Thanks, Mike. I have felt better the last two days. I'm still eating the wrong foods but I've been doing it on purpose - if you know what I mean. I'm in control of my bad decisions now. I know that I technically always was in control, but it certainly didn't feel that way.
I've decided (and I was going to keep this to myself but that honesty bug hit me) that for a little bit - meaning however long it takes before I feel ready to move to a next step - that I'm going to eat just packets. But if I want something to eat, I'm going to have an extra packet. That might mean I eat 7 or 8 meals a day, and none of them will be a L&G. I know that's not the right way to do the program, but as a first step I know it is a better choice than what I've been doing.
As I feel stronger I will try to drop down to just 6 packets a day. And from there I will gauge when I feel ready to add in a L&G - which I may not do on any regular schedule. Although I was thinking about going the extra packet route during the week, and then having a L&G on the weekends when my husband is around and we eat together.
I want to make a change but it feels bad whenever I say 'I'll be compliant today.' It feels like a lie. This is something I believe I can do. And maybe I'll only need a day or two before I feel ready to get back to 5/1 - and I know in the meantime my carbs might be too high - but I just can't believe that having extra packets is going to be worse for me than having 3 supplements a day and then eating a horrible dinner/dessert.
So, that's what I'm doing. I know a lot of people won't agree with it, and I'm not saying this is how a newbie should do the program - but I need an intermediate step and I feel this is something I can commit to right now.
On a totally unrelated front - Biki, are you reading? Yesterday I wore the pants suit with lacy black/purple cami and heels - I got several compliments even though I felt a little weird - exposed somehow, even though I was fully covered. So today we have a performance to do for the kids, and I had to wear bright colors - so I am wearing a hot pink t-shirt with jeans and my camo flats. I'm hoping because it's a solid color that it's OK? I wish I had some zebra flats - I saw those on a student teacher the other day and they were so cute! If this is totally looking horrible in your mind, don't tell me until after 3:30. Then I'll be home and won't have to worry all day that I'm not matching!