Talking Turkey

Even if you aren't living in the US, you probably know this past week was Thanksgiving for us. For many people it's the start of an all out eat fest that goes on until the first of January. Although for some people, this actually starts with the Halloween candy.

I'm sure there are as many reasons for this as there are dieters, but I have no doubt some of this is because of unrealistic diets that are difficult to live with. People give up and figure they'll deal with it after the holiday season is over. Usually only to try another diet that is possibly even more stringent and difficult to live with than the earlier one.

This is perhaps my favorite thing about No S. It's very easy to live with long term. Which is understandable, since this is how people used to live long term. Those of us who have been around for a few years know this, since we were 'there'. Children usually had snacks - but it was more likely to be 'real food' since the little 'snack packs' so common today didn't exist - but not too close to meals so we didn't 'spoil our appetite'. But others simply ate good meals at meal time and then they didn't eat again until the next one. In some countries, people still eat this way. 

Most people make allowances for big meal holidays like Thanksgiving, and I was no exception. It was an 'S' day for me, which meant I abandoned the rules for the day: In other words, I had pie. That was it. I didn't think about what I was 'allowed' to eat. To tell the truth, I hardly gave a thought to the food. Mostly I focused on family I seldom see. But when it came to choosing food, I only thought about what looked and sounded good to me and put those things on my plate. I didn't have to think at all about how much to eat, since when it's just my favorite foods, one plate is plenty. I had a second plate for my pie. It would have fit on the main plate, but it was neater this way.

No worries, no guilt, no missing out, no trying to 'exercise it off' the next day - and the only thing stuffed was the turkey.

No wonder I stick with NoS.

Feeling Like Myself Again

Do you know that feeling you get when you feel better, and only then do you realise how truly lousy you felt before? That's kinda how I feel now.

I have hesitated to write about this - you know, not wanting to jinx it and all - but for the past week or so I've been feeling so much better, I'm feeling optimistic enough to post about it. My energy and focus are back and I'm dealing with stress better. I'm also feeling that I don't need the extra meals anymore.

It makes me wonder, though, how many 'diets' are there out there that people actually look forward to going back on?

MIA

I know it looks as if I am Missing in Action. Well, life has handed me another detour. I am out of state taking care of elderly parent for awhile....making a change from assisted living to nursing care for the next month or so.  I have been without internet for over 2 weeks...talk about withdrawal symptoms!

The good news is that NoS habits have been my lifeline. The last time I was in this situation (when Dad had stroke)  I wasn't established in the habits and put on 30 lbs. Even though I am having to cook in an efficiency type apartment...induction burner, microwave, small refrigerator, bathroom sink...I have managed to stay on plan. I stayed in the hospital as caregiver 20 out of 24 hours for 10 days and the no snacking rule stayed in place. I claim a huge victory. As others have mentioned, I think the no snack rule is the key to success in weight loss and management.

As I have mentioned before, I don't break the pattern on S Days and that is still working for me too. I enjoy reading the updates you ladies share here. When I can get more time, I will contribute again.

Day 54

Day 54 of the 100 Day Challenge. Well, as Linda the Legalist would tell you it was actually 105 days from Sept 12- Dec 25. But she has given up the obsessive counting of statistics except for a gentle tick on the calendar to indicate days of success.

What's happened in these 53 days?
1. I hit Onderland & have a 65-70 lb weight loss. I've been on a frustrating plateau for weeks.

2. I've redefined the No Snack rule. A snack is ANY non-hunger eating event.

3. I've come to terms with how small the portions need to be to continue to lose weight. I'm 66 and still have about 20lbs to lose to reach a REASONNABLE weight for me.

4. I'm really struggling with my new body image. It's been 33 years since I've been this small. All my clothes are swimming on me & yet shopping is still a fearful place for me. My comfortable fat lady store no longer has clothes for me & to figure out ordinary stores & to shop based on what I like instead of by a number ( 1X- 2X- 3X- 4). I really need a new song in my head.

I so appreciate Suncat starting this challenge. It's not too late for others to join in because numbers DON'T MATTER!

Foodspiration Friday!

Bored with the usual meals and looking for some inspiration? Maybe you have tried a different restaurant or a new recipe lately and think others might like to hear about it.


Foodspiration began as a way to generate new ideas, exchange recipes and share plate photos with readers and other members of the NoS community.

Foodspiration is now a monthly feature. It's your opportunity to ask questions or share your meals in the comments, submit plate photos to be included in our NoS plate slide-show, or pass along a favorite recipe so others can give it a try.




We're looking forward to hearing from you.

*** edited to add:

We could really use some new plate photos. Our slide show is looking a bit dated.

They don't have to be anything special - just whatever you happen to be eating.