Planning for high-cals/junk food eating success stories

Well, I know that for me, my issue was always indulging these types of things. Every. Single. Day. I always thought, "I'll just start watching what I eat later" believing that later wouldn't make that much of a difference. I guess at that time, I just wasn't ready for a change. But now that I try and watch what I eat every single day, I don't feel like it's such a crime to indulge in something every now and again. We're human, and our bodies crave these sorts of "treats" - whether it's the risk vs. reward or simply because they're delicious. So what I've come to employ is what you referred to as a "pre-plan". Usually, the day that I know that I'm going to indulge in something that I wouldn't allow in my daily diet routine, I log that item first. This usually gives me a base to work with. Then, knowing this in advance, I can plan around said item. I also make it a point to eat things that are high in fiber and drink lots of water throughout the day, because let's face it, most of the items that are "treats" are usually processed foods and have tons of sodium - which can lead (for me) to water retention and a sense of bloating; which is ALWAYS a discouraging feeling. Then, when I chose my meals for the rest of the day, I refer back to my inital point of caloric intake. I also prepare myself that the next day, if I do decide to step on the scale, that I was prepared for whatever I see because I know that processed foods can cause water retetnion and a host of other discouraging effects. I also make sure that I prepare for the day after. What I eat. How much water I drink. Etc. I have employed this over the past 10 months, and still have found that I lose weight. I know that there are those who say they never allow a "cheat day", but I know myself, and I know that the hardest thing to do is overcome a cheat day with healthy eating habits throughout that day as well as the day after. It's a slippery slope, but that's how I deal with indulging and remaining realistic about my body's journey and my minds processing of the same. That's all I can offer. I guess we're all on our own path, and no two will ever be idential, but I would say that it's important to never let anyone tell you you're flat out wrong for something you decide to do. I've found negativity can be more discouraging than the scale.

Pre-planning is the key. The first thing I do every day is enter my "treat" that I eat at night--usually 2 squares of dark chocolate at 110 cals. Then everything else must fit into that new limit. On Pizza night--I add 2 slices of pizza and 1 glass of wine to my din. before I start eating breakfast so I know what I have to do all day (food and exercise wise) to account for it. I can't live my life constantly in denial. I want my eating plan to last for the rest of my life--so I just factor it in.

Awesome idea! I do enter some of my stuff before I eat it, but this is brilliant.

I generally eat quite a bit under my calorie count, so when I overindulge a bit, it's not a big deal. I ate a lot yesterday, but I was under my calorie count.

When I was pregnant with my first child in 1977, I wanted chocolate chip cookies, so I ate 100 under every day for 30 days. Then I made the cookies and ate one every day for about a week. To this day, that's pretty much what I do, stay under then have the treat AND still stay in my calorie zone.

I completely agree with pre logging the food that will give you the most trouble. If you 100% know that you're going to eat something that you may think isn't good for you, definitely log it first. And be generous. If you know you aren't going to stick to the 1/2 cup serving or whatever it is then make sure you give yourself enough that you will be able to stick to, then mold the rest of the day around it.

Also, one day will not kill you, it's overall calories at the end of the week that count, not exactly day by day, but if you will be eating this popcorn every day for a week or two then the pre-logging is key.

I take a slightly different approach, I "earn" those calories through exercise. , I feel like I'm able to sustain success because I'm not denying myself the things I enjoy or the ability to feel stuffed.

Yesterday I made Puerto Rican rice & beans and fried plantains, about 1400 calories total. Knowing I was going to have that for dinner, I went and did a 7.25 mile jog to earn an extra 1000 calories on the day. I definitely overate, but felt great chowing down on my childhood comfort food. Still woke up this morning and posted 1lb lost!

If I know I'm going out on the weekend, Saturday morning I'll do two-a-days, with fairly intense morning and afternoon workouts to earn an extra 700-1000 calories to have for later. I still manage my portions, but working hard for it also lets me enjoy it that much more.

Amen. I ride/run to eat! It feels like starving if I don't exercise just to eat a bit more. Power to ya.

My fiance's birthday led to lots of cake and goodies around the house. I just replaced an afternoon snack with a treat, or another meal with a treat. I also worked out more. And made sure I had low cal popcorn and fruit if I got hungry!

You don't have to eat it all at once. Schedule it in your calories intake, or enjoy it and make up for it later

Pre-planning is the key. The first thing I do every day is enter my "treat" that I eat at night--usually 2 squares of dark chocolate at 110 cals. Then everything else must fit into that new limit. On Pizza night--I add 2 slices of pizza and 1 glass of wine to my din. before I start eating breakfast so I know what I have to do all day (food and exercise wise) to account for it. I can't live my life constantly in denial. I want my eating plan to last for the rest of my life--so I just factor it in.

This is just exactly how I think. My husband keeps telling me "you're not gonna lose if you keep eating that". But of course I'm not going to have a strict diet that I won't be able to keep up the rest of my life.

I think you should probably tell your friend for next time that you don't feel that comfortable accepting treats as a gift - because you are trying to be a much healthier happier person. If she is a good friend she will understand and accept that about you. I have had to turn down many treats/junk food from people along my journey.