And Here's a Counter Example...

...to the previous blog post.

I've ended up not posting at all during the first semester of college, the entire winter break, and an entire six weeks into the second semester. Mostly, it's because I was too stressed to do anything during the first semester, too bored and lazy during winter break, and too depressed during the start of the second semester. And now, I have the determination and conviction to pick up my blog from where I left it.

I've had a running with a weight plateau, and I'm absolutely determined to break through it. My plan of action is based on the following rules:

1.  No more sugar. My sugar cravings and binges have gotten out of hand again, and I need a period to detox from the sugar spikes. This includes (but isn't limited to) gummy worms, ice cream, cookies, muffins, chocolates, brownies, pies, cupcakes, and candies.
2. Go for the most protein-dense dish or a salad. I often run into the "All the food options are bad for me" mentality, and end up spending 5-10 minutes staring at the different stations, knowing I need to eat something so my friends won't comment on an empty food tray. This rule should help my indecisive mind to get something I won't regret later.
3. No more den-food. Den food is rejected food from fellow floormates that don't want to throw it away. The food is usually chips, popcorn, yucky candy, a slice of pizza, or other high calorie foods. The ONLY acceptable den food is fruit or wholesomely cooked dishes (both rare occurrences). I'm going to absolutely hate this rule since it's banning me from free food, and free food is the best on my college-budget.
4. No eating four hours before bed. If cravings hit after 9pm, chew gum, drink water or tea, or exercise. Chewing and tea will give flavor, water and tea will give fullness, and exercise will relieve stress and make me sleepy.
5. No snacks during study group. Everyone can see all the food you eat, and it would be horrible to trigger a binge in front of them. Gum or sunflower seeds instead before caving in to the pressure.
6. Sunflower seeds for salt-cravings. They take a long time to eat, making it tough to binge on. Plus, binging/over eating them causes salt-blisters on the lips, which become painful enough to want to stop eating for a few hours.
7. Drink water! When I wake up, around noon, before dinner, and before bed. Two cups each time, and I should meet my daily intake easily.
8. SLEEP. Insomnia and binging go hand in hand. Sleep will help my mind stay awake and alert in academics. It will also help my body recharge after workouts.

There may be more rules added, but these address my downfalls and provide solutions. Other than that, I plan on a 1000Cal cap on my daily intake, and won't punish myself unless I go over 1600 (Which is supposedly my BMR, although I'm absolutely positive convinced it is too high for me). Punishment means brushing teeth with the yucky (but thorough) toothpaste. On days that I go below the SGD calorie cap, I earn sushi the following day. I absolutely love the vegetable sushi, but it's quite expensive. I never know when I should have it, or at least when I deserve something so wonderful--this will fix that.

Well, I'll post when I have the chance. Hopefully, the stress doesn't get to me and I can notice a change by the end of the month.