Timing/Speed of Lifestyle Changes

[WakefieldWendy]

It seems to me that there are multiple views of implementing lifestyle changes.

On the one extreme is the idea that you need to leave some activities behind, rather than incrementally change them. For example, smokers who quit cold turkey. I think reducing carbs is like that, because I think reducing them incrementally (i.e. start at breakfast) is likely just to promote carb rebound hunger.

On the other extreme is the idea that we need to make changes slowly so that we can fully incorporate them into our routine. For example, I deliberately didn't set goals relating to exercise, or water, or supplements etc. this month. I believe that I need to focus on making eating right a routine again. If it is too hard, I know I am more likely to quit.

So, what works best for you in different situations? Presumably you have times that you go all in, and other times where you seek to change gradually. What reasons motivate your approach in different situations?

[maxlharris]

Hybrid approach. Cold turkey on every individual piece, but no more than two pieces at a time. It's important for me to ritualize things. So, I don't try to change everything all at once. It won't stick, at least with me. But when I make the change, it's full bore. If I'm taking the pills, take the pills like it's religion. If it's cut the carbs, cut to the right level, no taper down (it's a recipe for failure this tapering, IMHO). If I'm doing the water, I'm doing the water.

I think, depending on the person, there are, as you say, some that give them selves to gradual change (upping water drinking) and some that don't (cutting carbs, taking pills).

Ultimately, the thing is whatever is gonna make the change permanent for you.

[Missy]

I'm a "cold turkey" for sure! :D When I'm "in it" I'm golden. And when I'm not...well, :o :rolleyes: :eek: :D

[wheresfluffy]

I guess I am doing a mix of both. During June I am working towards the PPWOL by re-training myself to pay attention to both carbs and protein, and by re-reading the books. July 3 I go all in.

PS - Wendy - I grew up in Ottawa * waves hi to the Valley *

[Spruce Goose]

I sort of went cold turkey with the carbs. The first week my wife was doing the plan but I wasn't really doing it. It had nothing to do with tapering, there was just too much perfectly good food that I didn't want to waste.

As such, I don't count that first week as actually being on the plan.

[deirdra]

Hello Wakefield Wendy, I remember you from the old board! I have finally found success by taking it slowly.

First I set a reasonable goal of 150 lbs with no deadline to achieve it, and aimed for 1700 calories/day or more - a weight I knew I could maintain for a while based on past experiences, and calorie reduction (1100-1450, usually) was out since it never provided lasting results, it just led to frustration & binges. I picked 1700 to start because that is what several sources say is what a 5'6" woman weighing 150 would need to maintain it. I.e. throughout the losing phase, I ate like I would be eating for the rest of my life, not like I was on a diet, and just let it take however long it would take. I did monitor my food choices & intake and weight daily, but did not punish myself or cut back after an excursion. If I was hungry, I ate more fat & protein.

While on PP before, I got impatient & reduced calories. This time I added fat and ate 2000 calories instead, which took me below my original goal to 136. I also cut out excessive exercising and have been effortlessly maintaining for 13 months at a weight I hadn't lived at since I was 15 (37 years ago), many yo-yo diets ago.

[WakefieldWendy]

Hello,

These are interesting replies. Is there anything psychological in you that makes you pick one approach over another?

Deirdra - Your plan sounds completely sensible. I'd love to hear more about how you experimented/varied it to come up with what you've got now. What kinds of fats did you add? Can you give me a typical menu on the 1700 calories and on the 2000 calories?

WheresFluffy - Hi! I live in Ottawa (Orleans) now but when I first posted I was in Wakefield and that's the handle that old-timers know me by. Where are you?

[wheresfluffy]

These are interesting replies. Is there anything psychological in you that makes you pick one approach over another?
WheresFluffy - Hi! I live in Ottawa (Orleans) now but when I first posted I was in Wakefield and that's the handle that old-timers know me by. Where are you?

The first time I embraced PP I was all-in because it was exciting and new, and I hopeful and ready to start ASAP. This second time 'round I know what my challenges will be and I am taking June to ease into the program. Psychology? Perhaps, maybe it is me just being 7 years older.

I'm in Toronto now, but lived in Nepean for 15 years.

[Tatsujin]

Just some thoughts......
The way I have handled the change was to focus on an "overall picture"
eat right and exercise and feeling good......not worrying about how much protein, ratios, etc etc. but just making real simple choices about only putting quality foods into my body. and getting exercise.
I noticed in the beginning that I just felt really good doing that....and then after 3 weeks when I'd cave on a Friday night and would have pizza with my kids, I would just feel rotten from it (physically). So now 9 months later, this is just the way I live. I read recently; "
You know that you cannot control the outcome, only control your inputs to the process. Failure does not exist because you know you cannot make an arbitrary outcome happen. Thus there can be no failure. Enjoy and thrive on process, not outcome. In fact, failure only comes to those who think they can control the process. Only they can fail because they have false beliefs. This sets them up for failure on the very terms they specify."
Like I said just some thoughts.... ;-)
Enjoy the day!!!
T.
www.feelgoodeating.blogspot.com (http://www.feelgoodeating.blogspot.com)