Summary

The author of a 12-week calorie-counting challenge reflects on a difficult seventh week, characterized by minimal effort, overindulgence in food and drink, and a commitment to improve in the upcoming week.

Abstract

In the seventh week of her calorie-counting challenge, the author admits to barely exerting effort, succumbing to temptations like wine and snacks, and feeling physically unwell as a result. Despite consistently tracking calories, the quality of her diet and adherence to healthier habits were lacking. She acknowledges the mental struggle involved in maintaining a calorie deficit and the ease with which calories can accumulate. The author recognizes the importance of protein in her diet for satiety and energy levels and is determined to make significant improvements in the following week, viewing the challenge as a necessary wake-up call for better dietary management.

Opinions

The author expresses dissatisfaction with her own effort during the week, describing it as a "1/8-assed" attempt.
She believes that the mind plays a crucial role in dietary adherence, often convincing one to make unhealthy choices.
The author values the insight provided by calorie counting, as it helps her identify and combat poor eating habits.
She emphasizes the benefits of a protein-rich diet, noting its impact on fullness, snack cravings, and overall energy.
Despite a setback, the author is motivated to clean up her diet and views the challenge as beneficial for revealing her struggles with food.
She suggests that others facing similar challenges with food might benefit from calorie counting to gain insight into their dietary habits.

Calorie-Counting Challenge Week 7 Breakdown (Barely Hanging On…)

I didn’t quit this week, but I 1/8-assed it.

(In case you missed it, I’m doing a 12-week calorie-counting challenge. You can find everything here.)

Last week I quit but quickly realized what a terrible idea that was. (The Voodoo pretzels are now gone. 😅 )

This week I didn’t quit, but I gave up in a different way. I gave up on trying to be healthier, eating better, and actually reducing my calories.

I half-assed it the whole way.

It wasn’t even a half-assed attempt. It was more of a 1/8-assed attempt. That’s not a lot of ass.

I had way too much wine (and other adult beverages), and way too many snacks like my other downfall...chips.

And I feel terrible because of all that.

I’m puffy, bloated, and the bags under my eyes are taking on a life of their own.

Week 8 needs to be different.

But…

I was consistent, I guess.

I counted calories every day. I didn’t do it perfectly (or even semi-perfectly), but I did it.

I know it sounds like counting calories is tedious and a struggle, and it is in some ways. But it’s really the mind that’s the problem. It needs to constantly be wrangled so it doesn’t convince you to:

overeat
eat too many BBQ chips
drink too much wine
want to quit just because

That little devil on the shoulder is constantly trying to get me into shenanigans when it comes to food.

(That’s something to tackle in week 8.)

But I appreciate calorie counting, and this challenge because it allows me to see the little devil easier. If you can see him, you can do something about him.

Final Results for Week 7

You can see what happened on Sunday. I had a lot of calories. I always laugh when people say things like, “I don’t know how anyone can eat 2,000 calories in a day. It’s soooo much!”

These are people who’ve never tracked their calories.

It adds up fast.

I still don’t eat enough protein. If I increased my protein daily, it would change everything. I really mean that. When I eat enough protein, it changes my whole day:

I feel satiated
I don’t get snacky
I feel energized

For instance, if I have eggs or egg whites, and mix them with chicken or tuna for breakfast, I stay full for many, many hours.

Protein is magical stuff.

Annddd… my weight is going up, not down. 😅

Oops! Week 8 will be better! (Make sure to check back to see if I’m lying or not.)

Final Thoughts

After going through this week, and feeling terrible, I’m more determined than ever to clean up my diet (at least enough to feel better) and get back on track. While this challenge has been tough at times, it’s also the eye-opener I needed.

If you have a similar struggle with the little Food Devil, I recommend counting calories, even just for a couple of weeks. It may help you see why you’re struggling and what you can do about it.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on managing mindset struggles when it comes to weight loss. Leave a comment. I read every single one!

About the Author

Hey! I’m Christina. I’m a married mom to two teenagers (and 3 cats and a dog). I love BBQ potato chips, hard rock music 🤘, and murder mystery books.

I also love creating quick, easy-to-digest newsletters to help you find simple side income ideas online that won’t take over your life. 👈 Click that astonishingly long link to sign up for free.