Survival Mode Put Us Back to Zero
A lot of you came here many moons ago when I left Sparkpeople. I loved the community of that place and the support I got there. It was at the height of us being on our game. That motivation you have in the beginning when you're consistently rewarded with weight loss, smaller clothes, compliments to keep your motivation high and you somehow begin to step out of being invisible to the public to people smiling at you, opening doors or striking up conversation. You start to feel human. You don't have to worry about going to restaurants or 'fitting' somewhere. You can go to a wedding and see those God awful thin folding chairs and while you still don't like them, you're not concerned. Many of your worries that fit people never had to think of, have faded away. We started for the long haul in our 30's and that's when we had the most success, losing 226 and 190 lbs respectively. When we went on vacation, as long as we came back and got rig...
I'm definitely a #3. We tend to eat "at home" a good portion of the time, but do go out for at least a few meals during the week. This year we are hoping beyond hope to go do the Smoky Mountains (all depends on a full time job/money for me) and have been scoping out cabins. We'll do cooking at the cabin, but will definitely be visiting some local places for meals.
ReplyDeleteI try really hard for #3. #2 never ends well :).
ReplyDeleteAddendum...for me...it never ends well for me. I have a really hard time getting back on track if I go to far off the track...so at least for now, it is always moderation in all things. Some treats, some special stuff, but try to eat as much as possible the same way I would eat at home.
ReplyDeleteI follow option three, a mix of losening the reigns and sticking to my plan. I'm on vacation, which usually involves travelling to another country, so I'll try the local specialties and local wines/beers. But I will also try to eat in moderation and eat well. I try to avoid fast food at all costs while on vacation, eating in small local resturants or pubs, but I will often splurge on desert after a good dinner for a sweet treat. I'll also usually carry healthy snacks like apples, trail mix, or granola bars in my bag for snacks during the day. My vacations are usually quite active - visiting new places and exploring, so even with indulging in resturant meals every day, I usually end up coming home lighter than when I left due to all of the walking.
ReplyDeleteIn the past it was #4 and I always regretted it. This year we are aiming for #2. We are going to be by the lake this year, so a lot of grilling. The reins will be loosened but I have no plans of going crazy.
ReplyDeleteWhen we get back home it will be back to moderation and calorie counting, immediately.
we really go with #3 - we keep to healthy for the most part, but if there is something local we can't get another time, and we really want it, then we will enjoy the treat
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't have the opportunity to go on vacation very much....but....we are heading to Chicago for a long weekend coming up and here is my philospophy.
ReplyDeleteObviously, going to Chicago I will have deep dish pizza and a hotdog at some point. So....I've asked around to see where the best places to go are. My plan is to eat the best deep dish and the best hotdog I can get my hands on!!!
I'm going to try and do well for breakfasts and walk around the city as much as possible. So, officially....my answer would be #2 - It's vacation!!! I loosen the reigns....for sure don't expect a loss, but get back on track once my vacation is over. :)
Normally it's an absolute free for all. Then again, I haven't been on a vacation since... yep, the last vacation was the week before I joined SP in 2008. I haven't always been faithful to my plan, but I haven't gotten anywhere close to that high again.
ReplyDeleteI think if I ever get a vacation again I'll probably try a mix. It's just too hard to go from total free for all to restrictions.
I try to eat as healthy as possible most of the time. Then, when it comes to enjoying the local cuisine, I eat what they eat. I don't limit myself, I will taste a dessert (not eat a whole one as the point is the taste part) and I do not worry about calories for that meal. I don't do it every meal every day, but if you are not willing to savor all the unique things about a place, why go?
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a 3...
ReplyDelete"A mix of the two. I try to eat well most of the time but give myself the occasional treat."
ReplyDeleteWe normally eat out for our vacations, so when we get to the restaurant I tend to order something not too bad and leave some (or eat half-ish) if it's in America. If we're going somewhere like Memphis (known for BBQ), I will most definitely get some, but not eat the whole plate. I don't tend to be a bread person, so that makes it easier to have a variety.