We are one week in to the Grim Diet, and there are good things and bad things to report.
The biggest good thing is that despite various ups and downs, I still feel like I am On A Diet, and holding on to that feeling is very important to my success. If I feel like I have to Start Over, I might not do so for a long, long time.
Another good thing is that I am getting used to drinking unsweetened coffee. I’m using Shawna‘s idea of adding a little skim milk to it, and I like that.
Another good thing is that we went to McDonald’s and I drank coffee while the kids had their delicious, delicious nuggets. A bad thing is that this caused suffering, and I’m trying to reduce that.
In fact, this is where I ran into a situation that would require a lifestyle change rather than a diet: when we are out on errands and we hit lunchtime, we stop at McDonald’s or Wendy’s or Taco Bell or Burger King. And I LIKE to do that, and so do the children, and it’s an inexpensive and yummy way to eat. If we are going to stop doing that, I’m not sure what to substitute. I don’t want to pack a lunch, because the thought of packing and toting a lunch for four people makes me feel like leaping into traffic. I don’t want to go to a place that serves healthier food, because of the cost. I think right now my solution is to reduce the number of times that we’re out on errands when it’s lunch time, and I think that’s a pretty good solution for our situation.
Eating a protein breakfast within an hour of waking up only works on mornings when I’m hungry. Otherwise I feel dumb eating when I’m not even hungry. BUT, this has led to keeping hard-boiled eggs on hand, and I’ve found those GREAT for other times in the day when I’m hungry, especially if I’m craving salt.
I’ve had a total lack of success this week with exercise goals. My intention was to increase from my usual three times a week to an “every day” schedule (where “every day” would probably end up meaning five times a week). After one week, how many times have I exercised? Three. Exactly as usual. I did somewhat increase the intensity and length of those three workouts, so that’s good. But this turned out to be another area where a lifestyle change would be required in order for me to do what I planned: I exercise in the evenings and right now that’s the only time of day that works for me, and there are some weekly evening plans that are incompatible with exercise. I don’t want to change those plans: one is a date night, one is a night that Paul lets the older boys stay up and watch a movie with him, etc. But I could still exercise on the night the older boys stay up, if I choose an exercise that doesn’t require me to use the television, and that would buy me one extra night.
And this brings me to YET ANOTHER item that would mean a lifestyle change: I don’t exercise on the nights I drink alcohol. I might INTEND to exercise, but I notice I NEVER DO. Never. Paul and I have drinks Saturday evening before we have our weekly treat dinner: a gorgeous pizza he makes, with olives and pepperoni and Monterey Jack cheese and turkey bacon and green peppers and mmmmmmmm. At this point I’m not willing to sacrifice ANYTHING ABOUT THIS on the alter of thinness. Perhaps later, but not now. So there’s one night that will not include exercise no matter what. HOWEVER: it’s pretty common for us to have some alcohol one or two OTHER evenings a week, and I AM willing to cut THOSE out. Not only does drinking mean I don’t exercise, it also makes me hungrier and reduces my willpower. Plus, of course alcohol has calories. So this week I will try eliminating it except on Saturday nights.
I knew Easter candy was going to be a challenge, and I prepared for it. When I saw Easter candy at 50% off, I successfully reminded myself that the PRICE has NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. It is fun to buy things on clearance, but it isn’t as if my body will say, “Oh, this was 50% off? Well then, we won’t store it as fat!” So I bought none. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to talk myself down from 75% off, bringing me to the worst crisis the diet experienced this week. A sensible person would chuck it all in the trash; I have trouble being sensible in the face of candy + clearance. I HAVE been managing to give some of it out to the children as desserts. And I’ve been managing not to scarf it all down. And I’ve maintained the feeling of being on a diet, despite the candy, and haven’t chucked the whole DIET in the trash, either, so that’s a certain level of sensible right there.
So! That’s how it’s going. Well enough that I’m still on it and still have high hopes; poorly enough that I’m not looking forward to weighing myself this evening.
I know what you mean about hating to eat when you’re not hungry. I buy those protein shakes and drink those for breakfast on days when I don’t actually want to eat. HTH!
Such a good post on so many levels. Your honesty is refreshing and helps all of us.
One little idea, if I may. Feel free to ignore.
On the movie night when you don’t exercise how about just doing a couple of minutes of floor exercises? I don’t know if you watch the movie with the boys or not, but either way, you can do this. Tell yourself you only have to do, say, 3 sit ups and 3 push ups. But by the time you bother getting down on the ground to do them, you may have a tendency to tell yourself, “Oh well, I’m down here anyway, I may as well do 5 or 7 or 34”, or whatever. It doesn’t take long but you FEEL noble for meeting the goal and doing something. Feeling noble about exercise often helps me to do more. And, 3 sit ups are better than none.
Just an idea. Keep up the good work. You have lots of admiring fans rooting for you.
I think your post sounds perfectly reasonable and that it sounds like you will be successful. You are being realistic without killing yourself over it. Good luck!
Your post is great and I think you had a good week. I have some advice on the fast food lunch thing, this is how I do it. While on the diet just pack yourself a PB sandwich or something and let the kids eat fast food. Or get the smallest thing on the menu, small hamburger or small fries, one taco etc. Once in maintenance mode stick with the small items but get the burger and fries, etc. Fast food is a tricky one, I am not beneath ordering myself a happy meal to keep my portions in check :) I am really working through this right now as well so I appreciate these posts!
What a wonderful and comprehensive update! Yay! Sounds like a good week, if you ask me (you didn’t).
The fast food thing is tough, especially if it’s something fun you do together when out for errands. I think I would do the coffee thing too, if I couldn’t avoid the situation. In general, I prefer to not eat (“Mommy’s not hungry”) rather than eat some “special” food and get into the whole healthy/not healthy (“Mommy’s on a diet)business. Just me.
And I suggest not worrying about the exercise (WHAT?). I think 3 times a week is fine, depending on what you’re doing, unless it puts you “in the mood” for dieting, if that makes sense. See exploding research on cardio exercise and (lack of) weight loss, blah blah.
Well then! I can see that I am opinionated and slightly annoying this morning!
Good update. Heartily enjoying your healthkick.
I think change comes slowly, particularly when there are those lifestyle changes. Those are hard ones. And I think it’s good that you aren’t beating yourself up about it. Because real life happens.
I’ve found alcohol to have a really negative influence on exercising. I love wine but on the times I’ve had it, running the next day has been very hard.
Rooting for you dear Swistle! Great first week, super proud of you.
Sounds like you’re doing very very well. One thing that has always stuck with me from Weight Watchers is that you only have to say no in the store once. If you buy that candy/cookies/chocolate and take it home, you have to say no over and over and over again.
May I suggest a “lunch compromise”? If you have the Chick-Fil-A chain in your area, having their chargrilled chicken sandwich with a side of either soup or fruit is a very healthy alternative.
Upsides: no change to routine, the children get to go out for lunch, and some locations even have a playground. Downsides: resisting those waffle fries is a CHALLENGE!
My son loves McDonalds, too. I usually get the yogurt parfait when I’m there, they are pretty good. If not that, then a grilled chicken sandwich, like Betsy said. If not that, then I’ll get a salad and go really easy on the dressing.
Instead of coffee at McDonald’s how about eating something real so you don’t feel deprived? They have healthy choices. I like their grilled chicken sandwiches (and without mayo–even better!). Don’t like Grilled Chicken? Go online before you leave home and check out the website of whatever restaurant you’ll be going to and find a menu item that suits your eating.
Did you know McDonald’s icecream cones are only 150 calories?! That’s what my son and I always get for a treat. Yum!
What I learned at Weight Watchers was that you can have whatever you want, you just have to plan for it and budget your calories.
Hang in there and good luck!
I agree with Anne – I love checking websites to see nutritional information. Of course, it leads to some VERY DISTURBING information at times, but good to know anyway.
I was running into the same problem about eating out with my son a few years ago. Only our crutch of choice was Starbucks for a mid-morning snack. It was getting totally out of control from a spending and health stand point so I had to start doing like you mentioned and arranging our outings so they didn’t coincide with the morning snack time. Turns out I could survive without getting a latte at 10:00 – but it took me awhile to realize it ;-)
sounds like a VERY successful first week to me! any time i make Lots Of Changes at the beginning of a diet / lifestyle change / exercise regimen / whatever, it’s a surefire way for me to not be able to keep up with it and quit after that first week.
i realize you already have plenty of assvice here and you didn’t even ASK for any, but another “helpful tip” one of my pole instructors has us do is similar to what phil & beth said: sit on the floor while watching tv, then do situps or pushups during the commercial breaks. i very rarely actually DO this, but if i DO, it’s quite easy to get a bunch of situps and stuff in, and it’s tiny little bursts so you don’t get too tired to continue :-)
Have you ever looked into the 400 calorie fix diet? The idea is that you eat 4 meals at 400 calories each. There is a book with over 400 ideas. It even includes how to make a 400 calorie meal at Burger King, McDonald’s, etc. It’s a way to diet and still eat all the things you enjoy. Some of the meal options even include things like light beer or a glass of wine or something. Just an idea! Hang in there!
What about Subway for lunch? It’s not too expensive especially with the $5 foot longs. Also if you guys stop at McDonald’s you could get a plain hamburger. They aren’t too fattening as long as you can keep from getting fries – that’s always my problem!
I love this because you are a REAL person. Meaning, you’re not like all of the sudden “I eat only organic and I spend $500/week on groceries!” It’s like real, honest, good advice for real people with modest incomes and little time. so THANK YOU.
Also, I like your lifestyle changes ideas. taking the temptation out is half the battle, right? (i.e. don’t grocery shop while hungry; don’t run errands during lunch when you’ll be prone to stop at fast food joint).
Sounds like you are doing reasonably well – keep it up and keep us posted!
A treat meal is good thing. And that pizza sounds absolutely delish. Can you please post a picture of it? I love chicken McNuggets so, so much, but due to the Gluten I cannot eat. Which probably is a good, good thing.
Have you tried low-fat greek yogurt? Its kinda expensive, but lots of protein and very filling. :)
Hang in there!
I didn’t read all of the other posts, so forgive me if I’m repeating anyone. I thought I’d throw in my two cents.
When I’m running errands, I try to get it done before lunch. I go first thing in the morning so we leave early. During the week I usually do two errands, one to Target and one to the grocery store. There may be other one-off errands, like to Menards or what not, but I try to do those on the weekend when I can go alone and leave the kids with Peter.
BUT, when I DO need to be out around lunch time, like when we’re going to the Children’s Museum or to dance class, which ends at 11:30, I pack granola bars (Kashi, Trail Mix, I think. Check the amount of sugar and protein each bar has. It varies a LOT.) and bananas or apples. Even if it’s not enough to fill them up, it’s enough to get them home. Then when we get home, I cook up some pasta and jarred spaghetti sauce and then we have a quickie lunch.
I HATE going out to fast food so I do anything I can to avoid it.
You’re doing great, love the summary! I am in a similar boat and despite years of being admired for my willpower and dedication once I get my head in the right place, I just can’t seem to stay there for long anymore. I’m proud of your one week. I totally get that by staying on track and not feeling like you have to “start over” is a huge success. I recently started taking Alli – and NOT for the fat absorption aspect. I need something to hold me accountable for my choices. Isn’t that sad? Anyway, that’s where I am so I admire your dedication to this. It’s rough!
The not running errands at lunch idea could save money, too. Double bonus!
I would like some of Paul’s pizza now, please.
I am super pumped that you are considering making a few, totally-appropriate-for-you changes! I think you will be happy with it. Plus, it will mean the Grim Diet will be less Grim!
Oh, I loooove Paul’s Saturday night pizza and your little ritual! That is the good stuff of life!
Damn those clearance Peeps and their tasty chewy/crunchy goodness. Bastards have been calling my name every time I’ve entered a store in the last week. Well done resisting. It all totally counts, because 75% off Easter candy is a freebie. Law of the universe.
Oh man, fast food was totally killing my budget a few months back- not to mention me efforts to lose the five pounds I wanted to shed. I am so.bad. about getting going in the mornings, so it was usually ten o’clock before we were out the door for any errands or outings. Therefore, we were ALWAYS just ending or not even done with all our stops by the time lunch rolled around, and the kids were starving and I was starving and man, sometimes I am even worse than they are about riding out hunger. So I would end up “swinging through” the drive-thru and getting Wendys. Like, at least twice a week. Yikes.
However, the last few months, morning sickness was so severe that I couldn’t even be around fried foods- anything fast food like sent me dry heaving immediately. Good for my health, I’m sure, but difficult with the errands. So I too learned at last to bring bananas and string cheese and muffins in the car with me to stave off everyone’s hunger.
Hoping that good habit will last now that the sickness is mostly gone!
I HAVE found an East of Chicago pizza place near us that does a lunchtime buffet- kids are free!- so that is a viable option if I haven’t packed anything. Not exactly healthy, but there IS a salad and soup bar, so it can work.
Did anyone mention Subway? The $5 footlongs are a great savings because two kids can eat one sandwich.
OMG I had home made pizza for dinner last night and it was incredible. I totally understand the unwillingness to sacrifice anything about that weekly treat night!
Do your kids share meals or would they be willing to share fries with you? My son (age 3)and I always split the fries from his kids meal. That way, I don’t feel deprived or eat a GIANT portion of french fries! He can’t finish them anyway, so it is a win-win.
I hope the weighing goes better than expected. And if it doesn’t, blame the hormones. They are an excellent scapegoat in these situations.
Yes, $5 footlongs! We feed both our kids off one. They’ll put different veggies and dressing on each half so that there’s no fighting. Brian and I share one and we’re outta there for $10. I also love the Southwest Salad at McDonald’s. I’m vegetarian, so I get no chicken and go light on the dressing as well, but it’s spicy and crunchy and yummy.
Three cheers for you-you had a good first week! :)
I think that sounds like a LOT of successes! I would not give up that Sat night ritual for anything – it sounds great.
I’m gonna sound like a nut, but a six piece from McDonalds has less than 300 calories. Order that and get a diet soda. Don’t eat any fries. Fries are the killer. I will now stop with the assvice!
I didn’t know about your Saturday night tradition! I hope you never give it up.
I think you’re definitely headed in the right direction, so don’t count yourself out! I am pretty impressed!
Dieting is never easy; if it was, we’d all be so flippin’ thin.
That said, here are my nuggets (I am a funny one) on surviving fast-food stops with kids: The Southwest salad at McD’s is better than it looks, esp. if you dip your fork into a packet of Hot Mustard instead of using the dressing. (The virtue!) At Wendy’s, you can get the salad with the chili on it, and that sucker is filling. Just beware the packet of chip strip things. Don’t forget the value of filling your stomach with coffee, a large diet soda (carbonation helps), or a water. Once in a while, get a treat–for instance, McD’s vanilla cones are pretty decent, even for a dieter.
I’m impressed that you even have time to exercise. You go, girl.
You know what I love about this post? You are just so human. At around 40 pounds heavier than I’d like to be, these thoughts occupy my mind so much of a time–the constant tallying up of little successes and failures. Not for me the sweeping, successful lifestyle change–it’s a day-to-day petty little process of small accomplishments and small lapses (that feel large). I feel like with this post you have refused to brag or manage your image, so you’ve mirrored the inner thoughts of so many of us. That’s so refreshing.
I read somewhere (moneysavingmom.com maybe?) that when candy is on clearance after a holiday she will buy it and chop it up to use in muffins, breads, or cookies in place of chocolate chips. This way you get your cheap candy buying fix and don’t have to eat it immediatelY.
Might I suggest refraining from calling it the Grim Diet? :) That may help. Or perhaps calling it the Funnest Most Bestest Diet of All! Don’t worry, I just punched myself in the face on your behalf.
You know what, you guys are right: fast food isn’t quite as awful as I was assuming—at least, not the things I like. Even the breaded spicy chicken sandwich at Wendy’s, WITH MAYO, is under 500 calories—which is a meal’s worth of calories if I divide my calories into three meals. And since I rarely eat more than 200 calories of breakfast, I can get a baked potato instead of the fries and be full full full!
I just started on WW and I wrote a little about it. I am glad to hear that someone else is doing it (dieting) too.
What exercises do you do? (I didn’t read all the comments so if you answered that, I’m sorry).
I would’ve gotten some Peeps on sale the other day, but they were really off-putting shades of kelly green and highlighter orange. It just looked very wrong. (Also: seconding the plea for a pizza picture!)
Shoeaddict- I mostly use the Wii Fit.
I’m going to Florida in a month (visiting Sister! And little Mini Sister!) and the thought of both being in pictures and going swimming in front of people has motivated me a lot. If I could just get to the point where a once-a-week food treat was satisfying to me, I’d be really happy. I’m trying though, and that’s something. I wish you continued success!
McDonalds is a love/hate thing here too.
LOVE: 1) their play area (especially during the long, cold Canadian winter) and 2) the fattening-ness of their food for our underweight little guy (the nuggets – at least here – are egg-free and he has an allergy, and you can order the fries without salt).
HATE: How difficult it is to resist the fatty, salty food for grown-ups. I love me a Big Mac (but sometimes settle for a hamburger with a half-squeeze of Mac sauce and lettuce added).
Thanks for the linky love!
I’m behind on blog readng, but am also dieting.
I’ve found one way to deal with the fast food stop was to study the on-line nutrition info, and pre-plan what is acceptable at a few restaurants and stick with them. not just for me, but for my son. he’s not quite 3, and not overly trained to the ways of American fast food yet. so, he is manipulable (is that a word? manipulatable (?).
so, if it is taco bell, it is taco fresco for us both. water for me, milk for him.
chick fil a: nuggets, sans sauce, and fruit salad for him. carrot salad for me. milk for him, unsweet tea for me.
subway is an excellent diet place: we both get kid size turkey sandwiches, with apples. He has cheese and mayo. I don’t. milk & tea again
Those 3 are at the main shopping center I use, and also on the way to or from the other usual contenders, so I try to limit my options to those 3. I know mcD & others also have salads and apples and such, but i can’t committ any more brain space to pre-planned menus.
sadly, my son recognizes the starbucks logo: ‘Mommy needs toffee and me needs a bistet’ is his toddler half british speak for coffee and cookies. I’ve considerably downgraded my coffee to merely a tall vanilla latte, with 2 instead of 3 pumps of vanilla syrup & non-fat milk. (before it was a venti something with multiple syrups & whipped cream). His cookies might be new bought, or might come from the diaper bag stash of snacks. If you can organize the target part of your trip and pick up a starbucks high protein meal before giving the kids whatever at some other place, then you could grab one of their protein packs.
finally, even if you can’t pack multiple lunches, at least pack carrots, apples, acceptable crackers in large enough quantity to share around. Our current rule is that NOBODY gets french fries if my son is with us, because he will want to eat nothing else if he sees them–besides, nobody else really needs them either. nothing but a fat conveyance device. My oldest daughter (250 balks at this rule, and attempts to hide them in her lap, but, her little half brother was too clever to fall for this more than twice.)
it’s not clear above that I am getting nuggets at chick fil a so I wanted to clarify that I am. the nuggets, unadorned with sauce, are not as calorific as the sandwich, with it’s buttered and toasted bun.
also, the eating breakfast when you don’t feel hungry thing: over the last 3 months, I’ve discovered that eating it anyway helps control eating the rest of the day. I suppose after years of eating for every reason besides simply being hungry, my ‘feeling’ of hunger is too screwed up to trust. In the morning, I’m 8 to 12 hours from my last meal. whether or not I think I am hungry, my body is. so I eat. Maybe just a diet shake or protein shake and fruit. maybe toast and coffee and a boiled egg. but something. When I don’t, I find the nibbling starts. It might begin with a bit of what I should have eaten for breakfast, but it ends up in bad places—like adding a peach milkshake to my chick fil a order.