Living the Lifestyle-Tuesday June 18, 2019

GavinFlynn1

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 June are below:

Monday -imastar2 (Derrick)
Tuesday - GavinFlynn1 (Gavin)
Wednesday - GadgetGirlIL (Regina)
Thursday - misterhub (Greg)
Friday - Al_Howard (Al)

Today's Topic: Staying on track for the long haul - Tracking or ...?

Most of us, if not all, are here for long-term results; not just quick weight loss. What tools, mindsets or habits help you keep on track for the long haul?

podkey

I have to be honest here. I still eat the the same foods in the same portions but don't require writing them down in the journal. I do NOT think of this as "intuitive" because I actual watch what I eat etc and am not relying on my poor satisfaction meter. I was an entire year on maintenance and lifetime before I stopped journaling foods. I think of it as not intuitive but memorized in that sense. I have told myself that if I don't stay in the healthy (for me) BMI range I would track again. I actually eat a lot of zero point lean foods anyway as per the new or old plan. So for me it is more habits habits habits.

Having said that when I shattered my front tooth ceramic crown I had a chocolate shake and not too hard french fries for dinner. Hey just one meal.

Thanks for doing this Gavin and good luck with your trials.

gadgetgirlIL

Ditching the "all or nothing" mentality keeps me on the track for the long haul. For example:

Activity - "something is better than nothing". I have a very crazy work schedule this summer so I'm more of a weekend warrior these days. But even a few lifts in the weight room and 30 minutes of walking on the treadmill are better than nothing.

Food - I weigh and measure when possible. Otherwise, I guesstimate. I always track - the good, the bad, and the truly ugly.

Mindset - I don't let an excursion into too many treats completely derail me. My brownie encounter over the weekend is a good example. The rest of the brownies are now in the freezer. I'm getting back to my normal work week food routine.

Al_Howard

Tracking, tracking, and tracking. Way too easy for me to get the effits, as it is., and if I don't.....