[SuperSchweet]

I am painfully susceptible to the "Oh, it's just this once" problem. Like, when I go to a party or out to dinner with friends...for some reason, my brain gives me permission to cheat. Sometimes I'll think "well, if I'm going to pay for a meal out" or "It's a party, I need to live a little."

The problem is that "one time" turns into days of falling off the wagon and before I know it, I've gained a few pounds and feel awful.

Does anyone else have this problem? How do you deal with it?

Sometimes I slip into the bathroom and take a look at my body in the mirror and try to tell myself that if I eat whatever I'm about to eat, it'll be attached to me for weeks. However, I'm not going to lie...that doesn't always work when there are chicken tenders on the table, so, I'm looking for advice.

[nbcskampy]

SuperSchweet, on Aug 20 2008, 07:46 PM, said:

I am painfully susceptible to the "Oh, it's just this once" problem. Like, when I go to a party or out to dinner with friends...for some reason, my brain gives me permission to cheat. Sometimes I'll think "well, if I'm going to pay for a meal out" or "It's a party, I need to live a little."

The problem is that "one time" turns into days of falling off the wagon and before I know it, I've gained a few pounds and feel awful.

Does anyone else have this problem? How do you deal with it?

Sometimes I slip into the bathroom and take a look at my body in the mirror and try to tell myself that if I eat whatever I'm about to eat, it'll be attached to me for weeks. However, I'm not going to lie...that doesn't always work when there are chicken tenders on the table, so, I'm looking for advice.

not only do i do this all the time, but another favorite excuse issue is when i have something junky...like a bag of chips or candy bar or something...to say "well, i should just eat the whole thing now so i can start fresh tomorrow."

why don't i just give it to someone else? or throw it away? or not buy it in the first place? the mind operates in some strange, strange ways...

[WilloKeays]

I have a history of binge eating .. and was diagnosed officially by my grief counselor earlier in the year. That temptation to sit down with the whole bag of chips and finish them off ... jut to get rid of them .. has been one of my binge patterns. Following my husbands death I fell into a dark place and basically ate Ben & Jerry's every day for dinner. I gained 40 pounds in ONE MONTH. Ben & Jerry's is now officially banned from my house!

The key is to not have the junk food in the house to begin with I'm lucky - my son headed to college this summer and I was on my own in the house for the first time. I had absolutely no excuse to purchase junk food and keep it in the house. When my son comes home for the weekends, I shop for his food the morning of his arrival. He keeps any junk food in his room out of my line of sight. It has worked for me tremendously! Now, whenever I crave something sweet, I just have a bottle of club soda over ice and mix in a pack of my favorite Crystal light.

[SuperSchweet]

OOOOH! I like that Crystal Light idea. That sounds very tasty. And it's sage advice to keep the junk food out of sight. My boyfriend can eat whatever he wants and doesn't gain a pound. Whenever he brings that stuff over, my stomach starts to churn, but he's getting better about it.

Don't you just love it how you're never tempted to sit down and finish and entire bag of, oh say, carrot sticks? And Ben and Jerry's...oh brother, that's a whole other monster.

Windy, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I can only imagine how devastating that must have been. Although, I think it's wonderful that you're strong enough to work through it. It's so easy to attach food with emotions. I don't know how it works, but it's so simple to turn to food when bad things happen. For me personally, I know it's a comfort thing. I don't know why it makes me feel better...at least in the short term...but it definitely does.

[CharmingLamb]

Detoxing your house is definitely the best medicine. At least it won't be staring you in the face!

We did that last year and the family was ready to either move out or have me committed. I just told them that I was not keeping THEM from having treats...we just weren't keeping a supply in the house. If you want it, you have to go to the store and get it or eat a treat when we go out to eat.

When you have to GO get it, it's just not important anymore. They started eating the healthier treats that I was keeping around the house.

Moms are so smart.

[Karen]

I have said "just one time" lots! I find that there are some foods that I cannot have in the house at all since I will eat them just because they are there. However, if I am really craving something (like ice cream!) I will walk to the Dairy Queen or Laura Secord & just buy 1 scoop or cone.

[ProudNerd]

I've got a problem with this too. Being a college student, the staples of my "pantry" are (along with Ramen noodles) chips, dip, beef jerky, baby dill pickles, and Mountain Dew. And if I get the munchies while out and about campus, I'll usually stop at one of the markets and get some candy. Surprisingly, I don't party like most college kids, instead opting to sit on my butt in front of my laptop and play some World of Warcraft. And when I do go to parties with friends (no alcohol! Period! I'm not old enough yet anyway!) I definitely indulge because I don't get many opportunities like that.

Now the real kicker, is SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) events on certain weekends. Basically, we do Medieval/Renaissance fairs, and they're always followed by a medieval feast, and I try to sample anything that doesn't have onions or olives in it (or looks too weird to eat). The desserts are usually AWESOME too, but by that point I've filled up on so much meat and stew that I only eat a few pieces of hardened marzipan or one slice of pie.

I've actually been doing good maintaining my weight. I've stayed at 220 for a year or two without changing any habits. But I betcha if I start actually working on losing weight I'll gain it all back at the next SCA event (unless I get authorized as a fighter, then I get to wear heavy armor and beat people with sticks as a form of exercise.)

[SuperSchweet]

Oh ProudNerd, I liked you when I saw your username and I like you even more after reading your post.

I spent a lot of time playing videogames in college and my butt paid for it. Plus, it's hard to avoid the irregular eating schedule when you're in college. I remember there used to a pizza place that would deliver until like 3 or 4 in the morning. They offered a deal called "The Hunger Buster" which was something ridiculous like two pizzas, bread sticks, a footlong and a 2-liter. We used to get them all the time.

As for the SCA events, I know a few people who do that around here. It always sounded like a lot of fun and the feasts sound out of control. Are you going to try and lose weight or just maintain?

My best advice for special occasions is to eat before you go and then just have a sampling of the stuff you want. I know it can be hard when you're surrounded by awesome food, but it works if you have the determination.

Whatever you do, get rid of the Ramen! That stuff is toxic!

[MomAt40Pls]

Many of my friends who've dieted have allowed themselves a "cheat" day or something like that. To me that's just like playing with fire. So, when I started out, I committed myself to a list of things I wouldn't eat - not even one bite. That was hard for people around me to grasp at first - not even one bite of birthday cake at the monthly office parties, not even one bite of ice cream, not even one chip. They would say that one bite wouldn't hurt me, but I said, "no." I was hard core and that proved to be the very best thing I could have done. It was hard to say "no" at first, but the discipline of making myself do it has served me well. I can be a bit more lenient with myself now (it's been over 4 years since i started) because I know that I can stop with one bite. It's good to get rid of things that trip you up so they aren't around to tempt you, but in reality you can never completely rid yourself of temptation. And the truth is that you have to take charge of your choices. You can say, "no." But you have to decide in advance that you will say it and you cannot give yourself an excuse.

Marilyn
SW - 311
CW - 169
GW - 145

[Ambular]

Boy that is my FAVORITE EXCUSE just this ONE time, them i look back and go man i didnt realize how MUCH i used that. That is why i write EVERYTHING down. So i can look back and see what i did wrong... or right...

[jablayblay]

Eeek! I am just too familiar with this issue on this thread. I used to dedicate a cheat day once every few weeks- and like Marilyn said- it IS playing with fire. My cheat day turned plural, and the next thing you know after a course of several months, my 60 pounds that I lost, found their way back to me and then some. One successful thing I did- was plan ahead.

For example! My friends would have a Superbowl party - or some other shindig. I knew there was going to be pizza, wings, etc. So- I opted to bring with me my Weight Watchers or Lean Cuisine pizza, and then bring a huge salad for everyone to share, to eat along with their pizza. It was nice to have a healthy option, and I still got to eat pizza like everyone too!

This post has been edited by jablayblay: 05 September 2008 - 11:59 AM

[bluejeanmamma]

I have certainly found that there are some things that you can't have even one bite of. Or, at least I can't. I haven't have a candy bar in over a year. I know if I break down, it' the beginning of the end and those pounds that I worked so hard to lose will be back with a vengance. My source of chocolate now, comes from chocolate chips on a granola bar or sugar free cocoa... something of that nature. And of course, there are limits on the granola bars.

I decided that anything that was that powerful over me, as in candy bars, was something that I would have to just say no to. I find now that an apple or watermelon can be so fulfilling in the sweet tooth department... and not nearly as likely to stick to my hips.

[amanda85]

"just this one time" or "I will do better tomorrow" my famous last words. I need to stop this, I need to get back on the bandwagon...thats why I am here. I want to lose and be successful at it, I know what I need to do ..now I just need to do it...maybe "just this one time" I will stick to it and lose some weight!!!

[tweetbirdy]

I totally understand that "Cheat Days" "Sane Days" "Splurge Days" is not for everyone. But I for one have been doing this weight loss thing for 16 months now and have had a Splurge Day since Jan 2008, and it works awesome for me. I have been losing weight slowly, maybe because of the free day. But it is working for me. So maybe others it does not. But I know even watching the Biggest Loser show, they have a Day that they use to eat those things that they want. I have heard over and over that the longer you are away from something, you will not want it anymore. Well in my case it was not like that. So each person is different. Try it and if it does not work, then don't do it. But I know that for me and my husband, he has lost 40 since Jan, and I have lost a total of 68 lbs.

I do know that slow and steady, works better then getting it off as fast as you can. Slow and stead wins the race. This is a journey of a life time of change. This is for the rest of our lives, we have to find out what works best for each of us. No 2 people will be the same.

So Keep On Pounding and we will each reach our goals. Support is what will be a big key in this journey.

I'm so excited to see what is in store for all of us during this Biggest Loser 6.

We will do this together.

Terry

[generika]

Ok I guess I am being all weird and emotional but I just have to say I LOVE all of you guys, I get so much helpful information here! not to mention GREAT inspiration, it makes me want to do better and better each week!

[PKD]

Really makes it difficult when you watch what you eat, try to buy just the good stuff and DH (who could lose 50 lbs) doesn't share that attitude. When we get to the check out, he's added chips and salsa (salsa's good but chips!!!!). He's the one that as soon as he decided to lose weight, drops 25 lbs in 6 weeks. I just don't know how to fight the his food and my food.

I too love you guys, it's nice to have people share that they have trouble doing this "new life".

[flgrl1974]

I am really bad about "just this one time". Then it turns into well I messed up this day and eat horrible the rest of the day and tell myself I will start again tomorrow. But then it takes several days to get back into it. I have found that over the many years of dieting that in the beginning I cannot allow myself any freedoms. I have learned that I for the first several weeks I cannot go out to dinner. I also research the restaurants menus and calorie/fat contents. It makes me aware of how not worth it it is. If there are group functions, I bring a dish for everyone that I know fits my diet plan that I will enjoy. If there are dishes that tempt me, I think about how I look naked and ask myself if it is really worth it. I also chew a lot of gum. I find that keeps me from grazing.
I just had a baby and spent 9 months telling myself that I will worry about it after the baby is born. 60 pounds later I have a lot of challenges ahead. I am used to eating whatever I want and giving into the cravings. This is my biggest challenge. I have never really like healthy food and love the sweets. The support from others is extremely helpful.

[mabv812]

I was on a diet and work out plan that was supposed to last 12 weeks. Every week you got a "free day" , where you could eat anything you wanted or had been craving. I believe the free day was ultimately my downfall. The first few weeks of free day were great, and then I kept on with my diet. But after the 5th week my free day turned into free week. Then I was done for. Now I'm back where I started. Sooo frustrating. But I think I need to change my thinking along with my habits for it to stick.

[pjjohnsotn]

jablayblay, on Sep 5 2008, 12:58 PM, said:

Eeek! I am just too familiar with this issue on this thread. I used to dedicate a cheat day once every few weeks- and like Marilyn said- it IS playing with fire. My cheat day turned plural, and the next thing you know after a course of several months, my 60 pounds that I lost, found their way back to me and then some. One successful thing I did- was plan ahead.

For example! My friends would have a Superbowl party - or some other shindig. I knew there was going to be pizza, wings, etc. So- I opted to bring with me my Weight Watchers or Lean Cuisine pizza, and then bring a huge salad for everyone to share, to eat along with their pizza. It was nice to have a healthy option, and I still got to eat pizza like everyone too!

I play this game sometimes too. My weaknesses are pizza and 3 musketeers bars. I feel so deprived sometimes and give in but then I i horrible feelings of guilt afterwards. This definately is bad for my mental health and then manifests in my physical health. It is a vicious circle!

[Trying2BConscious]

What great posts- I too have fell into this trap- if I had one bad thing I would then give in telling myself I ruined it anyway- BUT- I am trying to get rid of that mentality- you know what- if someone told me I could never have a big mac again I would run like crazy- but if I knew I could allow myself and then be on track for the next meal- I could have much more of a sense of peace- I know thinking about it and doing it are two different things- but one can hope- Jen

[ksoup555]

I threw that out a long time ago. I used to use that every single day along with the I will get back on track tomorrow. Well tomorrow has turned into weeks, months, and now years and it's best to remember there may not be another tomorrow so just this one may be more disasterous than we think

[GodsmackFan]

ksoup555, on Sep 25 2008, 12:14 PM, said:

I threw that out a long time ago. I used to use that every single day along with the I will get back on track tomorrow. Well tomorrow has turned into weeks, months, and now years and it's best to remember there may not be another tomorrow so just this one may be more disasterous than we think

I kinda like what you said..."there may not be another tomorrow...". I always think that way when it comes to my relationship with my family but I have never really thought that way with my relationship with my health. Thanks for the perspective!

[BlutifulScorpion]

Goodness! I thought you all were reading my mind when I read some of your posts!!!! YES, I have been guilty of reasoning with myself, "Just this once..." And like so many of you, I end up letting my eating go to pot for the rest of the day or even the rest of the week(end) and I eventually say, "Screw it!"

What has worked well for me this time (and actually still allowing myself a cheat day...) is actually tracking my calories. If I want a piece of cake, I eat a piece of cake. However, when I actually add that to my daily plate and SEE the whopping 500 +/- calories, I straighten up for the rest of the day and eat nothing but steamed or raw veggies and baked fish. Then the next day I tell myself, "You've had your 'treat' missy. Now get it together!" I swear by tracking my calories I guess because I can actually SEE what I'm doing, put a number next to everything, and force myself to be accountable.

[dmgodard]

i find that just this one time is a falsehood. If its there its gonna get eaten. I try to keep those foods out of my house. Its not always easy with 5 children and a husband. I find icecream, candy, chips (all the just cant eat one things) in the house all the time. I just pick them up and put them away so i cant see them everytime I go to the kitchen.

Good luck everyone.