WakefieldWendy
10-03-2007, 03:47 PM
Hi all,
Well, I am back from vacation. We had an amazing time visiting the Mouse. I ate whatever I wanted to, with no guilt, and loved every minute of it. Because I had given myself permission, I didn't feel like I was cheating, so I didn't feel the need to act like a cheater (i.e. stuff more in because my conscience/guilt will catch up soon). I even made healthy choices sometimes (like getting the grapes or unsweetened applesauce from the kids menu in place of sugary desserts on the adults menu) sometimes when I knew that the sugar thing wouldn't be tasty but would just be sweet.
I also enjoyed what I did eat. In particular, I had a couple of bread puddings that were to die for.
I left weighing under 216 pounds. I ate well on the last travel day and weighed myself the next day (last Friday), and I was over 223. Could have been even higher without knowing it because I probably shed some water on that travel day. This morning, less than 1 week later, I think I was 218.8, but it might have been 217.8. Either way, not too much over the starting weight - whatever it is, it will come off eventually, and I'm in no hurry.
I did not (and do not) feel any particular cravings. I think this is because the "vacation" from proper eating was limited geographically and in time. I guess my past history of "eat carbs get cravings" is mostly mental/emotional and my subconscious must be saying "you succumbed to the craving yesterday, you can do it again today".
So I am feeling like this was a pretty good experiment. Yes, it may take another 2-3 weeks even to lose a few more pounds to get back to starting weight, and yes, that might mean I'll be 5 pounds heavier than I might otherwise have been, but I don't care. I know that sometimes I have to eat bread pudding (or apple tart) or I can't stick to it forever.
I do know that it will be a long time in the future before I am ready to have an unplanned indulgence. I can't be trusted to say "I really feel like popcorn now" and enjoy it and leave it there. I know people who generally PP but can do this, but for now, I'm not one of them. But I do feel like restricted, planned indulgences are something I can work into my life as part of a generally healthy eating plan. I never aim for truly healthy, just generally healthy - it's good enough for me. We're back to visiting the Mouse next January - there will be some indulgences there but they might be different because the dining reality will be different. I'm also contemplating a 1 day break for Christmas, but haven't made a decision on that and won't for a while.
Well, I am back from vacation. We had an amazing time visiting the Mouse. I ate whatever I wanted to, with no guilt, and loved every minute of it. Because I had given myself permission, I didn't feel like I was cheating, so I didn't feel the need to act like a cheater (i.e. stuff more in because my conscience/guilt will catch up soon). I even made healthy choices sometimes (like getting the grapes or unsweetened applesauce from the kids menu in place of sugary desserts on the adults menu) sometimes when I knew that the sugar thing wouldn't be tasty but would just be sweet.
I also enjoyed what I did eat. In particular, I had a couple of bread puddings that were to die for.
I left weighing under 216 pounds. I ate well on the last travel day and weighed myself the next day (last Friday), and I was over 223. Could have been even higher without knowing it because I probably shed some water on that travel day. This morning, less than 1 week later, I think I was 218.8, but it might have been 217.8. Either way, not too much over the starting weight - whatever it is, it will come off eventually, and I'm in no hurry.
I did not (and do not) feel any particular cravings. I think this is because the "vacation" from proper eating was limited geographically and in time. I guess my past history of "eat carbs get cravings" is mostly mental/emotional and my subconscious must be saying "you succumbed to the craving yesterday, you can do it again today".
So I am feeling like this was a pretty good experiment. Yes, it may take another 2-3 weeks even to lose a few more pounds to get back to starting weight, and yes, that might mean I'll be 5 pounds heavier than I might otherwise have been, but I don't care. I know that sometimes I have to eat bread pudding (or apple tart) or I can't stick to it forever.
I do know that it will be a long time in the future before I am ready to have an unplanned indulgence. I can't be trusted to say "I really feel like popcorn now" and enjoy it and leave it there. I know people who generally PP but can do this, but for now, I'm not one of them. But I do feel like restricted, planned indulgences are something I can work into my life as part of a generally healthy eating plan. I never aim for truly healthy, just generally healthy - it's good enough for me. We're back to visiting the Mouse next January - there will be some indulgences there but they might be different because the dining reality will be different. I'm also contemplating a 1 day break for Christmas, but haven't made a decision on that and won't for a while.