First day trouble please help

I think you need to really dig deep and find something that is sustainable. I have this grand idea of eating healthy food, nothing processed, no sugar, etc. This thinking always gets me in trouble because I have that all or nothing approach. Well if I can't eat perfect than I might as well inhale a pizza. This time, I am accepting there are good days, bad days, days when I won't have enough time to sleep and cook. I have tons of processed frozen food that is the healthiest I could find for these times and I am okay with that. I am trying to pick things that will hit all the macro targets, throw in fruit and veggies for snacks, always eat breakfast, and just do my best.

Something is keeping you from being able to maintain. Find out what that is and create a manageable plan because life is going to always be insane.

So... meant to quote this when I stated earlier:

Perfectionists Unite!

Take baby steps. Remind yourself that every day is a new day and do what you need to do. Having off days or even an off week/month is OK- or even a single meal you've messed up is OK- because you can always get back into eating properly or working out. If you start thinking you've failed then you just give up... trust me I know. Even if all you do for the day is a 10-20 minute walk or a short workout or ten reps... it means you haven't just given up and you'll feel better for it!

I feel ya. Having kids at home is a double whammy somedays. Especially if you are a Mom like me. I would honestly not want to waste food, and knowing they won't clean their plates, (nor do I ever demand that they do), instead of getting seconds, I would just eat the leftovers on their plates. It was a tough habit to break.

My first day is/has always been tough, because out of habit you just naturally grab something and before you know it, you devoured it and then think "Damn, I was starting my diet today". So a little preparation goes along way. THINK about your daily routine. What do you grab first? Have a little fun, and make little posters or signs to put up in your kitchen or your weak areas to remind you today is the day.

Personally I am not a pro at any of this like so many others, but I do know for me, coming from a carb addicted background, PCOS, Graves disease, and being insulin resistant, as well as an emotional binge eater, that my weakest points are at night. There is no way I am ever going to get over eating a majority of my calories after 4pm. I also tend to graze. From 4pm to midnight will do me in for any good I have accomplished during the first part of the day. So I restructured my whole way of looking at things.

Mornings and early afternoon, I stay away from eating a lot because I already know I am going to eat at night.
Given that I am eating at night, I have come up with my own hot cereal, that is sweet and open to flavor add ins.
I do 1/4 cup cooked Quinoa
1 scoop protein powder-vanilla creme
1 splash almond milk.

Warm in microwave. Now for add-ins.
Blueberries.
Splenda if you like it sweeter.
Cinnamon for a snickerdoodle taste.
1/4 cup greek yogurt for a creamier texture and added calories/carbs/protein
1oz cream cheese
a couple strawberries
torani sf syrup

OR you can eat it cold and it kind of resembles tapioca.

Some people might not agree with my approach and thats ok, but from a carb addict, binge standpoint, I have to have something to look forward to, that is just for ME, that tastes delicious, is like a sweet indulgence and hits macros, and this covers all the above.

I also prepare 1-2cups Quinoa beforehand and keep in the fridge, making this a quick snack, or even a meal if you so choose.

As far as food in the house. That sucks. To avoid it comes from within, you know this. You CAN DO THIS. You have done amazing and have gotten a little off track. Really consider why? Are you tired of the same thing day in and day out? Find a different workout. Try some new healthy foods. Plan a weekend escape.

Also, maybe have your thyroid levels checked? Just a suggestion. If you are hungry all the time, AND breast feeding, and tired and 10months postpartum, it is very possible your thyroid has dropped off a bit. Far easier to get it checked and make sure all is well then find out later your fighting an uphill battle that you could have nipped at an earlier point.

I also want to mention,

Make sure you have the correct calorie goal, too often MFP gives people the 1200 calorie minimum which is usually too low.

Check out online calorie BMR and TDEE calculators to find the right fit. It is not an exact science so may take some time to find the calorie goal that works best for you.

This is one link to a calculator
http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/

BMR - Basal Metabolic Rate - What your body needs to survive doing nothing as if you were in a coma

TDEE - Total Daily Energy Expenditure - different method then MFP, since TDEE takes into account your activity level

MFP - uses the NEAT method which uses a built in deficit and requires you to eat back a portion of your exercise calories.


Also patience, take one day at a time and I like the Today Way. You will make healthy choices today, you will not start tomorrow. Today you will make that choice to have one serving of cake instead of two, or to drink lots of water, or to add that helping of veggies with dinner.

Don't give up! I find that keeping a routine has been helping me. Baby steps... but making sure you truly log everything (don't cheat yourself) and staying true to your promises to yourself works. Counting calories sucks... but I find that it's become a bit of a game for me. Like... how many times can I say "no" and overcome the temptation in a day. Each time is hard... but over time it becomes easier and the pride you have in your decision outweighs the sacrifice!

Logging every single thing is important, I agree with that. What I have done this time around is that I allow myself the treats. I have stocked my freezer with low calorie fudge bars and fruit bars. When I am craving that sort of thing, I indulge, of course they are a part of my daily intake, but it helps that I CAN IF I WANT TO!!! Another thing I have changed is that I eat within the first half hour of getting up in the morning. I never used to do that. It's important to start up that motor so your body can work to the best of its ability. I got married, quit smoking, and entered menopause all in the same year and really put on the weight, but now I am finally able to see some decent results. You can do it, too. Hang in there!

First of all, stop beating yourself up. Look at it this way. You are down almost 70 lbs. Forget what you gained back. It's done. Stay focused on the wt. you did lose cause that will remind you that you CAN do it as you were successful before. Secondly-here is what I find helpful. Plan Plan Plan...Each day I plan exactly what I am going to eat within my allowable calories. I even tally it up on MFP in my data. Somehow writing it down before I start my day. Keeps me honest. And third...keep cut up veggies in your fridge, sugar free jello, and I make a big pot of vegetable soup and just heat it up by the cupful whenever I feel tempted to eat . I hope this helps. I hear your frustration but you can do it. The three children will make it difficult because of the time issue. But make time for yourself. You can do it.:flowerforyou:

Remember that you have done the hardest part already, making the decision to change and losing all that you have. Also you are amazing and deserve to do this for yourself not just for your children. When I feel the urge to eat loads of crap I stop myself and acknowledge that neither 1 piece nor 100 pieces will ever be enough so there's just no point in even starting. I also chew gum if I feel like eating because I'm bored or emotional. Good luck you can do it!