I was reading some of the posts about people going off plan and their reactions (good and bad) to it. It inspired me to share my strategy so far.

I know for me that I'm not ready to allow myself any leeway yet. I will stay 100% with no other option available for a good while. I know I'm not strong enough yet to dabble on the dark side without serious consequences. When I know that there isn't a choice, it's kind of a relief. I don't think about it, I just do it. I always write out my meals in my planner at least a day in advance, sometimes several days before. That way my eating isn't about choices, it's about following what's on my list. That I can do. It works for me.

I joined a challenge team that keeps me motivated to get exercise every day. I find that usually I go above and beyond the challenge, because once I've started, I find I enjoy it and continue. I've already noticed an increase in my endurance and that things are usually easier for me in general. I find that when I sit for extended periods I get jumpy and want to go do something. I could sit for hours before and not think about it.

I plan ahead so bad things don't happen to me. If I'm leaving the house and don't know when I'm coming back, I pack everything I need for the rest of the day and take it with me. I also take bottles of water that I've refilled and keep in the fridge to take along. I never, never walk out of the house with nothing. Too dangerous. Something might stall me in my day and then I'll get overly hungry and make bad choices. I've discovered that taking an "add water" type meal is very easy. You just stop at one of the gas stations with a deli and get a cup of hot water (usually located on the coffee machine). They don't usually even charge me for the cup. I'll generally buy a piece of fruit or a bottle of water so I'm not just using them. I pour the water in, stir, and put it in the cupholder until it's ready. If you can't find a gas station like that, I've walked into Burger King and gotten apple fries (just sliced apples in the shape of french fries) and get a cup of hot water from them. They will charge you for the cup, but it's only about 10 cents.

If I'm around people and situations with foods that are not for me, I don't even look at them (the foods, not the people LOL). If I don't know what is on the buffet table, it doesn't call my name. Much easier to take my own meals and snacks than to hope I can make some good choices from amongst all that temptation. Too dangerous. When people ask me why I'm not getting anything, I say "I'm on NS and I've brought my own food". No one has ever questioned that answer or tried to get me to sway from my resolve. If there are people like that in your life, they either need a good talking to or they shouldn't be in your life. People that care about you will honor your struggle to a healthy way of life!

Be healthy!

Peggy