One step forward, two steps back.

ToBeThatGirlIDreamOf

I feel like every achievement I make is just over powered by the counterproductive and negative things.
For example, my emotions and stress level are out the roof, so I splurged SUPER bad yesterday. So bad that it said I would gain approximately 13 pounds in 5 weeks if every day was like that day. Which wouldn't be such an issue, if I was almost always within my calorie goal.
On the other hand, I have gained an immense amount of strength compared to what I used to have.
I power cling, squat, and bench press approximately one day a week for each, starting 7 weeks ago.
Monday, I maxed 105 on bench press, old max being 85.
Tuesday, I maxed 165 on squats, old max being 125.
Today, Wednesday, I maxed 100 on powercling, old max being 80.
The strength makes me proud, the eating makes me embarassed.
I think posting this will encourage me not to eat like this again, atleast not for a LONG time, due to the embarrassment.

Questions ---

How do you guys stay away from splurges?
Are there foods that are healthier that you replace your old splurge foods with?
Is strength training part of your regime?
Is there a certain way that you have become healthier? (EX: just counting calories, paleo diet, etc.)

Thank you for listening to my rant and answering any questions!!!! :flowerforyou:

viglet

First of all... I fking love taco bell! Looks like a yummy day you had.

I think you just need to close yesterday's food diary and don't look back. You did it, its done and now today you're making better choices. I read a blog post yesterday that really hit home I will look for it and reply back in a minute.
** here you go **

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/ShannonMpls/view/eat-badly-yesterday-skip-a-workout-get-over-it-408173

Second, it sounds like you are getting some great strength gains and that is impressive!!! I can barely squat 100lbs without feeling like my legs are going to cave.

To answer your questions:
How do you guys stay away from splurges?
I splurge all the time. But I try my hardest to decide what kind of splurge is worth it. There is a place by my house that sells a bucket of fries with chili and cheese. Doesn't that sound amazing? Well it is. I used to eat a whole thing alone.... NO SHAME.
But now, I just would rather splurge on something that is worth it to me. Like sushi. Nice sashimi with some shrimp tempura... mmm! Still a splurge but way more food for the calories. And I try to plan it instead of just giving in.

Are there foods that are healthier that you replace your old splurge foods with?
mentioned above

Is strength training part of your regime?
Just started over a month ago. Took almost 2 weeks off though because I was sick. But I LOVE it! Im doing the stronglifts program.

Is there a certain way that you have become healthier? (EX: just counting calories, paleo diet, etc.)
Well sometimes I have to remind myself I used to weight 228 lbs and wear a size 22. I am at a size 11/12 and am healthier than I was in middle school!

ToBeThatGirlIDreamOf

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm about to read the blog!!!!

lisabinco

Most of us have had more than one really outrageous splurge day in our lives. The trick is to teach yourself how get back up the next day, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward. I make the choice to eat/live well one day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time, every day. When I screw up, I try to do better the next day. The more I stick to my new lifestyle, the easier it gets.

Q. How do you guys stay away from splurges?
A. One day at a time. Really. And although I still have a bad day now and then, they are fewer now and farther between.
Q. Are there foods that are healthier that you replace your old splurge foods with?
A. Yes. I replaced candy and sweet junk with whole fruits. I replaced empty carbs with nutritious carbs (legumes, colorful veggies, etc.). Health for me equals nutrition over calories. I try to ensure that at least 90% of what I put in my mouth is nutritionally superior, which leaves less room for low-to-non-nutritious food.
Q. Is strength training part of your regime?
A. Not yet. But I do believe it is something that would benefit me.
Q. Is there a certain way that you have become healthier?
I eat tons more vegetables than before. I eat lots more home-cooked meals and way less restaurant/fast food meals. I limit some foods to 10% or less of my daily intake; for instance, starchy foods like potatoes, rice and grains are limited. Fats are limited; saturated/transfats are cut way, way back. My sodium intake is also limited, although that is primarily to keep my blood pressure normal; I am extremely sensitive to excess sodium. Last but not least, I am more active than before; biking, hiking, walking, swimming, anything that doesn't require excess pounding on my old, beat-up knees.

Graelwyn75

First I would ask if your weight goal of 110 is realistic for your height ? I found that if I tried going below a weight that is natural and healthy for my body, I would start having issues with binge eating in a major way, especially if doing intense workouts at the same time. In your profile, I noticed that you say you are at a healthy weight, so I would ask if you need to go as low as 110, and if you might not be able to attain the body that will make you happy, through weight training and body recomposition.

I have splurges, though I like to call them refeed days now as it is a healthier mindset, maybe a few times a month, and they are major overages, with a daily total of maybe 6000 calories. I am just learning to accept them, personally. The rest of the time, I stay on track by ensuring I eat plenty of nutrient dense foods, along with a little chocolate, and by keeping myself active. I do not restrict the day after I overeat, generally, and just go back to what I was doing before.

ToBeThatGirlIDreamOf

It's really just to have some sort of goal. I used to bounce between 110-115 at this height, with more muscle than I have now. It seemed like it was just natural, so I'd like to get somewhere close to that, if possible. And then I have room to miss my goal, but still be completely satified.

ToBeThatGirlIDreamOf

Thanks for all the great advice!!! I will definitely start taking it one day at a time.

DOVE437

I splurge! I think you have to. We're human, not perfect, and frankly there are just some things we love. I think the trick is moderation and frequency. I let myself have dark chocolate once a month (as a female I'm pretty sure God created my body to demand it!) And when I need a splurging day, like I had a really, really, really bad day at work, I won't rush for pizza (mmmmm pepperoni) but I'll snag some Tokyo Joes and Spicy Tuna rolls.

ToBeThatGirlIDreamOf

Spicy Tuna Roll sounds yummy! Must try that! But I just don't like dark chocolate. Do you think skinnycow candy or ice cream would be a good alternative?

KarenJanine

Well done on your PRs, that's awesome progression, sounds like you're doing great.

You are already at a healthy weight so I would recommend eating at maintenance, or at a very small deficit, and focusing on your strength going up, rather than your scale weight going down.

Ignore the MFP feature telling you you will weigh X if you eat X every day. When I have my profile set to my maintenance based on TDEE, MFP would tell me I'll be gaining 1lb per week. It doesn't know your activity level and TDEE, it is only making estimates based on the information it has available.

In answer to your questions,

How do you guys stay away from splurges?

I don't - this is life, there will be special occasions, celebrations or just hungry days. There's nothing wrong with the occasional splurge.

Are there foods that are healthier that you replace your old splurge foods with?

Nope, although I do eat things in different quantities. I focus on macros now, making sure I get plenty of protein, fats, and carbs (including enough fibre). But there's always room for whatever else I fancy at the end of the day.

Is strength training part of your regime?

Yes.

Is there a certain way that you have become healthier? (EX: just counting calories, paleo diet, etc.)

Yes, in terms of watching my macros and calories. Otherwise I just aim for an all round balanced diet of tasty food.