Friday, March 28, 2008

I've been on vacation...

And I mean that in both the literal & figurative sense. I've been away because I travelled to Oregon for a week. I have a friend out there who I went to visit. It's very beautiful out there. Before I left for my trip, I had a bit of a binge slip-up. I have been feeling very mediocre regarding my WW plan for several weeks. I haven't been strict. Hell, I haven't even been really counting points. I made a decision before my vacation that I was going to do what I wanted while on vacation, and when I returned, I was going to give the core plan an attempt. My leader suggests switching plans if you keep finding yourself in the same roadblock. So, I decided that's what I needed to do.

I feared the core plan a lot. For those that may not know the difference, WW has two plans. The flex plan gives you a daily points amount based on your weight, gender, activity level, etc. You can eat what you want, as long as you stay within your daily points value. There are good health guidelines to follow as well (such as drinking water, getting dairy, etc), but essentially, you could still eat crap while on this plan & lose weight. And tha'ts what I had been doing here and there. However, the core plan doesn't count points. There is a list of core foods, and you eat what you want to off this list (it's a big list), as much as it takes for you to feel satisfied. That's something that's very different between the plans. Flex doesn't require you to really pay attention to your comfort level. So oftentimes, I'd find myself eating simply because I had the points to use, not because I was actually hungry. Core also gives you 35 flex points per week, so if you want to eat something that's not a core food, you are still able to do that, within reason.

So the reason I was afraid of it was because I feel like if I knew when to stop when I was no longer hungry (vs. being full--that's very different!), I wouldn't weigh what I weigh now. This also changes pretty much my whole menu. Right now I do eat quite a few processed foods. Things that are quick and easy--frozen meals, 100 cal packs, etc. Core seems like a lot more "clean" eating. It also seems like a lot of work to learn the new program. But I think that's what I need. I need to focus on learning something new instead of being stuck in a comfortable spot.

I haven't been to a meeting in 2 weeks because of my trip. I will be going on Tuesday, and I am quite afraid. To be honest, I feel like I've probably gained like 10 pounds. That's what happens though when you dont' lead a healthy lifestyle. So, here's to trying something new...

If anyone that reads me is doing core or has tried it, could you please provide me with some encouragement or words of wisdom about the program? I'm going into this one blind!

10 comments:

HappyBlogChick said...

I've never done Core, but I look forward to hearing how it goes for you. I wish you luck!

Heather said...

vacations are always hard because you are breaking your routine and out of your element and you think, hey I shold just enjoy this. then you come home and face the scale, and I know for me, always regret eating like that. because I know that the food doesnt make the vacation fun, I did. from what I saw of your pics on your other blog, it looks like a fabulous time and you dont need food to make it more fabulous.

but with that said, I think its great yo uwant to try something new. I never tried core while on WW, but what I do now is pretty much like core. what I remember of core, it is eating more unprocessed foods (no sugar, cornsyrup, etc.), and eating the food groups. That is basically what I do now and I love it. I can understand why it may scare you though to have to listen to your body if that is why you have had issues with food. It was hard for me too, when I went off WW and no longer had points to tell me when to stop eating. it took a while too. but now I can go out to dinner and have a few bites and be full and now feel like I need to eat the entire dish. so give it a try, see what you think, and if its not for you, soemthing out here will be. I know you can do this and WILL do this, so just keep at it. we pretty much started this at the same time and we are going to finish it!

*ccc* said...

Can't say that I've tried core--I've been afraid of many of the things you mentioned--but I think like anything--if you set your mind to it, you will be successful.

Go to your meeting on Tuesday and whatever the scale says, it says. You will move forward. That number will go down again. Do not fret!

Hope you had a wonderful trip!!! :)

Diana Swallow said...

I haven't done core but I basically eat clean foods like on the list anyhow but I do count calories. You can do this and your body will love all of the unprocessed foods!!

Anonymous said...

I did core for awhile, and I have to say I feel better when I eat the foods on that list (even now that I'm doing flex again). You really have to become aware of your feelings of satisfaction and hunger. I think that's where I slipped up but I learned from it. It actually wasn't that hard as long as you pick foods from the list that you really like and stock up on them. I was surprised at how many recipes are mostly core ingredients. The eTools is a big help with that because you can put your recipes in there and find out if everything is core and/or how many flex points you have to use for it.

Hanlie said...

Just wishing you luck on core! It's much healthier for you!

Unknown said...

After I fall off the wagon, I hate getting on the scale, but the way I see it is that it's a new starting point if I have gained. It's the only way to assess where you are and where you need to go. It'll be fine!

Lyn said...

Welcome back, Teale!! You were missed. I have never tried Core but I wish you lots of success with it.

Lauren said...

good luck with your new plan. You have one, which is more than I do.

FAT BRIDESMAID said...

Glad you're back, Teale! Keep us posted on how Core goes. I'm always interested in it but I keep chickening out.