5 replies to this topic

[JJillO]

I've been on JC for the last 18 months. I lost 35 pounds in the first six or seven months, but the past year I've been sliding up and down the same five pounds. The good news is, I can maintain. The bad news is I'm maintaining the wrong weight. I'm still 30 pounds from goal. I'm good about going to my weekly consultations and I love the food. My biggest problem is saying no to eating out. (If only they had restaurants that served JC food, I'd be set!)

I live by myself and it is SO hard to turn down an offer to have dinner with someone (or lunch during the workweek). I know that being good and eating whatever I have planned for lunch or dinner will get me to my goal, but I hate eating alone and miss the social interaction. I can make good restaurant choices once or twice a week, but any more than that and I'm headed for a push at the scale the next WI.

I have recommitted myself this past Wednesday and have had 5 100% Jenny days in a row. I like to get out and socialize with my friends as well as meet new people. I racked my brain this weekend to come up with something to do on a Friday or Saturday night that didn't involve eating or drinking. Playing cards is fun and also going to the movies, but other than that, I'm coming up short. Does anyone have suggestions?

[LesterLou]

Karaoke? Piano bar? Dance club? Volunteer to be the designated driver. Don't take cash. Eat before you go and carry your JC snack in your purse.

Hang out in the cool section of town... downtown, arts district, college area. Sip a low-fat sugar free latte (as a milk exchange) or better yet, drink tea. Focus on walking and window shopping instead of sitting and chowing down. Taking pictures of your friends or surroundings is a fun no-cost no-calorie activity.

I love board games and jigsaw puzzles. Video games keep you occupied too.

[farr-out mom]

I have the best luck eating out when I decide what I'm going to order BEFORE I get there. Menus are available on the internet - in phone books - etc., and if I know ahead of time - I don't even have to look at a menu and tempt myself. It's a shame to give up eating out in its entirety - good luck -

[french-girl-nyc]

Eat you JC meal before and just order a salad. You will be full when you arrive so it will be easier to make the right choice. And you won't spend as much money!

Compensate with sport! When I know I will not be serious, I try to burned at least 2500 calories during the day, that way, I still have a big deficit of calories. And sometimes, you don't even want as much as you thought, because you really suffered to burned those calories.

In addition, like farr-out mom, I always look up the menus before going to a restaurant (but with a full stomach). This way, you make the right choices!

Good luck!

[Vilanovarican]

You can usually find healthier options on menus these days and if not, order your food in a healthy way. Salads w/ no cheese or croutons and LF or FF Dressing on the Side. Grilled Chicken w/ plain baked potato and steamed veggies, etc. My fav restaurant is panera. You can pick healthier bread options and if you get a sandwich no cheese or mayo..my fav is low fat smoked turkey on whole grain w/ no mayo or salt/pepper and i ask for extra mustard and veggies...i accompany that w/ lowfat vegitarian black bean soup or garden vegatable soup and pick an apple for my side.

I know it's hard and tempting when you go out...but you know what's healthy and have the power to make the right choices. I think i've eaten out once every day for the past two weeks and have still lost almost 2 lbs. And when you go out and your friends are drinking...opt for a wine spritzer w/ club soda...or club soda w/ a splash of cranberry....learn to be creative...you can succeed...and the weight you've already lost shows that!

Good LUck,
Marilee

[AmieB]

I like LesterLou's suggestions. Maybe by planning the events you will be in more control of whether there is food or not. I am a massive social eater and one of the things I like about JC is that I can go home and eat and not have to worry about anyone else being there while I do. But it is lonely.

What about hobbies or an intermural sports event? Being active while you socialize means you can enjoy that frozen yogurt without too much guilt because you earned it.

Good luck. I know it's hard. I also have a hard time when I'm on a date and don't want to be the "girl who only orders salad". But we do it because we see the goal at the end.

Congrats on the weight loss so far. That is awesome and you're gonna get to your next one too!