having made it one year keeping my weight off (40+ pounds) officially this
past week, thought i would pass on one trick that i have acquired in the
last 3 months.
during the first 8 months after reaching goal, i used a 3 pounds up or 3
pounds down rule. Three up and i went on a more serious diet (lower carbs
approaching induction, and less food) three down and i began eating more and
having extra whole grain carbs.
this worked at first, though i seemed to go up and down in cycles, usually
associated with the weekend. However, after 4 or 5 months, i noticed that i
was hitting the upside much more often than the down, and eventually it
became a matter of going 3 up then beating it back down to goal and
"touching base" The average weight was above goal. I was, however slowly,
gaining weight.
I did a re-eval, and the problem was easily identified. My breakfast was
spare, at work i ate small at lunch while i worked. My supper's were of my
own creation, and were healthy and normal. The problem was what happened
while i cooked those meals. In the kitchen, i was snacking on nuts and
occasional triscuits. Portions were not measured, but nibbled out.
So i simply quit buying nuts and triscuits, but what to do in the kitchen
while cooking? it was a problem, as i was very hungry, and surrounded by
food, and had the classic need to have something in my hands.
So, i began taking a wine glass and placing two chopped strawberries in it,
and filling it with red wind (cab) This gave my hands something to do,
something to occasionally nibble on, and most of all, the wine forced me to
slow down. This worked wonderfully. My weight went under goal (2-3 pounds)
and stayed incredibly stable. I actually maintained a 1-2 pound deficit
while increasing my intake at breakfast and lunch. While the holidays are
currently challenging me, the challenge is no longer being 3 pounds up, but
occasionally leaving negative and going one pound up.
It is not a method I would recommend to everyone, but if you eat too fast
(like me) and are in the kitchen, it is an idea.....
Bob
200+/160/160.5
maint. since 12/9/03