How do you keep willpower?

Hichiko
Hichiko Posts: 97 Member
edited November 19 in Motivation and Support
Okay, some backstory. About a month ago, I decided enough was enough. I switched my eating habits to about 90% plants, with that 10% as wiggle room for meat. I've been losing weight and keeping it off (even when counting calories, I tended to yoyo on the scale), I've been more energetic, and I'm working out daily (if not at the gym, then at home).

Here's my problem: I have a roommate. And for her, "cooking" means a V8 and a couple of sandwiches or a TV dinner. Generally, she eats out, and she always wants company when she does. I've never had a -great- relationship with food, and it's easy for me to overindulge, especially when out.

My question isn't so much "How do I tell her no?" as it is this:
How do you all keep in line with your own dietary needs when eating out? What do you tell yourselves? What helps keep you guys on track? Do you allow yourselves cheat days?

Replies

  • Hello_its_Dan
    Hello_its_Dan Posts: 406 Member
    What can you do on the days the roommate is eating that way, in order for you to continue towards your goals? What contingency plan will you have in place when they're around?
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,716 Member
    When I am actively lose weight I don't do "cheat days". Instead I exercise enough to be able to incorporate the foods I want into my day. :)

    I also only eat out a couple times a month ... it's too expensive to do it more often. I'd rather spend the money on other things.
  • __TMac__
    __TMac__ Posts: 1,669 Member
    Eating out that often takes it out of the "special occasion" category. This is life. So if you're going to go, you have to make it fit. Check out restaurant websites for menu choices. Have a default, safe meal that you always choose (grilled meat + non-starchy veg; garden salad with protein + dressing on the side). Eat lighter the rest of the day and/or get in some cardio as needed.

    Personally, eating out is difficult for me, so I keep it to once or twice a week. It's also hard on the wallet. If I wanted to indulge her need for company, I'd 1) offer to cook for both of us or 2) suggest she get take-out and meet me back at home to eat together.
  • Hichiko
    Hichiko Posts: 97 Member
    TmacMMM wrote: »
    ... If I wanted to indulge her need for company, I'd 1) offer to cook for both of us or 2) suggest she get take-out and meet me back at home to eat together.

    That's a great idea - and I feel like I should have thought of it earlier. :D
    Thanks!
  • 88olds
    88olds Posts: 4,539 Member
    Saying no- stand in front of the mirror and practice. You have to find your own words because they have to sound true to you. Once you figure out what to say, practice saying it out loud. A lot. Hint: you don't really owe her an explanation, just be polite. Less said the better.

    How do you all keep in line with your own dietary needs when eating out? Grilled chicken Caesar, dressing on side. Veggie omelet, no cheese.

    What do you tell yourselves? I lost telling myself first I didn't want to die fat. Then I told myself I deserved to decide how I would live my life. I maintain by telling myself there is no guarantee I could lose any signifant amount of weight again.

    What helps keep you guys on track? Fear

    Do you allow yourselves cheat days? No. My plan does not seem all that restrictive to me.
  • skymningen
    skymningen Posts: 532 Member
    Hichiko wrote: »
    Update: I've started cooking for the roomie, and she's in turn cut out a lot of eating out. Win-win!
    I've gotten better about standing up for my personal needs, and I'm down 21 pounds so far.
    Thanks again, everyone. I really do appreciate the feedback!

    That is plain awesome. You did good for yourself and additionally for your roommate. Congratulations!
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