Cheering, Chatting, and Choosing Smartly

This past week was probably the busiest social week I’ve had on Program—maybe ever. Normally my week starts on Wednesday, but I had to move my appointment to Tuesday.

That little twist kicked off a whirlwind stretch:

Go Sun!

• Wednesday was final Mohegan Sun WNBA game with a friend.

• Thursday was speed dating in Old Mystic Village.

• Friday I was back at the Sun for their season ticket holder event.

• Saturday was family dinner to celebrate my grandfather’s life.

By Sunday, you’d think I’d collapse into bed—but instead, I went shopping with my mom and then swam in the pool (because if you’ve got a heater, you use it until the very end of the season!).

As wonderful as it all was, a week like this does challenge one of the Behavior Modification Techniques:

“Meals should be eaten at the same time each day. Schedule snacks for you.”

With such a packed social calendar, my dinners were all over the place. To stay on track, I used my trusty sticky notes and split up my foods. That way, I wasn’t starving at events—or overloading earlier in the day.

Before the Sun game, my friend suggested we grab dinner. That meant less time at home to prep something before heading to the casino, but I knew I could make it work. We found a little sports bar tucked among the slot machines and poker tables, and I ordered a burger with a side salad. Instead of feeling restricted or guilty, I enjoyed the burger — while still staying on Program (counting it as 3 proteins and 2 breads). That small choice mattered. I didn’t spiral, I didn’t overeat, and I didn’t let it derail the rest of my night. And since a baked potato wasn’t an option, I just finished the day at home with 4 ounces of microwaved corn and spray butter.

Another example, on speed dating night I had my Sinless Strawberry Milkshake and 3 egg whites with 1 oz of turkey sausage on half a pita before heading out. I counted one cocktail as my extra at the event, and when I got home, I finished with a light English muffin topped with peanut butter and jelly. Planned, balanced, and satisfied.

Yes, the modification teaches us to keep mealtimes consistent, but real life doesn’t always work that way. Social lives don’t stop just because we’re on Program. The key is to plan smartly, be flexible, and protect yourself from those temptations—like cupcakes at speed dating or pizza at the arena.

And speaking of speed dating—it was at Toast + Tonic in Mystic (super cute, not Thin’s In friendly). I had ten six-minute dates, matched with a few guys (though more friend material than soulmate material), and even left with a new group chat of girlfriends. Who knows? Maybe Mr. Right is at the next event… or maybe I’ll meet him as the host, since I applied to run future sessions!

All in all, it was a great week of fun, planning, and yes—progress.

This week’s loss: 4 pounds 

Total loss so far: 34 pounds