That's not on your diet...

There are some people who think things are "not on your diet" when they're trying to lose weight. My grandma was shocked at some of what I bought today at the grocery store. I bought -shock gasp- clearance candy and no sugar added ice cream.

I've tried weight loss with that "not on your diet" mentality before, but I ultimately failed because temptation was too much for me. I'd eventually end up binging on those things and end up falling off the wagon.

My new mentality works much better. I can have ANYTHING I want. Moderation and calorie budgeting is the key. I think of calories as something that are spent now. When I'm done spending them for the day, I'm done.

(Unless I'm a total idiot and spent all the calories before the evening, and then I eat something light to take my night crazy meds with. I learned the hard way that I'm much crazier the next day if I don't eat them with food like the bottle says.)

I feel good about budgeting and spending the calories, saving them up for something I would like to have. I've had a few fat days when I've gone over my calories, but I make up for it during the rest of the week by not using all of my budgeted calories. It all evens out.

I've lost 18 pounds since June 9. This is the longest I've stuck with a lifestyle change, and I honestly can't see myself reverting to the other way of life. I'm very proud of that.

I might not meet my goal of weighing 180 pounds by Oct 2010, but I will be pretty close to that. I can always lose weight after my wedding is over, and I settle into my new life with my husband. It's not the end of the world if I'm 20 pounds over my goal weight. (I'm almost 5'10" so 200 pounds doesn't look awful on me. I was wearing size 15 in juniors pants at that weight.)

Comments: 15

Jodie B. Jul 23, 2009, 3:59pm EDT

Excellent!! That's the perfect mentality to have when it comes to losing weight. That's what I learned with Weight Watchers, and it was successful for me. I would never be able to cut out a food that I like, but I can make healthier choices about how much to eat.

Congrats on your weight loss!!

Melissa Underhill Jul 23, 2009, 4:11pm EDT

Thank you! I'm working hard -- in both the diet and exercise components of weight loss. I tried Weight Watchers, but I didn't like the meetings. I'd rather do it on my own with a support group of my mom and online friends.

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Sophie S. Jul 23, 2009, 4:04pm EDT

Sounds like you are doing fine right now so I would not worry about the badgering, though I know how it feels. I don't really diet, but I always try to watch what I eat and change up my exercise routine-- trying to keep it as much a part of my lifestyle as possible.

Last month though I found out that the bridesmaid dress that was ordered was one dress size too small and even though I fit into it, I could not breathe. I spent the whole month and a half trying to trim a little from my tummy and the girls were like like the little voices in my head, with their, you shouldn't be eating that...... It drove me nuts.

Melissa Underhill Jul 23, 2009, 4:13pm EDT

-hugs- It drives me nuts when people tell me what I should and should not be eating. I'm capable of making that decision myself.

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Bethann K. Jul 23, 2009, 4:08pm EDT

You should check out the website SparkPeople. You put in everything you eat for the day, and it shows how many calories, fat, protein and carbs you consumed, and if it is within your range for those things. It's a cool site.

Melissa Underhill Jul 23, 2009, 4:13pm EDT

I already use SparkPeople! I love it! :D

Sophie S. Jul 23, 2009, 4:22pm EDT

I'm on SP too!

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Bundy P Jul 23, 2009, 5:50pm EDT

That's the Weight Watcher philosophy...

Melissa Underhill Jul 23, 2009, 6:00pm EDT

I think it's funny that my grandma tells me things aren't on my diet when she went to Weight Watchers for 2 years. I never liked the points system myself. I prefer what SparkPeople tells me.

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