How to Restart?

eling_611

March has just begun so I thought it would be the perfect time to reboot my metabolism from hibernation, but bringing myself back to the pre-winter level of activity seems much more difficult than I thought.

Having decided to try out the 7-day detox diet and originally planning to start yesterday (Sat, Mar 1), yet by this night I have to convince myself that this weekend was the "preparation stage" of trashing my cravings.. by eating them all. In fact I just couldn't resist the brownie and macaron my friend offered, nor did I forget to scrap the butter away from the school sandwich; in the end it's all been mindless eating, and I feel so guilty about it. I feel useless - just how can I get myself back on track? It's always been challenging to look away from those luscious desserts my boarding school offers and it's extra hard to make myself have salads as the weather has been so cold (the house doesn't brew hot broths).

I'm hoping to officially start my detox diet tomorrow, but how many tomorrows would that end up being? I dare not imagine. If anyone happens to read this, a word of encouragement would be much appreciated.

And if you are encountering the same situation as me, here's a quote of motivation:
"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Good luck!

bgarganera

I'm suggesting you look into "flexible dieting" or IIFYM. It's a way of eating that allows you to incorporate foods you enjoy into your "diet" plan as long as you eat them in moderation.

Only guidelines are: hitting your caloric goals for the day and your macronutrient goals (Carbs, Protein, & Fat)

I'm suggesting this because it sounds like this detox diet sounds very extreme, and eating like this seems much more sustainable for you and hence will create more effective/long term results


Good Luck!

serindipte

Umm.. you know people don't actually hibernate, right? You don't need to "reboot" or "detox". You need to start today and be mindful of your eating. Figure your BMR, your TDEE and eat at a reasonable deficit since you have a goal of losing weight. There's no secret, no trick. It's really quite simple.

ETA: This post has a wealth of information to get you on your way:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

editorgrrl

This post has a wealth of information to get you on your way:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

^This.

You lose weight by eating at a deficit. Period. Eat "healthy" (whatever that means to you) 80% of the time. Fit yummy, portion-controlled treats into your calorie goal. Deprivation can lead to bingeing.

MyOwnSunshine

Stop making "starting" some monumental thing. Scrap your plans for a "detox." You won't make it and you'll end up eating horribly to make up for the hours or days you tried to not eat.

Start every single day. Eat healthy food. Work out. Do your best. Forgive yourself for failures. Know that some days will be better than others. Start again the next day with a clean slate and repeat every single day for forever. That's what works.

Unknown

This content has been removed.

eling_611

Thank you for your recommendation! The calculator is very convenient to use and is a good reference.

bwogilvie

Stop making "starting" some monumental thing. Scrap your plans for a "detox." You won't make it and you'll end up eating horribly to make up for the hours or days you tried to not eat.

Start every single day. Eat healthy food. Work out. Do your best. Forgive yourself for failures. Know that some days will be better than others. Start again the next day with a clean slate and repeat every single day for forever. That's what works.

^ This is very wise advice. Take it.

eling_611

I'm suggesting you look into "flexible dieting" or IIFYM. It's a way of eating that allows you to incorporate foods you enjoy into your "diet" plan as long as you eat them in moderation.

Only guidelines are: hitting your caloric goals for the day and your macronutrient goals (Carbs, Protein, & Fat)

I'm suggesting this because it sounds like this detox diet sounds very extreme, and eating like this seems much more sustainable for you and hence will create more effective/long term results


Good Luck!

Thank you for your recommendation! The calculator is convenient to use and is a good reference.

Actually it seems like I haven't explained myself properly... My "detox diet" does not involve drinking only lemon water for a week or juices or starving, but more as an attempt to base my 3 meals around vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish, teas and water, as well as minimizing processed foods. I'm trying not to be as extreme but really cleansing my body for a change, especially after a few months of indulgence. Nonetheless thank you again - I will strive for long-term benefits.

links_slayer

ctl + alt + delete?

eling_611

Umm.. you know people don't actually hibernate, right? You don't need to "reboot" or "detox". You need to start today and be mindful of your eating. Figure your BMR, your TDEE and eat at a reasonable deficit since you have a goal of losing weight. There's no secret, no trick. It's really quite simple.

ETA: This post has a wealth of information to get you on your way:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

Sorry.. it was just a figure of speech to say I want to get myself back into the mindset of "healthy eating" after indulging over winter. That was a very useful link though - thank you for the information!

eling_611

Stop making "starting" some monumental thing. Scrap your plans for a "detox." You won't make it and you'll end up eating horribly to make up for the hours or days you tried to not eat.

Start every single day. Eat healthy food. Work out. Do your best. Forgive yourself for failures. Know that some days will be better than others. Start again the next day with a clean slate and repeat every single day for forever. That's what works.

I was hoping my idea of "detox" won't sound as extreme as people think it to be. My plan was to base my 3 meals around vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish, teas and water and to minimize processed foods (e.g. the desserts from supermarket I've been stuffing myself with over winter). I can't stand starvation so that will definitely not happen.

Nevertheless you're right. I shouldn't think of it as a "plan" but more of an adaptation to better, long-lasting habits. I'll just do it. Thank you.

HardyGirl4Ever

I"m starting Tuesday. I'm pigging out on foods I won't be having. (Tuesday cuz we don't have power tomorrow so I can't cook) That said, even though I'll be on a diet trying to eat clean, whole foods, I've decided not to get down on myself if I have a meal or a day that is bad. That way it's more manageable for the rest of my life. You should try the same thing, we can do it together! (though you can start tomorrow of course, as you planned)

editorgrrl

I'm pigging out on foods I won't be having. That said, even though I'll be on a diet trying to eat clean, whole foods, I've decided not to get down on myself if I have a meal or a day that is bad.

Going on & off a diet doesn't work. Food is neither good nor bad. Read the Sexypants link: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

eling_611

I"m starting Tuesday. I'm pigging out on foods I won't be having. (Tuesday cuz we don't have power tomorrow so I can't cook) That said, even though I'll be on a diet trying to eat clean, whole foods, I've decided not to get down on myself if I have a meal or a day that is bad. That way it's more manageable for the rest of my life. You should try the same thing, we can do it together! (though you can start tomorrow of course, as you planned)

Sounds good! But I find that if I don't feel guilty after indulging I'm likely to break the "rules" again very soon. How do you get around that?