I just ate two slices of cake... on my first day.

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Replies

  • hamoncan
    hamoncan Posts: 148 Member
    And yeah, non-hardcore posters do find a lot of the comments on these boards snarky for some strange reason - I'm guessing some feel entitled to be snippy because they read and write thousands of posts and have no patience for those who don't
  • blukitten
    blukitten Posts: 922 Member
    Does anyone have any idea what I did wrong here?

    Your diet would put an 8 year old in a deficit

    This.

    Ignoring the fact that I didn't just fall off the wagon today I quite intentionally jumped off into a bag of fries and a bar of chocolate (I'm at log in day 120). Your food is like my breakfast and lunch alone. Not even snacks or dinner.

    This^^^ Add some calories, don't wait so long until you are famished to feed your body- it will rebel with GIVE ME THAT CAKE NOW or anything else you see that looks remotely good.

    Like others have said- add in snacks- healthy ones that fit into your macros

    I fell off the wagon yesterday with a chocolate croissant - wayyyyyy over my carb limit for the whole day! And I am on day 150 of logging- so it happens to everyone- but those of us that are successful- 42 lbs down, don't let one day stop us and we move on - maybe post a little complaint about it to our friends, get some encouragement there and move on!
  • girlwithcurls2
    girlwithcurls2 Posts: 2,281 Member
    edited December 2014
    OP, I think as you learn more (and explore what other people are eating--look in diaries), you'll find more foods that you can add to your list of possibilities. Do you like avocados? Sometimes, even half an avocado gets me through a few hours.

    But, back to your original problem. I get it. I have done this too. Let me tell you about a day I got all spun up in the "I pretty much ruined it" brain game. I hadn't ruined it yet. Like you, I realized that there was a tasty treat in my house. I wanted that treat. I knew I wasn't going to have time to work out, so eating the treat was going to ruin the caloric goal for that day. I started feeling really crappy. "Why don't I have the willpower to just say 'no' to it? Why do I give in? I know I don't have time to work out and yet, the treat wins!!"

    And then I had a realization... it was all in my head. I hadn't had the treat. My brain was working through it so fast, that I had mentally logged the calories into MFP when I hadn't eaten them yet. That's when I realized I needed to slow down when the treat train came by. Before you blow it, think about it. Think about logging the treat. In fact, go log it. Watch what happens to your diary. Think about it again. Was there really room for it? Sometimes there's room. Sometimes, I just want my dang treat. But other times, I realize, "Nah. Not worth it and I'll just be frustrated that I had a moment of weakness for a cupcake that wasn't even that good, and I'll wish I didn't eat it." (And when that happens, you've turned a mental corner.)

    Food for thought ;)
    ~Curly

    eta: It's your first day. Cut yourself some slack. This is a loooong learning curve. If you're on MFP, you've probably had a setback or two. One day at a time.
  • 1moretimetho
    1moretimetho Posts: 33 Member
    I don't keep cake in my house for this very reason. I know some may argue that maybe that isn't the right method, but I know myself and I know how maniacal I get over sweets. I've been following my meal plan for 10 days now, and I feel stronger in the face of foods that tempt me. I think the longer you go the easier it is. I've been doing so well, and losing, that I reconsider how "worth it" some things really are. And is it really that good? Like, i'd rather savor one square of really awesome dark chocolate than eat a big serving of garbage confectionary.

    And for me, faux desserts can tide me over. Even just one cup of hot chocolate at 90 calories is a perfect way for me not to feel deprived and to keep myself on track. There are plenty of recipes online for "mug cakes" that clock in at decent calorie counts to keep you satisfied also.

    I agree about making your meals a little more exciting. A can of tuna with bread and lettuce? ICK.
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    edited December 2014
    Why did you do that? Eat the cake I mean. I'm not being judgmental, I'm just saying...Ask yourself why. I tend to sabotage myself and I have to wonder, did I do it because I was hungry or what?

    Also, did you set MFP to sedentary? If you did, it shouldn't matter if you exercised or not. Your deficit is your deficit when you use the NEAT method.

    Also, banana :neutral_face: You could have some meat for the calories that a banana has, or literally like 2 more eggs if it was a big/heavy one. It would help keep you more satiated. You'll find more ways to add to your diet to keep you full, and you'll find ways to have that piece of cake and stay within your deficit. Good luck!
  • AOdell79
    AOdell79 Posts: 94 Member
    Hi there, I agree that 1250 may be too low. I'm 5 feet tall. I could lose about 1 lb/week eating around 1450-1500 calories a day even without working out. I get too hungry if I dropped below 1300. Some inexpensive ideas might be bananas, fiber one bars, grapes, peanuts, oatmeal.

    Don't be too hard on yourself over the cake. It's a leaning process and it's great that you're here looking for help and support. I think that's awesome!
    Good luck.
  • BarbellApprentice
    BarbellApprentice Posts: 486 Member
    Will power is finite. I have been at this for 3 years and have had many days where I still binge. I just have more responsible days than binge days, so I have made progress. Controlling calories will lead to weight loss. However, I think that strategy alone usually fails people in the long run (90+% of all people who diet gain the weight back). The real fix is to determine the reasons, other than hunger, that you eat. This is even more tricky with clinical depression in the mix. I have stopped logging my food here and have started eating more mindfully. Slow down. Process before binging. Asking if I am really hungry or just bored..or just want the taste sensation..or just want comfort...or whatever.. Don't beat yourself up. Let go of the self-imposed guilt and try again tomorrow.
  • NoelFigart1
    NoelFigart1 Posts: 1,276 Member
    I'm close to your height and a lot older. AND a yo-yo dieter. (And I deal with the whole depression thing, so I totally and utterly feel ya there)

    I lose pretty comfortably at more like 1680 calories a day (averaged over 70-odd days). You can take a look at my diary and see what I eat if you're interested. I do work out a fair ole amount (swimmer) but with a depression problem, you might want to consider getting in a bit of movement that makes you happy if you can manage it and eating a little more. Being underfed can be a trigger to some people.

    As far as "boring" don't sweat it. I eat a lot of eggs, too *grin* They're cheap and quick.
  • I wrecked my diet the past 5 days. Cutting back on my antidepressant and I think that is why. I had to do TWO hours on my elliptical to make up for it. 1 hour earlier like planned but added another hour tonight because I am an a-hole. So what I do is be accountable for everything I eat. I don't lose weight on 1200 calories a day like most people. I need to go buy some apples and veggies...adding low cal stuff that is good and good for you and very filling is a great way to feel full...now go work off that cake - don't beat yourself up.
  • KharismaticKayteh
    KharismaticKayteh Posts: 322 Member
    OP, I've been on MFP on and off for a few years now. I just made my return this past week after being gone for... look, who even knows? Point is that, my very first day back, I had 2,600 calories. My goal is 1,600. I was furious with myself, and I couldn't believe how easy it was to go over (in my case, WAY over) when I'm not paying the slightest attention. But, I'm very glad I had such a day, because it has motivated me to do better each and every day so far (seriously, the graphs on my reports are a downward slope on calories and an upward slope on exercise). You messed up, it sucks hard, but now you know how easily it can happen, and you can be a little more armed against it.

    I try to plan all of my meals in the morning, if the fridge is well-stocked and I know what's here. If not, I can at least plan my breakfast, a snack, and lunch ahead of time. Logging my foods at the start of my day (or for some, the day before) makes it so much easier to put things into perspective. Instead of just logging as I go, then getting to dinner and realizing I only have 40 calories left - I can plug in all my meals, see that after I plug in my dinner, I'm OVER by a couple hundred, and then cut out an ingredient in my breakfast and/or replace my mid-afternoon snack with something not so calorie-dense (or, if I need to remove the snack altogether, I'll just have my lunch an hour later so I'm not quite so hungry by dinner). As many others have said, plan to have cake another day, or when you start your morning, plan to have cake. And DEFINITELY snack, drink plenty of water, etc. And I'm not sure if it's an issue for you, since I see no beverages in your original post, but either cutting out drinkable calories (sweet tea, soda, coffee with cream and sugar) or planning for them in advance will help a lot too.
  • dramaqueen45
    dramaqueen45 Posts: 1,009 Member
    Why on earth are you waiting until 3:00 p.m. to eat lunch? No wonder you were hungry and binged on cake! Eat smaller meals closer together, eat healthy fats and high fiber to keep yourself feeling full, and most of all, eat a variety, eat what you want so that you won't feel deprived - just in moderation and be sure to make it all fit into your calorie goal for the day. Tomorrow is another day- you didn't ruin it- one day isn't going to hurt you but several bad days in a row will derail any progress.
  • ALMorales311
    ALMorales311 Posts: 8 Member
    Thank you everyone for your responses! I carefully read through all of them, and I will always have this saved as a bookmark to read in the future especially when I have the same problem and forget... which is undoubtedly going to happen! haha <3
  • HildieMe
    HildieMe Posts: 41 Member
    I'm not a doctor or medical professional, but.... I went through several depressions in my life. Until I was diagnosed with wheat sensitivity. Today it's known as gluten sensitivity, and it did a number on my metabolism, mood, and of course, weight. The simple (but not easy) remedy: Eat gluten free food. Lots of veggies, fresh and cooked, some fruits, lean proteins, low fat dairy.... you know the drill. Do that for a few weeks, don't kill yourself setting strict limits on calories, just record everything you eat and see if it makes a difference.
  • Have you ever tried the Special K chocolatey delight bars? They are 100cal and you get 2 of them.....and they are YUM. Now, I know they are processed and blah blah blah, but they are a great thing to have on hand when you NEED something sweet/chocolatey. Also, they fit nicely into a purse. :smile:

    I do think, as many people have said, that you perhaps waited too long to eat. But, this happens to all of us.....I am tapering for a race and so I cut back on my calories because I'm not running as much. Well, today I cut back my calories a little TOO much, got light-headed, and proceeded to eat 2 packages of clif shot blocks (pretty much fancy gummy bears) just to feel normal. So yes, we can all go a little too far "all-in" once in a while! :)
  • gettinfitaus
    gettinfitaus Posts: 161 Member
    edited December 2014
    That's a really boring plan, OP. No wonder you caved in so early.

    Just because you want to lose weight, doesn't mean you're stuck with plain, dull food. I mean, eggs are great - but 3 of them in one day will get old quickly.

    As long as it fits into your calories for the day, you can pretty much eat anything.

    Totally agree with this. I get wanting to hit it and hit it hard and feeling like you will never make a difference but going so hardcore so fast is a recipe for disaster. Ease in, give yourself the treats. My favourite trick is to bake a cake, and then portion it into small slices and freeze them (frozen cake is disgusting btw) then if I want a piece I have to let it thaw before eating it which gives me enough time to calculate whether it fits into my budget, whether or not I REALLY want it, whether or not I might prefer something else.

    You can do this. If you don't have allot of freezer or fridge space perhaps a bar fridge in your room to keep special food in? Maybe discuss with your MIL being able to use her kitchen so that you can prep some food?

    As others have said long term is the key here. If you look at my diary I have gone WAY over in calories some days because at the end of the day I said HANG IT and got a burger! Because I know I'm gonna need to be able to maintain this lifestyle longterm and I love burgers, so what is the point in depriving myself now when I am certainly not going to go without them forever? That said I don't eat them anywhere near as often as I used to.

  • colochel
    colochel Posts: 263 Member
    I haven't read most of the comments...

    Going from "wanting to change" to making that first, initial change is the hardest part.

    Step one - toss the rest of the cake. It's only going to taunt you, and your willpower cannot support the "everything in moderation" idea yet. Trust.

    Step two - Add stuff to your meal plans that excites you!

    Please don't be discouraged, as we have all faced (and in my case still face) these kinds of scenarios from time to time. Hang in there, and when things go south, get back on the saddle! You've got this!
  • connie_messina
    connie_messina Posts: 495 Member
    Thanks to all of you that actually had supportive and educational input. No thanks to those with snarky comments. I'm not an expert at this. I am only 5'3", and I don't have the money, time, or space to cook intricate meals, so of course my meals are going to be boring. I'm not happy about it, but I do with what I can...

    I will try to find cheap, healthy BORING snacks that I can have between meals. I live with my in-laws, so I don't have the refrigerator space to cook ahead.

    Thanks again for all of the input!

    I just went by what myfitnesspal told me. My calculated calorie goal from myfitnesspal is 1,250, and all of my food (minus the cake) summed up to 1,187 calories. I'm a 23-year-old female, 150 lbs., and 5'3".

    Like I said, I'm not an expert... I don't have the drive to work out everyday, so I thought what I was doing is best.

    If anyone has any positive and encouraging advice on how many calories I SHOULD be eating, I would greatly appreciate it.

    you can be creative in your snacking i have angel food cake with light frozen yogurt and lite whipped cream on top! pudding with whipped cream, light ice cream, a couple of cookies, etc
  • eatmindfully
    eatmindfully Posts: 93 Member
    Well if possible get the cake out of the house. Drink lots of water or herbal tea. Don't let yourself get so hungry so plan some snacks. Add more high fiber foods (fruits and veggies) as they will help keep you feeling more full. Also remember we tend to be addicted to sugar from eating too much of it-it tends to be in all processed foods. So try to wean yourself off sugar. Be kind to yourself! I hope the cake was good :) Just try to budget for it next time instead of eating it on impulse because you feel super hungry. Try a piece of fruit next time and wait a while to see if the craving goes away. Good luck!
  • go2grrl
    go2grrl Posts: 190 Member
    Yeah, I have a huge problem with willpower. Tho mine revolves around beer. I can say no to most everything else. So ditch things like bread and brown rice and swap them for more protein, fat and fiber.
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,487 Member
    edited December 2014
    Hi, I am 5'1 and on the good old 1200 cal a day, that is my TDEE on maintenance, so I exercise at least an hour x3 a week to bring my TDEE up to 1335. I have been maintaining for about 4 years and the way I work it is by having a set breakfast, if you can call it that- I am not a breakfast person. ( 300cal)
    A lunch with yogurt, cottage cheese, tuna, or hummus, plenty of raw fruit and veg and about 100 cal of bread, rice cakes or crackers, takes me through until dinner. (350-450cal)
    Dinner, I have whatever I want, I just keep my portions of things like potatoes, pasta, and rice smaller so I can have more of the good stuff- veg and whatever protein is on offer that night.
    Late night snack is always a coffee and a chocolate( good 70%truffle=50cal).
    I love sweets and that chocolate satisfies my need.
    I also drink about 2 litres of water.
    Most days I can even fit in a glass of wine if I want it! - I don't snack so often have extra calories.

    I know it must be hard if you are living with your in laws, that is why I thought I would post my version of living on 1200-1350 cal - it lets me eat with the family or out without having to be fussy and need different food.
    Take a few weeks to just learn how to log your food and see what high cal things can be reduced in portion size, and what things you can leave out without missing them ( I switched from fizzy pop to fizzy water,it saved me hundreds of calories a day once I found it was the fizz I wanted not the sugar).
    Try and remember weight loss is a game of options; and it is OK to choose the wrong one every now and then, as long as you make the right choice most of the time.
    Cheers, h.
    Ps, if my protein is low I skip the wine and have a protein drink.



  • katsmo
    katsmo Posts: 219 Member
    You're setting yourself up for failure by not allowing yourself enough food. It's an easy misstep to make, as a beginner. Be kind to yourself and listen to your body. My food diary is honest and open, if you want to friend me. I eat roughly 1,600 calories per day, and I try hard to make them count with a good balance of fruits, veggies, carbs, protein, treats, etc. I have slowly, but consistently been losing weight since September. I don't rule out any foods and try to eat in moderation.
  • KharismaticKayteh
    KharismaticKayteh Posts: 322 Member
    My granny-in-law made no-bake cookies a few days ago (she's does it twice a week at 2am, always), and it can be hard to avoid. However, I expected I would be giving in to them today, so I added them to my diary ahead of time, as well as everything else I thought I would eat. Had to change some things when it turned out that I would be making dinner (which worked out for the best, as always), but today was a good day. Anyway, while I was having a cookie this morning, I was thinking about something else pretty important - when you treat yourself to something, and there is more available (i.e., one slice of cake, but you know there's more as well), eat it nice and slow. Savor the flavor, and don't rush. If you rush through your treat, you'll feel like you didn't experience it for long enough, and probably bum-rush the cookie jar or cake dish.
  • Kgerber777
    Kgerber777 Posts: 105 Member
    snacks are my best friend! I love the 100 cal snack packs(there are tones of options)! Almonds are easy to keep on hand, I always have some at work incase I feel like I am dying between meals. Also protein will help keep you full so try to pick things that are high in that =) good luck and remember that tomorrow is a new day!!
  • Teal4me
    Teal4me Posts: 104
    I eat protein bars for snacks and a 80z glass of water! That fills me up
  • SnuggleSmacks
    SnuggleSmacks Posts: 3,731 Member
    edited December 2014
    OP, I'm 5' 3 1/2" and about the same weight as you, and I eat around 1650 cals per day to lose very slowly while enjoying some really great food. I'd be happy to make suggestions and share recipes. I tend to eat a lot of pasta dishes, shrimp and light fish, things with ground turkey, and tons of salads (but not boring ones...goat cheese and spinach!) and tons of veggies (winter squash!!) and legume dishes (Moroccan lentils!)

    Also, don't judge my diary by today. ;P I've been Splurgy McSplurgerson today.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,186 Member
    Not the best meal plan......my socks would be in the danger zone for being consumed on day 2.