congrats for reaching your month goal @Marilynsretired

Except for the binge on Monday (and I had burned almost 1000kcal on the bike so it was not such a disaster) I have done 5 excellent days (around 1600-1800kcal and exercising) since I am back from the trip I made with friends and the scale goes up and up and up.
Hugh
I guess my body needs time to readapt but that's disappointing.
Of course I was happy I had taken so little weight in October with all I ate so I understand my body shows results with delay.

Enfin, let's have a great day today as well and trust my body to go back into my maintenance range at its pace.

And how is it going for you ?

Hi Maya, it can be so frustrating waiting to see the number on the scale go down! I am so impatient for it too!!

You are really active though, so keep it up + maybe focus on some NSVs as well? Do you measure yourself & take progress photos? I try to do this every Monday morning and keeping a log of it is really good to look back on. Especially if you logged your foods during times you were happy with your weight. I've kept a pair of jeans on my shelf that I want to feel good in. I try them on now & then, but still got a way to go.

I completely understand your earlier comment, sometimes it takes a couple of weeks for your body to catch up on the good/bad choices we make! So true!

To answer your question, to make a deficit possible everyday, I would take it back to basics.

1. Reduce snacking, or keep it to just fruit/veggie snacks
2. Replace high calorie drinks with water or herbal tea
3. Cut out processed food where possible
4. Avoid alcohol
5. Weigh + log foods before consuming if possible

I don't buy snacks that are vegan, which helps. My kids love chocolate and crisps but I buy stuff I know I can't/won't eat to avoid having temptation in the cupboards!

@Maya440 sorry you're struggling - from where I stand you're still at a great weight and very athletic 💐, although I understand wanting to be at your ideal weight.

I currently can't sustain a 500 Kcal deficit myself , at least not for weeks at a time. This month, I'm trying a 250 kcal NET daily deficit and so far so good. I still have 12.5 pounds to lose and am ok if it takes 6-8 months, since I'll be working out and getting fitter at the same time. I almost view this as training myself in new habits that will last for the rest of my life (similarly how you would systematically train in the gym or running). Accepting the slow pace and where I'm currently at also helps. I do try to enjoy the process and like seeing the results, even if they're small. If you only have a few pounds to lose, even a small deficit will get you there pretty quickly.

Today is my big monthly PMS day and I'm eating at maintenance. PMS is what derailed me last month (I think I ate about 3000-4000 calories that day last month). It appears I get this 1-3 days a month now, perhaps due to thyroid meds being too high after weight loss, since I've never had PMS before. Personally, I do believe in discipline and planning, but also in honoring what the body and mind need at a given time and allowing the space to find out what that might be (often a complete mystery to me what I need until I happen to find it).

To be honest, I don't know what changed from having endless snacks every night to being able to not snack now. I think my other symptoms from the thyroidectomy (tingling and numbness, especially at night) were scary enough to make me understand getting back in shape was urgent. I do worry about slipping back once I'm at my goal weight and fitter, so it will be important to develop a good set of "whys" to continue. I've always struggled finding whys - maybe that life is just a lot more enjoyable when you're in good shape. I used food to numb my feelings before and working a bit less has given me a better capacity to deal with negative emotions and I also find some joy in exercise and eating healthier.

I agree with what @Curvykinkycurls said. Although I can now miraculously keep nuts and dried fruit around (I used to binge on "healthy" foods and had no problems eating 600-1000 kcal of peanuts or dried fruits after dinner), I still don't keep chocolate around. I now sometimes just dissolve a tablespoon of cacao powder in hot water for sipping (surprisingly tasty) or eat a single fig. If there are foods you really struggle with - maybe try to not have them in the house (hard with kids, I know).

Hello here,

Back from 2 days partying.
Gosh that was fun but exhausting. I have lost my voice.

My weight had dropped to last month's last day this morning.
Not sure if I am dehydrated or it is all the dancing but I'll take it and will see what happens next week.
I am dedicated to eating adequately and having my weight going back into maintenance range slooooowly. Better than fast and crash.

Wishing you a nice Sunday !

Hi there,

Raining and windy this morning so my usual Monday bike was replaced by an easy run with a friend.
That’s good because I had a small headache all day and my throat is still sore.
I hope I am not getting sick. I had already some bad days last month and feel that that would be unfair 😁

I am proud of my day, not trying to save calories, eating just the right amount.
Going slow is better than fast and crash.

And for you ? What is the week gonna be like ?

I am with you.
I went to work on Wednesday but got a lot of slide glances when I was coughing.
Now I work from home for at least a week.
But I have asthma so going over this bronchitis means 3 weeks of coughing at least. I try to explain to people.
You're not bad for going to work if you feel ok and if you are careful (washing your hands etc.).
In the early stage of a cold I would stay home but there is a moment where you are not contagious anymore just finalizing your recovering phase.

I wanted to go to the gym this morning but my husband told me to stay home. He's right of course. I need at least 2 more full rest days. Oh I haaaate that. I am anxious I am putting on weight because I am not exercising as I usually do (which is stupid but can't seem to resonate with myself) and I don't like not following my training plan because I think I am faling "behind" (which is also stupid because it is winter and rest season anyway).