts and by having a small size outside the house it is a measured amount.

88olds

It’s been a while, but my last triggered episode was the dessert table at a big cookout. I’m talking face-plant into.

Since then I avoid or I have managed to make delay work.

Delay- Folks are going to start clearing out of these events about 9:00 pm. I can start by delaying eating. With luck the appetizers will be cleaned out by the time I want to get to them. Or I can just skip them. I’m stronger at the start.

I get in the end of the food line. So I’m eating a bit later.

Then delay going near the desserts. No going on recon. When I go, I’m making 1 pick from what’s left. Then it’s time to go home.

misterhub

As I've noted a few times, ice cream is a trigger food for me. I rarely, if ever, keep it in my house - opting to go out and get it instead. Because, if I have it in my house, I will eat it...all.

These days, however, I have found a bit of a middle ground in that, I will occasionally by a container of Talenti, limiting myself to only half of the container one day and the second half the next. Yes, half is more than one serving; but, I have limited it to no more than once per month. So far, it has worked.

But, mostly, I just buy ice cream when I am out.

Did I mention that I love ice cream?

minimyzeme

1st ... What is at least one trigger food item and or situation that you have.
2nd ... When confronted with the above mentally how do you deal with that trigger food or situation as far as eating it and controlling it? or running from it and avoiding it all together.

I really don't think I have trigger foods. In my case, I have trigger moods. They're different--vastly so.

I'm fortunate in that I guess a switch flipped for me after starting WW. I've heard many people say they can't have certain foods in the house. Since starting this journey, that really has not been an issue for me. Cakes, chips, candy, etc.--so much of which I used to eat handful-after-handful: I just don't anymore. It's not a problem for me to have anything in the house. The one exception is roasted cashews in the car. As mentioned last week, it's not uncommon for me to have to toss my little tupperware of those snacks out of reach or else...

I've learned from being mindful that I'm much more prone to mindless eating when I'm depressed, stressed or emotionally anxious. Those are my triggers. In the days before WW, not only didn't I know that, but of course I didn't plan for it--in fact just the opposite. I "sanctioned it" by making sure I had all that stuff on hand (much of it packed into a desk drawer). I guess in a criminal court, I made sure I had the motive and access covered.

In the course of my journey, obviously I still have times of stress and anxiety. Instead of trying to wean myself of the behavior altogether, what I've done differently is to stock the house with healthier choices. Instead I choose to snack on zero- or low-point foods that are consistent with my objectives to lose / maintain my weight. For me, it requires mindfulness because some of the typical trigger foods are still in my house. I just choose to eat something healthier if I'm triggered by one of those moods, compared to the choices I made pre-WW.