heidij123- Журнал, 23 ноя 15

Just keep going. We all have times when we can't be bothered. It's the long term commitment that matters Regards Jim 

Well, 'tis the season and all that! I've been going off the rails about 1x/week now, which is much too frequent especially this close to Thanksgiving . . . I just finished setting up my spreadsheet to track points for the latest Sassy challenge, and I find that sort of thing 'motivating' and helpful for getting refocused and back on track. It is a bit frustrating, though, when we've come 'this far' in the process, and yet some aspects of the journey are STILL not an 'automatic' for us? I think that's when we don't worry as much about the 'why' and take a step back to assess and appreciate the progress we've made thus far to remain positive and committed and ENGAGED in the process . . . e.g., despite your 'off' week, you still dropped nearly 1/2-pound and you're still in the 150s!! 

Less is less my friend! We all have to take a small break once in a while :D I find it really helps me to look at all the comments everyday because it lifts my spirits and gives me encouragement! 

Still moving in the right direction. Don't sweat it and get back on track. 

When our long dark winters hit up here in Finland, I feel quite the same some days, where every calorie/workout/day seems a little trickier. But I think sometimes you just need to reboot a bit, and I think that's perfectly normal and human. What matters is doing it in a way that's positive and controlled, so that you can say "okay that's good, now it's time to get back to it" and not feel down, or let it pull you back. I'm planning to pick a couple of "eat at maintenance" days around the holidays - still not exactly a load of calories for me at this height, but a bit of breathing room for an extra cocktail or something. :) Just don't beat yourself up, it is what it is - you're doing so well! 

Heidi, I think we all may be "off plan" here and there with the holidays.. way to jump back in ! 

Hey Heidi, it's still a loss and in the right direction, no one can be 100% all the time, don't beat yourself up, now time to focus again so you can have another breather over Christmas. Stick with it, your still doing great . :-) x 

Any reduction is a win! You're navigating the bumps and valleys of life; Good Job! 

You are human, and there are times when life does not go as we had planned it! Maybe looking back at your history on fs will show you how far you have come and motivate you . You have come a long way!  

I've fudged a bit on my diet as well and have gained about 3 lbs. I haven't exercised regularly in longer than I'm willing to admit. You may have encouraged me to get back to it. It sounds as though you are doing pretty well overall. I hope this week is better for you. :-) 

Thanks for the reassurances and supportive vibes, all 😀 I think I am back on track now. Went for a walk today, did my usual fast day. Wrote out an exercise plan too 😀 I'm quite happy with my new style of eating generally, but I have started just giving in to temptation any time I eat out. I think one reason is because I've found that the 'damage' when I do is only temporary, mostly water weight, and soon disappears again. However I don't want to start thinking I can get away with this all of the time. Need to keep the motivation going, and it was definitely flagging at the weekend. Probably partly to do with time of year. But I have a plan: I intend to be VERY BAD for a couple of days at Christmas, lol! I think that may help me stay motivated beforehand, and also help me get motivated again after. With a bit of luck it will also make me feel ill, and I'll never want to do it again! Does anybody else have to play these silly psychological games with themselves? 

Yes, Heidi. I have to play all kind of games like that with myself, not just with eating. I find that it's a good strategy for me. For the record, I don't regret my little bit of fudging this weekend. As you say, the effect is temporary as long as I stick to it before & after. I will be sampling good food during the holidays, but not planning to go crazy. I will eat fully but cautiously on Thanksgiving. The foods we eat that day are a tradition and I wouldn't want to miss them. Christmas will be the same. We aren't party goers, so I'm safe there. (Actually I'd be a party goer if I could get my husband to. I used to love to have parties, but I'm afraid that my husband is a bit of a stick in the mud on that sort of thing.) I'll probably forgo cookies, etc. though I'll still enjoy making them.k So now you know more than you could possibly want to about all of that. It is good to have buddies to keep us on track. 

Heidi, same thing happened with me. Think I just got bored. Back in the game again this week. 

Thanks, Grace, always nice to hear from you 😀 And Carol, I think you may be right, it's just being bored with being 'good', need to cut loose sometimes. 

off plan is OK and understandable at times. The long term goal is the challenge and occasional drifts are to be expected, as long as you get back to it, without too much of a delay.