New and already lost!

SouthernAtHeart1

Hey ya'all!!

I am new to MFP (about a week) and would you believe it, I'm already stressing about some things!! I work crazy long days (9am - Midnight). I try my best to not eat past 7:30/8pm, but having those extra 4-5 hours of work cause me to want to eat everything in the house when I get home. I've been doing pretty well with just drinking massive amounts of water and sleepy time tea, but I wanted to know if anyone else had suggestions for calming those late night cravings. My fear is that even with something as good as fruit, that I'll end up over indulging.

My other question is, does anyone here have a "cheat" day? I have (what we call) "sister dates" once a week with my oh so awesome, oh so skinny and athletic sisters (clearly the gene skipped WAY over me) and we usually try new restaurants and what not. The day always involves a restaurant, ice cream or water ice and random junk food along the way. I know it's about control, but is okay to have that one day a week to eat without tons of worry? or should I just keep with the counting on these days?

Any advice on these topics (or on anything in general) would be greatly appreciated!! I look forward to hopefully making a few friends along this journey as well!!

:flowerforyou:

SeahorseDolphin

If you personally have a problem with binging late at night then I understand your concern. Otherwise I would just leave calories for yourself at the end of the day. Not eating after a certain time is a tool to eat less. If you are logging and know what you can have it doesn't matter. Your body does not care when you get your calories. It is a myth.

About your second point it is totally up to you. It is perfectly reasonable to allow yourself a cheat day once a week. I would still roughly log though and allow yourself a couple hundred extra calories. You'll still be under TDEE but it's a load off your mind. It eliminates the uncertainty of "oh god how much did I eat!" I find that I feel worse when I go completely rogue and don't log. I feel out of control. Now even if I go 1000 over my calories I still log it because it doesn't change that I ate it and I am acknowledging it and not beating myself up. It also encourages me to stay within a more reasonable buffer next time.

That's just my 2 cents

SouthernAtHeart1

Thanks so much for your input!! I really appreciate it.

kris_root_2014

When you have free time, measure out snacks, like nuts or mini rice cakes, etc. Maybe take some to work with you to snack on throughout the day. If you're working that long of a day, maybe it is better for you to have multiple smaller snack like meals about 4 times a day instead of your main meals. Stretching the calories throughout the day may stave off your cravings after work. On the second part, I'd definitely still log the calories. It helps you acknowledge what calories you are eating, even if you go over. On those sister dates, maybe sneek a workout in before you go out to help metabolize the cheat calories you are going to be eating that day. Then you won't feel so guilty about it!

Kris

KatieHall77

If you personally have a problem with binging late at night then I understand your concern. Otherwise I would just leave calories for yourself at the end of the day. Not eating after a certain time is a tool to eat less. If you are logging and know what you can have it doesn't matter. Your body does not care when you get your calories. It is a myth.

About your second point it is totally up to you. It is perfectly reasonable to allow yourself a cheat day once a week. I would still roughly log though and allow yourself a couple hundred extra calories. You'll still be under TDEE but it's a load off your mind. It eliminates the uncertainty of "oh god how much did I eat!" I find that I feel worse when I go completely rogue and don't log. I feel out of control. Now even if I go 1000 over my calories I still log it because it doesn't change that I ate it and I am acknowledging it and not beating myself up. It also encourages me to stay within a more reasonable buffer next time.

That's just my 2 cents

This is all good advice. I have had good success with herbal tea in the evening, when my husband tends to snack, I just have the tea, and I feel like I'm having something, it fills me up, and it helps me stay on track.
Log everything, even if you do decide on a cheat day. There's nothing wrong with going to a restaurant and ordering a salad with a grilled chicken breast, or whatever healthy option appeals to you.
It's like having the tea. We want the experience more than the foods. Just pick a healthier substitute.
I find That the social enjoyment isn't ruined when I'm eating lighter, it's more about the people. I'm getting used to ordering a black coffee in a bistro, and just enjoying the scenery and conversation rather than the pastries. For me, this just works best, but find what is right for you.
Good luck!

shirleygirl910

I also work long hours. I pack my lunch box with Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and two snacks. I have less stress when I've planned everything and not left it up to "what am I in the mood for?".

I don't do cheat days, but I do go out to eat with friends. I like trying new places, but I try to plan ahead by going on line. I don't always eat everything on my plate especially if I know I'm going to have ice cream or other stuff later too.

Always know portion sizes and try to stick to one portion. Log everything, even gum and no calorie foods. Exercise a little more by taking a walk on break, or anything you can fit in. Don't beat yourself up, but keep in mind the more "Cheat" days the slower the progress.