There seems to be a lot of debate on here about this, some are strict about this and some more lenient. I believe it's important to develop new and healthy habits but the thought of never eating some foods again seems too extreme. I mean in my hey day I could easily devour half a pizza myself, if I can now have one occasionally while sticking to my meal plan isn't that fine? I'd like to still be able to have treats.

I'm still healing so haven't experienced this yet but in 6 months, if i'm staying within my calorie range and eating healthy foods 90-95% of the time, i think i'd be okay with that. Curious what people think especially those that are far out in this journey?

I had to go through a 12-week program and lose 10% before surgery. During that time the biggest thing I learned was how to budget calories the way I budget time and money. Occasionally I could "afford" a little bit of something decadent and it was nice. Just knowing I COULD have it whenever I wanted to budget for it sort of took away the "forbidden fruit" mystique. I feel the same way about it now - if an occasion comes up I'll budget for it and have a little birthday cake or whatever it is - if I ever reach a point of wanting such things again. My tastes are changing and I would rather have raw vegetables and grilled, lean meat than anything else. I'm 2 months post-op so we'll see how it goes.

So many honeymooners have replied to this thread, mostly honeymooners actually, fascinating.

So many honeymooners have replied to this thread, mostly honeymooners actually, fascinating.

I can't tell whether or not your tone here is derisive.

I can't tell whether or not your tone here is derisive.

I took it in a condescending way, but maybe I'm wrong. We may be honeymooners but someone has to reply!

I took it in a condescending way, but maybe I'm wrong. We may be honeymooners but someone has to reply!

History says you are correct, but I hate to assume so I asked.

I wonder how long one is considered one of those darned "honeymooners" and when their input starts to matter.

Maybe the "honeymooners" input starts to matter after we've been successful enough to take provocative pictures and post it as our profile picture? Okay if that wasn't snarky than I don't know what it is. And I told myself I wouldn't be bitchy…

I'm 9 months post RNY, 4 years post band....not sure I qualify as a honeymooner??? But I like the honeymooners! They have an innocence and excitement that a lot of old timers lose so I say post away youngsters!

I love honeymooners. That Ralph Kramden kills me.

But seriously, is this the vet forum? If not then all should answer...as the question was "what is your food philosophy" not "what is your food philosophy veterans".

Ok....so I have a different approach that really worked for me and I'd like to share. Yes this approach evolved over time but it made sense to me and I don't think it gets much voice around here. I abstained during my weight loss. I had to, I have too many trigger foods and can be lead down that bingeful path too easily.

But once I got to goal, I slowly lessened the reigns a bit to allow a few treats here and there. And not all of those were pure crap foods. I now enjoy sweet potato fries a couple times a month (as an example)....one of my all time favorites. But I stayed away from them during my weight loss. Now when I want something, I will try to add it into my diet. If it crashes my nutritional goals or causes me cravings that I can't control, I scratch it off the list and don't try it again.

My point is you can be strict, without thinking it has to be forever. Letting go of that "all or nothing forever" mentality is liberating.

For me the main danger of an all or nothing attitude is that it often leads to a falling off the wagon, which is then followed by a f*&k it attitude. In my past.

So while I think complete compliance is important early on, while you still have the new car smell on you, I am positive that I will experiment like Butter when the time comes.

Off topic, I am having a really hard time chewing scrambled eggs. Who knew?

So many honeymooners have replied to this thread, mostly honeymooners actually, fascinating.

And what exactly is your point? I value all opinions so either contribute or keep it moving.

I believe in moderation for everything in life.

However, I do hope that I lose interest in certain foods, just because of how unhealthy / damaging it could be.

I don't think it matters where you are in your journey to answer this particular question. The answer is very personal and depends on an individual's relationship with food. I have 25 pounds left to lose and my philosophy has always been everything in moderation. It works for me and I work out a lot. I'm still working on my relationship with food but I think abstaining will cause more damage as it has in the past. I just wanna be normal, damnit! I may sing a different tune when I'm in maintenance, but this is where I'm at now.

"Ok....so I have a different approach that really worked for me and I'd like to share. Yes this approach evolved over time but it made sense to me and I don't think it gets much voice around here. I abstained during my weight loss. I had to, I have too many trigger foods and can be lead down that bingeful path too easily.

But once I got to goal, I slowly lessened the reigns a bit to allow a few treats here and there. And not all of those were pure crap foods. I now enjoy sweet potato fries a couple times a month (as an example)....one of my all time favorites. But I stayed away from them during my weight loss. Now when I want something, I will try to add it into my diet. If it crashes my nutritional goals or causes me cravings that I can't control, I scratch it off the list and don't try it again.

My point is you can be strict, without thinking it has to be forever. Letting go of that "all or nothing forever" mentality is liberating."

I am approaching goal and thinking a lot about maintenance at this point. I have the same approach to my weight loss phase and like the maintenance philosophy you are using so will be adopting that once I get there. Thanks for sharing Butter!

I don't think it matters where you are in your journey to answer this particular question. The answer is very personal and depends on an individual's relationship with food. I have 25 pounds left to lose and my philosophy has always been everything in moderation. It works for me and I work out a lot. I'm still working on my relationship with food but I think abstaining will cause more damage as it has in the past. I just wanna be normal, damnit! I may sing a different tune when I'm in maintenance, but this is where I'm at now.

Seriously.....tell me I can't have it and even if it's something I HATE I will go crazy wanting it . I'm like a little kid