Once upon a time, I knew this girl in Chicago. Well, one day she conversationally mentioned she had been reading this book about organization strategies for adults with Attention Deficient Disorder (ADD), and the gist of it (or at least some part of it) was that those with ADD need as few steps as possible to put something where it belongs. So for instance, if there is a specific place for scissors, it should be a bin that they can be tossed in, NOT in a bin, with a lid, on a shelf, that requires a ladder to reach. I never read the book – but it would probably be a very interesting read
I do not have ADD, but this concept struck me this week on a few levels. On Thursday, I started logging calories again. I would eat breakfast 1 at home, get to work by 9 and log it, the log breakfast 2, lunch 2… and then somewhere around 4:00 PM my highly structured work day becomes a little less structured, and calorie logging does not happen. See, prior to 4:00 PM I’m at the computer, and logging calories is actually a quick little break from my tedious work. Around 4:00 PM, however, I start to fade, am rushing to finish my day, meeting with colleagues to wrap things up, and eventually I’m home, working out, catching a little TV, etc.
So, the way I see it, I have two options. Option 1, I can change my behavior. This is a highly optimal option, as we all know it’s about calories in and calories out. HOWEVER, I have made a decision to temporarily let this go and follow a “no calorie counting” diet plan for two weeks – Option 2.
The thing about no-counting diets is generally this: certain foods are OK to eat, and certain foods are not. I believe I’ve spoken to being more successful when the rules are black and white when it comes to food consumption, so I expect this to work in my favor. And, it’s fewer steps, as I mentioned in my ADD organization example.
I know there are few diets out there that are no calorie counting, including the afore mentioned Atkins and 4 Hour Body – though I’ve already poo pooed on those for allowing items like bacon while disallowing an apple. An example I’m not very familiar with is the Paleo diet – supposedly things that cavemen and cavewomen could obtain (and no dairy). I plan to do the South Beach diet for at least a couple of weeks. I do feel it will jumpstart my efforts again and get me out of this plateau phase.
If you’re not familiar with South Beach, here is the gist. In the first phase, it’s sort of a cleanse. Though it is restrictive, it only lasts 14 days. Lean proteins and most vegetables are allowed, along with nuts, beans, cheese and eggs. Note that there is no bread and sugar is only allowed only in the form of veggies. In Phase two, you are still in a weight-loss place. You can reintroduce most fruits, dairy, and to a limited degree, some starches. Phase 3 is maintenance. It’s like a slightly less restrictive Phase 2.
My aunt once exclaimed that she did not know how these diets worked – where you don’t count calories and can eat whatever you want. The idea is that when you eat foods that don’t contain starches and sugar, your hunger does not spike when you come down from a sugar “high.” And, because the foods you eat are the ones that make you feel fuller longer, you aren’t drawn to food all day long.
I do still plan to keep things structured with five meals per day, and I may keep an eye on calorie count, but I’m going for it. I have to get out of this rut that has me frustrated, and start following a plan that’s more than just watching my calories.
And if you want to tell me this is the wrong thing to do, save it please! Particularly if you think that I shouldn’t do this at all! I’m occasionally (or often) stubborn and want to do things my way and learn for myself (right, mom?)
Status: 15 lbs lost (still…)
I will take measurements soon and give you all a heads up!
