Temptations Out, Game Plan In

I’ve talked a lot about organization since I restarted Program—from reprogramming my thoughts and thinking thin to my flow charts and sticky notes. That’s because getting organized and figuring out what works for you is crucial—not just in life, but especially in Program. The first five weeks are when you build those habits that will carry you all the way to your ultimate goal.

And part of that is making yourself a priority.

You may have kids, roommates, or a significant other, so completely purging your kitchen of all the evil, tempting (yet delicious) foods might not be possible—and that’s okay. The key is making sure you have what you need to stay true and hit your goals.

So for Week Five, I’m sharing my last organization tip—which just happens to pair perfectly with this week’s Behavior Modification Technique:

“Shop weekly with a list. Be sure you do not shop when you are hungry.”

If you shop for others as well as yourself, try making a separate grocery list for your own food. That way, you only eat what you’ve planned for on your food sheet, and everything else is off-limits.

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Before I get into my shopping tips, here’s a quick story.

My parents went on vacation this week, and I’m staying at their house for 8½ days. (Three dogs included—more of a side note than a Program detail.)

The night before they left, I invited my mom over for a very Thin’s In–friendly dinner: buffalo steaks, potatoes, asparagus, and green beans, with sparkling water in wine glasses for a little flair.

Yes, I was shamelessly buttering her up for a favor.

After dinner—coffee ready for her—I asked if she’d “purge” her house for me. Chips, crackers, waffles, candy, cookies… basically anything I know I can’t handle, gone or hidden.

She did an amazing job. Which meant I now needed to go grocery shopping for my own stash at her house.

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Here’s the thing—I’m not actually a once-a-week shopper. Even though I’m shopping just for me (and the dog), I can’t seem to plan more than three days ahead. So I shop every two days or so, always with a list, and often while planning my food sheet.

The best extra tip I can give? Bring your blue book with you.

Mine lives in my purse—grocery store, dinner out, work, it’s always there. If I’m at the meat or fish counter and see something interesting, I can check exactly how much I can have, find a matching veggie, or get flavor ideas on the spot. I also keep my food sheet

tucked in the book so I know how many proteins or layaways I have left for dinner.

Days where I have four proteins open, I might grab a 5oz pre-cut salmon filet or a small steak. If I only have three left, I’ll use the book to find a 2oz protein—like certain fish—so I can still enjoy a full dinner.

It’s such a small thing, but it makes a huge difference in staying on track.

This week’s loss: 3 pounds

Total loss so far: 17 pounds