Hi Kirstykay!!!
kirstykay wrote:Hi Everyone!
I'm open to any suggestions for what has worked for you all to keep you on track, satisfied, and motivated on this journey.
Yay!! You joined the best thread on the internet!!!
Glad to see you!!!
I am sure others will weigh in (and Wildgoose has!!) , but will share what has helped me here in case it may help you...
I am on my 3rd try on the following of the 10 Point MWL checklist. So, not looking to strike out!!
(So I totally get when life gets in the way of our best intent... )
I will say that changing my mindset has been a key part of what has helped me to remain committed and enthusiastic about this!!! And, I am super motivated to continue... (because I feel TERRIFIC!!!)
1) Decided that I would just follow the MWL checklist exactly as written and that this is how I will go forward (forever - this is not a diet and I am not in a race). I am not infallible (or perfect!!) and have some hiccups (non-compliant enticing food in my environment) that I continue to address. Sometimes I slip, but I don't slide....
2) Figured out positive self-talk (still working on perfecting this!!)... Mark Cooper says this consistently when he answers people in this thread --- treat yourself kindly, with compassion, etc. This has really helped me a TON!!! Don't beat yourself up! We are all swimming upstream. Think about a "non-compliant" episode as a learning experience and talk to yourself like you would a friend. Learn what you can and try to devise a plan to avoid future episodes...
3) I count my days (imperfectly) following the checklist. I am materially where I should be from a weight perspective (and I don't really care much about losing a few more pounds, although I still have a bit of excess fat... ). This counting helps to keep the meter running / time... (if that is motivating...)
4) Prioritize self-care above all else. Life does get in the way, but put on your oxygen mask first... It can be really simple (and not time-consuming) to do the Checklist --- we can all make it more complicated in our heads.
For satisfied:
1) Do the eat of the "recommended foods in the recommended fashion" - thank you, Mark Cooper...
When hungry, EAT!!! You may eat a big volume... I am mind-boggled on the volume that I eat sometimes --- perhaps twice as much as my hubby does (who is roughly 2X my size)... Don't worry... check out (maybe again) Jeff Novick's Calorie Density lecture. I cannot even emphasize this enough....
2) Find your favorite foods that are recommended. Repeat... EAT them!!! Don't feel like this is a punitive exercise... For instance, I do love going to the Farmers Market and getting certain fresh fruits / veggies... I am crazy loving a Split Pea Soup that I cannot get sick of... Eat what you like!!!
Practical:
1) Keep stocked recommended foods!!
2) I like to batch cook a couple of soups / chilis. Also, rice and potatoes... I keep freezer stocked with Jeff Burgers, frozen fruit, frozen veggies... Also keep fridge stocked with fresh produce. I usually cut / prepare it right after I buy it.
You can do this!!!!
Best to you!!!
Stephanie