tulips_and_tea Member

Interesting indeed! I particularly liked: "These are skills that you build over time. The more you realize that those impulses are perfunctory and you can resist them, that ability gets stronger and stronger. Then stopping yourself feels less like an exercise of willpower and more like a reflex. It creates momentum, and…

Good for you! You started when you were ready and didn't "wait until Monday", as is so often a habit. When you're ready mentally is the best time to start. Just be consistent and keep with it! Don't expect perfection. Just make the best choices you can when you can. Keep us posted as to how you're doing!

Yes, 100% agree with @springlering62 ! Also, I agree with your trial and error method because for one, we each need to find out what works for us individually, and two, I pretty much feel my whole life involving nutrition and fitness is constant trial and error. What works for us for a while may not do so when life…

I like this method as well. Trying to be completely "on" regarding healthy habits all the time is unreasonable. There's also no reason to stop just because certain obstacles arise, which they inevitably will. I hope this gets read and that it helps those with the "all or nothing" mindset that is so easy to adopt. Thanks…

I'd say only add in more exercise if you want to and enjoy it. If it will be just another "to-do" on your list, then maybe not. No need to add more stress. I'd probably reduce daily calories by 100 for a couple weeks and see if that helps.

Yes, how do you know that you're not eating more than 1720 calories per day? Size of sandwiches vary and also if you use oil or butter, etc. Bacon is high calorie but can fit in your calorie allotment if it is weighed accurately. And a "small evening meal" - how many calories is it? Is it consistent? It's good that you…

Great sandwich variations offered by @springlering62. As a picky eater, what else do you like to eat? Lunch doesn't have to be sandwiches. If you like rice or pasta, then there are endless variations by adding different proteins and vegetables.

I'd recommend taking your measurements, too (waist, hips, thighs, etc.). I know you mentioned bloating, so tracking your waist may help you to figure out what foods or what types of food cause the bloating. Information accurately gathered over time is very helpful to make a long-term food plan that makes you feel your best.

Well, what was the reason for the protein shake? Meal replacement, meal supplement, the myth that protein shakes are necessary for health and weight loss, etc.? A little more info would be helpful to address your specific situation. As I mentioned though, protein shakes aren't required to lose weight or to be healthy.…

I mean this in the nicest possible way: I think your mindset is a big part of the problem. You said you need to "start getting back in the struggle". Thinking of changes to benefit your health and your life automatically as a "struggle" is negative and turns the whole process into a dreaded chore instead of a CHOICE. I'm…

I didn't watch the video either but was wondering where tip #6 is. Agree that #1 is up to each person. As a non-breakfast eater, I focus on high protein lunches and dinners. Balanced meals are important, but if you don't know how many calories you're eating, then it's not a guarantee and does not "work every time". Moving…

How about changing the narrative: you have a sugar habit and not an addiction. As the above poster mentioned, habits can be broken, changed, and replaced with new ones. Every time you want something sweet to eat, drink a glass of water, talk a walk, or use your mini stepper for 10 min. Be consistent. Once you stop eating…

In addition to what @yirara posted, you do need to give it more time. 2 -3 weeks isn't long enough to know if what you're doing is right or not yet. What is your daily calorie goal? Are you accurately weighing and logging your food here (or somewhere)? Assuming you sleep close to 8 hours per night, "fasting" during that…

Per the bold, what about the other two days? Doesn't seem like it but overeating two days can wipe out the deficit we have on the other five days. Sorry you're feeling defeated, but it would be better if you had a scale at home to weigh yourself regularly and in consistent circumstances. Keeping up with two small children…

Very much depends on your meaning of "fussy". Do you have food allergies or intolerances? Do you have texture issues or is it just out of habit to eat the same things? Do you eat prepared food, or do you cook? More info would be helpful in order for others to make suggestions.

It's NOT "all in your head". It's all him. He's manipulating you and you deserve better! Please try to find a plan to leave and get the life you deserve.

Do you track and log your calories here? If so, you may want to open your diary to see if you are having some very common logging issues, because as you said, "The 500-700 calories just keeps me at a stagnant weight. And so far the 1350 was making me gain." But that just isn't possible. You'd be severely underweight if you…

Good advice from the above posters. How long is your hot season? I ask because some people handle the heat better than others. I am NOT one of those people. During the summer we have about 2 months of 100+ degree temps. Getting in any kind of meaningful workout during that time is about nonexistent. But I know it is…

Sorry to hear about the injuries, but it sounds like you're finding a variation of IF that is more sustainable for you, so that's definitely a win! Thanks for the update.

That is really weird. I mean, putting her things NEXT to yours I could see, but setting her things ON TOP of yours?! That is just odd. Since you do have a cordial relationship with her, I'd give her a pass, as Ann mentioned. But, yes, I'd try using a different spot for a while and see what happens. I purposely try to not…

That is a very beautiful sweater! Great work and great idea for a thread. I have no hobbies like that currently (really should try to learn something), but I recently adopted an 8-year-old cat who loves to be petted, so my hands are definitely busy a lot more now!

Your current way of eating and lifestyle are quite interesting. I'm glad you continue to post updates. I also agree with your minimalistic viewpoint regarding food and life in general. I've done the same for the past several years and it is very freeing. I hope your co-worker will learn from your example. Not necessarily…

It doesn't matter who else is or isn't impressed with your weight loss. YOU are and that's all that matters! Thank you for continuing to update us on your progress. You've dealt with a lot of obstacles and have overcome them. Next time you see Cousin Evil, don't give her the satisfaction of trying to put you down. She…

Getting started is sometimes the hardest step! But you're here, so you're already making forward steps. I'd definitely start with small changes, as already suggested, both for yourself and your children. Setting a good example and teaching them how to eat healthy is our responsibility as a parent. I'm not sure how old your…

As usual, I agree with @AnnPt77. Exercise has many health benefits, but as a busy working mom, don't add another "To Do" to your list. Be active when you can. Little things here and there add up. It doesn't need to be formal or structured or timed. I know you said you can't even do at-home workouts, but again, change your…

Congratulations on finding your "why" (very important step to success) and the new family! I personally don't feel that 50 is a "ripe, old age", but that's probably because I'm in that age range as well. How is the new year starting for you? Are you implementing your plans? It's great to want to not only be there for your…

I don't use small cutlery, but I do use small plates and bowls. It helps with serving sizes and portions for me. But, doing what you're already doing: chewing more, drinking water / fluids, and tasting your food is great! Mindful eating is very important.

Good advice has been given by the first two responses, but I'd add that just because most holiday and social events involve food it doesn't mean that you have to make that your main focus. A social event is meant to focus on the people and the conversations. Make that your priority and a bit of fun, holiday food here and…

Oh no, @AnnPT77! Yikes, sorry to hear about your fall! I hope you are doing okay and completely better soon.