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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

WLJ: Being flexible

Weight Watchers flex points are a godsend.

Truly.

I think they're the only reason I've succeeded so far, because I definitely struggle with self-discipline when it comes to food.  Don't tell me I can't have bread, sweets or alcohol.  I love those things.  Sure, I could do without them, but I don't want to.

Flex points allow me to enjoy everything I like.  In moderation, of course.

I use my flex points in a variety of ways.   Sometimes, I spread them out over the course of a week.  Occasionally, I save them all for a big night or weekend out.

If I know I'm going to be out with friends on a weekend, I stay very close or within my points all week.  Then, I let myself indulge on the weekend.  Now, I know better than to overdo it.  I'm not even sure my body will let me do that anymore.

One day, I was watching Dr. Oz, and he said people are more likely to maintain their long-term goals if they have one day a week when they eat whatever they want.  I think this actually makes a lot of sense.  And kind of falls in line with what I've been doing.  I am able to make really good choices all week if I know I'll get to have pizza, a Blizzard or some other amazing meal on the weekend.

Some people call these "cheat" days, but I don't like that term.  It sounds like you're doing something wrong.  And guilt is never a good emotion to have, especially where it relates to weight-loss goals.   Dr. Oz. calls this Faturday (whether it falls on Saturday or not is up to the individual), and I haven't decided if I like that term or not.

One of my favorite splurges is alcohol.  Beer or wine.  I used to have the occasional drink during the week, but lately, I've been saving those indulgences for "special occasions."  And those special occasions might just be a Saturday night Rangers game at home.  Or a dinner out with friends.  The point is that I'm trying to make it a treat.  For me, that's the key to moderation without sacrifice.  I do the same thing with ice cream and other sweets.

Do you splurge?
What's your favorite splurge?


Weight-loss goal: 40 lbs.
This week's progress: +/- 0 lbs.
Progress to date: -26.2 lbs.
Non-scale victory: Last weekend, no less than three people commented on how good I look.  One of the comments came from someone whose opinion carries more power than that of others.  (And it probably shouldn't, but it does.)  Hearing the compliment from that person made me smile and feel proud of my hard work. Like I've said so many times, I may not be where I want to be yet, but I've made a lot of progress.  And apparently people are noticing.

3 comments:

  1. "Faturday" made me giggle, but I don't think I need a word like that in my life. The last Metabolic Boot Camp I did stressed taking one day a week to indulge as well- as long as you detox afterward to get all the fat back out of your system. I am a big believer that when you get a craving you should have a small amount of what you are craving so that you don't eat 5 other things instead trying to fill that void. My craving is usually either chocolate or bread.

    26.2 pounds is amazing! I am so impressed by your hard work and dedication to your goal. Love you!

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  2. I just call them splurge days. Faturday makes me giggle, but I'm not sure it has the positive tone you'd want to have in you WLJ.

    You do look great, btw, I'm very proud of you!

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  3. My mom did WW when I was in middle school and I learned SO much about food just from watching what she did to successfully lose those last 20 pounds. My habit, to this day, is to look at the fat grams and calories of a packaged food, estimate a points value in my head and decide if it's worth it. I know the program has changed so much over the years, but the bones of it are the same. It's a lifestyle! Congrats on the lifestyle change and the weight loss!

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