Weight is coming off...but now I think I'm invincible

42nFab
42nFab Posts: 36
in Motivation and Support
So I started my venture on Jan 2nd this year - so not quite 6 weeks ago. I have lost 14 pounds with my diet changes and hitting the gym 4 days a week. The issue is now that I'm starting to look and feel better I am wanting to stray from the diet and exercise and head out for dinner and a few beers with my husband and friends. This is what got me into trouble in the first place. I get to this pint and then I start to stray away from my program. I don't want to yoyo any longer....do I not go out at all? This seems to be my pattern....all or nothing.
I'm interested in knowing how you guys maintain the strict lifestyle? Thanks :)

Replies

  • ajsdream
    ajsdream Posts: 223 Member
    This is me exactly! Or, it used to be me exactly!

    I would feel good, so I would think I deserved a "reward". Plus, it's way more fun to go out when you're feeling good about yourself!

    This time around, I log everything. So, even if I go out, it gets logged. It helps me to stay within a reasonable calorie range, even if I'm having a high calorie day. And, I try not to be too strict. I eat what I want. I eat lower calories for a few days, then have a couple of higher calorie days (usually the weekend).

    You'll find out what works for you! Great job on the weight loss!
  • silverdawnhawk
    silverdawnhawk Posts: 32 Member
    Two words: moderation and planning.

    I occasionally have a drink. I log it and move on. I plan to average out to for the week. If I don't... I move on. You can do two steps forward one step back occasionally without yoyoing.

    Learn to forgive yourself when needed and move on. Guilt isn't going to do you any favours.

    And I tend to plan things out. I have a streak night fundraiser for a friend who is doing her first half marathon in Scotland next month on Saturday. I know I'm going to have more calories at supper. I know I will likely have a drink or two. I have a whole week to plan for it and slow an extra 50 calories every day to help my average for the week. And if I still go over - oh well. Log it and move on. It's one night out of the last three weeks. It's not going to derail me.
  • 42nFab
    42nFab Posts: 36
    Thanks! You too! There is a balance I'm sure of eating lighter through the week and then you don't worry about a bit of pub grub on the weekend. I'm hoping to get there...but after I lose the weight. I also think I need to stop weighing myself daily because if I do eat something salty or greasy I just torture myself with the scale. It comes off in a couple of days anyways.
  • 42nFab
    42nFab Posts: 36
    Two words: moderation and planning.

    I occasionally have a drink. I log it and move on. I plan to average out to for the week. If I don't... I move on. You can do two steps forward one step back occasionally without yoyoing.

    Learn to forgive yourself when needed and move on. Guilt isn't going to do you any favours.

    And I tend to plan things out. I have a streak night fundraiser for a friend who is doing her first half marathon in Scotland next month on Saturday. I know I'm going to have more calories at supper. I know I will likely have a drink or two. I have a whole week to plan for it and slow an extra 50 calories every day to help my average for the week. And if I still go over - oh well. Log it and move on. It's one night out of the last three weeks. It's not going to derail me.
    i love your healthy approach!
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    Yes, still go out, just find a happy medium. Pick restaurants that list calories online so you can make choices ahead of time (and stick to them) or do your best to stick to the traditional better choices like avoiding fried things with lots of cheese and/or sauce and sticking to grilled meats with steamed veggies. It's not always easy when everyone else is chowing down on pizza and wings but it's better than refusing to go out!

    Exercise a little extra to earn calories so your drinks don't take you too far over your daily goal. And have water or a diet soda between drinks so you can still have a drink going at all times but avoid the calories.

    Not sure how often you go out but if we're talking once a month or even once every couple of weeks, a little bit of an overage shoulnd't completely destroy your progress. You might see a bit of a water weight gain for the few days after but beyond that, you'll still lose as long as you're eating at a calorie deficit.
  • will2lose72
    will2lose72 Posts: 128 Member
    Yes! Here too...I have been hiding under my winter coat. Inevitably someone will compliment me on losing weight and I somehow take that to mean I got this all figured out and I can just quit. Huh? I know it makes no sense. Some kind of sub conscious something I probably need therapy for!

    Could you pre-fill your food diary before you go out? Would that help you to visualize and remember to make better choices while you are out?
  • Sarah4fitness
    Sarah4fitness Posts: 437 Member
    This is where an IIFYM plan helps people. You CAN go out, you CAN have out-foods in moderation, you just adjust the rest of your daily intake to account for it. Much more manageable long term.
  • Amanda_Gx6
    Amanda_Gx6 Posts: 320 Member
    Reward yourself every once in a while with a night out. Keep the balance! No shame in having a night out and straying away briefly as long as you reel in right back in! If you totally deprive yourself, or at least in my case, its like a time bomb tick tick tick no cookies no cookies no cookies and then BOOM EAT ALL THE COOKIES! haha Everything in moderation. Enjoy!
  • SarahMarieYates
    SarahMarieYates Posts: 27 Member
    I can completely relate...I think the most I've lost is 20 lbs but it seems like that is or was the magic number to make me think I could "treat" myself to my old/bad ways.
    My doc told me that my style of dieting is an "all or nothing" approach, I'm either eating great and working out every day or doing nothing and I need to find a happy medium.
    I would suggest allowing yourself a night out with beer and all as reward for an extra weekend workout, to even things up a bit. My weakness is wine and I know it's not helping the situation.
    Good luck in finding the balance!
  • Briargrey
    Briargrey Posts: 498 Member
    I'm interested in knowing how you guys maintain the strict lifestyle? Thanks :)

    Simple. I don't have a strict lifestyle. I have a reasonable calorie limit and healthy macros. If I know I'm going to go over on one day, then I may have more of a deficit on the other days to help out with it, and I may do a bit more calorie burning to help too. I keep it balanced and don't go overboard.

    It isn't easy, but it is simple -- just keep a deficit, keep control, don't binge....and if you do, don't feel too guilty - just remotivate and get right back in the saddle and don't let it depress you into continuing the cycle.

    I've lost 98 pounds being on the road 70% of the time and having to eat out in restaurants, so it is totally doable :)
  • sarahwilson12
    sarahwilson12 Posts: 70 Member
    I would definitely agree with not weighing yourself daily. That's just too much pressure & torture to go through! I also keep track of my calories, everyday (for the most part), even if I go wayyyyy over. I figure just being in the habit of counting is better than letting myself get off track. It's been a very slow, tedious, up and down process for me, but I know it'll be worth it 'cause it'll be a lifestyle change rather than just a diet.

    What I've found to be really helpful is an app called Pact. Essentially, you make a pact saying you'll exercise so many times per week or log your food so many times per week. You can connect My Fitness Pal and Map My Fitness with it, so your meals are automatically connected, and so are your workouts. MFP is now also partnering with MMF, so workouts are even synced.

    With Pact, if you miss one day, you have to pay $5. If you complete your pact, you get anywhere from $0.35 - $0.80 per week. It's not much, but the app is free. They pay you out of the money others have to pay for not completing their pact. Honestly, this has motivated me so much to stick to my calorie count. It's been great!

    Hope some of this will help. Feel free to add me if you are looking for more friends to keep you accountable and to motivate/encourage you :smile:
  • 970Mikaela1
    970Mikaela1 Posts: 2,013 Member
    You gotta have beer and you gotta go out. Plan for it. Make it fit most of the time. You'll be fine. I go out about every week once. Used all my calories at Fuddruckers on sweet potato fries and onion rings and a burger. Had a skimpy salad for dinner but it fit my calories.
  • I_Will_End_You
    I_Will_End_You Posts: 4,397 Member
    I'm interested in knowing how you guys maintain the strict lifestyle? Thanks :)

    Simple. I don't have a strict lifestyle. I have a reasonable calorie limit and healthy macros. If I know I'm going to go over on one day, then I may have more of a deficit on the other days to help out with it, and I may do a bit more calorie burning to help too. I keep it balanced and don't go overboard.


    ^ This.
  • allaboutthecake
    allaboutthecake Posts: 1,535 Member
    This is what got me into trouble in the first place. I get to this pint and then I start to stray away from my program.


    Am going to go out on a limb here...because of this...and *this* alone...I would be extremely strict when you DO go out. Like eat a little snack before dinner so you aren't ravenous on the menu. Look up the nutrition content BEFORE you go out. Prelog the booze & the food.

    If its worth it to you, you'll find a way to keep on going and be happy both ways. :flowerforyou:
  • miqisha
    miqisha Posts: 1,534 Member
    I too struggle with moderation, I treat my self every other week, however that one treat meal usually spans over the entire weekend and then I am spending days working off the water weight. So I am trying to get my self under control and sometimes workout more to balance it out.
  • 42nFab
    42nFab Posts: 36
    I'm interested in knowing how you guys maintain the strict lifestyle? Thanks :)

    Simple. I don't have a strict lifestyle. I have a reasonable calorie limit and healthy macros. If I know I'm going to go over on one day, then I may have more of a deficit on the other days to help out with it, and I may do a bit more calorie burning to help too. I keep it balanced and don't go overboard.

    It isn't easy, but it is simple -- just keep a deficit, keep control, don't binge....and if you do, don't feel too guilty - just remotivate and get right back in the saddle and don't let it depress you into continuing the cycle.

    I've lost 98 pounds being on the road 70% of the time and having to eat out in restaurants, so it is totally doable :)
    wow congratulations on the weight loss! I too am on the road for my job, and in an airport a couple of times a month. I pack a lunch everyday now if I am driving. And I am learning to check out restaurants before taking a client for dinner...if I am prepared its easy.
  • 42nFab
    42nFab Posts: 36
    I too struggle with moderation, I treat my self every other week, however that one treat meal usually spans over the entire weekend and then I am spending days working off the water weight. So I am trying to get my self under control and sometimes workout more to balance it out.
    i am dying laughing at your picture because I just started doing Zumba and love it.
  • janicebinva
    janicebinva Posts: 99 Member
    First, remind yourself of your goals and ask yourself if eating with abandon when you go out is compatible with those goals.

    Have a little of the old pub grub, and a little alcohol. Be careful with alcohol because once you start feeling a little buzz, all the better judgment goes out the window. But plan in your mind ahead of time... "I'll have three stuffed jalapenos", or "I'll order a pint and a glass of water, and alternate what I drink", or "one potato skin and three dumplings", something like that. Keep a mental tally of your calories and set a limit in advance.

    Have a healthy, filling snack before you go so you're not hungry when you get there.

    Finally, if you're tempted to go over, think about the thing you're about to eat or drink, and estimate how long it would take you to work it off at the gym. Are you willing to spend 40 minutes on the treadmill if you eat that appetizer?

    Finally -- really -- remind yourself that the fun of being out is the company and the laughs, not stuffing yourself or drinking beyond moderation.
  • bradXdale
    bradXdale Posts: 399
    Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan.

    Always plan ahead.
  • redheaddee
    redheaddee Posts: 2,005 Member
    Liquor has less calories than beer. Just saying.
  • 1shauna1
    1shauna1 Posts: 993 Member
    Everything is possible! I would say, workout extra hard that day, eat a bit lighter, and enjoy your beers (maybe light beers?) and special night. Next day, don't slack, work out again, drink lots of water and eat normal, healthy food!
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    Haha I so hear you! I'm 8 lbs from my goal and I've been really sloppy, going over my TDEE once a week or something. Day out with the family, guests, now Valentine's Day, next week the kids' birthday... there's always something.

    What helps me some is keeping a lower goal than I should the rest of the time, and try to stick to it as much as possible, so it's not such a huge deal if I go over sometimes. And if I'm going to be naughty, I try to do it early in the day so I can make up for it later. That, and I stick to my workout plan whatever happens.

    But the key... keep your average under your TDEE. At least you won't gain. It's the most important thing for me at this point and where I draw the line. And whatever you do... log it.

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