@amckholmes, We have all been there and went through it myself to a certain degree at Christmas. I got rid of all the sweets, either ate them or sent them home with my sister. Then I made bacon, hamburgers, and chicken ready to warm up in frig and for 2 days I told myself that those items were all I could eat if I felt like a binge.

Another person that is part of this group makes herself wait 20 minutes to eat anything when she feels out of control. I believe it gives her time to process and make sure the desired food is really worth it.

I hope you find whatever works for you. Hang in there!

My water intake has been down yesterday and today so I’ll try and get that up over the rest of the week. I snacked a bit yesterday after dinner as I didn’t eat much but didn’t overdo it so will call that a win. I haven’t had the urge to snack as much the last two days, even though work was stressful today. Having my mind occupied on something other than food is nice but I could do without the angst of work drama too! Fasting windows are still between 16 and 18 hours and seems to be working well. @tcunbeliever, I thought it was weird that my cellulite was looking more pronounced as I become more fit but maybe I’m not crazy- something is definitely up!

Day 14:
Eat at maintenance (1764 +/-200 per day)
Do the planned workouts every day
Get 10K steps a day
Write 30 min a day

Food was good mostly because while I was super hungry all day, I had very little appetite in the evening, which helped keep me on target. I really could have used more protein, I need to plan better for that.

I really struggled to get in any kind of an evening workout, just sooooo meh, and not really tired, but just feeling very blah, if that makes any sense...I did about 5 min. on the stairs and then my calves were starting to be unhappy, so I switched to the treadmill, but then really only for like 10 min then my feet were unhappy with me, I probably should increase magnesium in light of how my muscles have felt this week.

8.5K steps, so some walking, but not as much as usual...had to walk indoors and I don't get signal downstairs, so it's possible that I did actually walk that whole 10K but it didn't register, it's also possible that I didn't get as many steps because walking indoors I am slowed by other people being in the way...but, the weather and the lack of gps in the basement is out of my control, so I'm not going to fret about it.

@taylok23 - so much YES

If I lose in my love handles, then my belly looks larger in comparison and becomes much more pronounces as my "fat stash".

If I lose in my belly or upper thighs, then there's this phase where the skin is all wrinkly and bumpy and cellulite looking for a long while before it kind of catches up and eventually smooths out.

And now apparently some parts feel squishier than before...who knew???

Eventually, I'm sure I'll get to where I want to be, but some of the detours along this journey are not where I would have chosen to go!!!

Jan 14 check in

1. Lose 5 lbs before 1/31, scale is moving very slow.
2. Stay under carb goal, <35 day Yes, only 21 net carbs
3. Stay under calorie goal, <1,500 day Very low, again I wasn't hungry.
4. Exercise every day YES! Back on the treadmill. 36 minutes and 2 miles, I raised the incline so after awhile my legs are feeling it.
My Fitbit logged me with 12,281 steps yesterday, the most ever!
5. Plan ahead for meals and snacks, doing well but weekdays are easy, weekends are harder.

I wish the scale would move. I replaced the batteries.

Today I felt like snacking throughout the day and even more so tonight but I fought the urge. It is SO hard to distract! I think stress at work is creeping in but I keep thinking of how much effort I put in to exercise regularly and truly know what you put in your mouth matters. So I prevailed today. Water was meh, so I have some work there. I ate more than I needed at dinner but don’t felt super full so I’ll keep working on that. All in all, a good day.

Check in for Dec 15.

There was Amish friendship bread at church last night, I stole a crumb from my husband.

1. Lose 5 lbs before 1/31, doing well
2. Stay under carb goal, <35 day Yes, only 16 net carbs
3. Stay under calorie goal, <1,500 day Under goal so happy about that.
4. Exercise every day YES! Back on the treadmill. 36 minutes and 2 miles, I raised the incline so after awhile my legs are feeling it.
Got in over 10,000 steps again so tomorrow going to a 3 day stretch
5. Plan ahead for meals and snacks, doing good.

No beach for me in this cold cold north, bundling up for below zero wind chill. So go for the beach whenever you can and have fun!

Starting as of Wednesday 1/1/2020

Things back to normal, which has helped food prepped, getting exercises in. Water in, logging everyday.

Update as of 1/16/2020.

Water: 96 0z per day, got it
Fiber at least 14*
Logged Food: Got it

Exercise 45 minutes daily

At or Under Carb 55
At or Under Calorie Limit: Yes!
Planned Day Ahead: meals prepped through Saturday

Yesterday was no bueno for me as well. I had a bento box at lunch with more carbs than I would have liked but at least the portions were small. Then at dinner, more carbs slipped in and I totally overate. Oh well, I got over myself and moved on today. Stuck to all carnivore at lunch and will go light for dinner.

1) No binging 💩I binged again this week, recorded every bite, started the clock over. I've had this problem since I was 12 though so I know it will take some time. No guilt whatsoever because I tracked it and got right back on track.

2) Exercise outdoors 💪 Hiked 5.5 miles up and down a mountain yesterday and it was great. Didn't feel challenged during but feeling wiped out the day after! Next week I will go up faster and higher.

3) Meal prep 💪 Today I am making a double batch of miso ginger chicken soup with lots of veggies and salmon with roasted sweet potatoes and sauteed kale. Cooking has been so much fun lately.

4) <1700 calories, <100g carbs & >130g protein, fasting between 8pm and 12pm. 💩My average for the week was ~2200, which is right at my TDEE and I've kept my protein up so not a total disaster this week

5) Shed “all or nothing” attitude and remain accountable 💪Doing so good at this!!

TBH I am starting to get tired of this cutting phase. It's been 7 weeks and I thought that by now I would be used to it and could go on autopilot but I am thinking about food constantly and have been binging every week. But also I've been cooking and eating healthier than ever and paying more attention to my destructive behaviors so I want to keep going and make those habits stick. Almost at the halfway point, I think I can push a little more and have a better week, then I'll reconvene.

Yesterday was a good water consumption day but low on NEAT due to this miserable weather. Fasted for about 16 but snacked on nuts late in the day. Could have done without that but I’m still a work in progress. Didn’t eat great at lunch today due to going for Mexican but I don’t feel I overate. The scale should give some insight tomorrow.

Totally dropped the ball last week, but back on track today. Have my day all prelogged

Check in for Dec 16-19.

1. Lose 5 lbs before 1/31, going okay, don't think I'm going to make 5 pounds unless something drastic happens
2. Stay under carb goal, <35 day Good Friday and Sunday but Saturday a little over on goal
3. Stay under calorie goal, <1,500 day Good!
4. Exercise every day YES! I shoveled snow for over an hour on Saturday and was really hungry later in the day. I found some exercise Youtube videos from my TV. Turns out I'm not just a beginner but a "total beginner". I could not keep up to the first one.
5. Plan ahead for meals and snacks. Good

I am hopeful for the rest of January to stay strong and see what happens.

Day 20:
Eat at maintenance (1764 +/-200 per day)
Do the planned workouts every day
Get 10K steps a day

I did beans, rice, and chicken in the instant pot with some of the vegetable better than boullion...so good...pilates and yoga were also great...all in all a solid day!!!