u/zombacula

I don't believe I starved myself when I don't count calories. I felt fine and whatever.

That being said, I'm not good at estimating calories based on my guessed serving size, and I tend to over estimate the calories of what I ate. Then, because I think I ate more than I really did, I have a lighter meal later in the day and a very small dessert.

However, when I count calories and really pay attention to the nutritional info, I see that I am left with a decent amount of calories at the end of the day, so I treat myself to a reeeaaally decadent dessert or more treats throughout the day, or use butter when cooking, fry my eggs, have a second serving, etc.

So, I end up eating MORE because I'm not overestimating calories.

I should also add that I use a weight loss program where you "earn back" calories for steps and weight lifting. I walk easily 15K+ steps a day and work out 5 days a week.

So, I end up with at least a 1,600 calorie budget most days.

(I lose an average of 3lbs a month. It's slow but generally steady)

Edit: I figured out I was overestimating calories because I wasn't using a food scale. Now I'm using one and seeing how wrong my estimates were!

The goal is to get used better at estimating so I don't need the scale, but that's been a challenge

Many may know that the ED decided it will review which orgs will count as a qualifying employer for purposes of PSLF.

The ED said they will use the "preponderance of the evidence" standard of review to decide whether an org is engaging in illegal activity. That means that the evidence "more likely than not" indicates a thing occurred.

Here, that would mean that, based on the evidence, the org more likely than not did illegal activity OR that there is insufficient evidence to determine that the org more likely than not did illegal activity.

Any insight about how the ED will treat higher education institutes and what kinds of recourse an org may have if the ED revokes their status as a qualifying employer?

After joining this group, (and speaking with my doctor), I admit that picking is a medical problem and not just a nasty habit that I should be able to stop with sheer willpower. So, I changed how I'm dealing with my medical condition.

Now, I have a thick hand lotion, a cuticle cutter, a pair of thin gloves, and several fidget toys in my car, purse, and every room of the house (EVERY room), including in a basket on a table next to my favorite chair. I also wear a discreet fidget toy on my wrist.

I set an hourly day-time alarm on my fitbit. When it goes off, I lotion my hands, even if they don't feel dry.

I also bit the bullet and got a manicure with an extra thick powder setting. I had to ask for this. The thickness blunted the tips of my nails, so they aren't sharp anymore. I can no longer open a soda can, but that's ok. I just use a knife edge or ask my partner. Now, I can't scratch my hands, face, or body, so it's worth it.

I'll have to pay for these nails every 3rd week for $45+tip, and that really sucks. But what sucks more is bleeding hands, scars on my body, and marks on my face. I consider the money to be a medical expense.

So far it's worked for me. It's only been 2 weeks, but I'm feeling hopeful and proud of myself, and importantly, not like I'm a shameful loser who can't kick a gross habit. I now acknowledge that it's going to be ongoing, long-term, "treatment." Facing that fact has helped me greatly.

Of course, I could try meds for OCD, but I have reasons for not wanting that.

Also, I'm not saying you all are shameful losers. That's just how I felt about myself for many years.

Someone I'm close to is dieting in an extreme way (he is 6'2", 190 lbs, 40's, very athletic). We went out for lunch yesterday, and he brought his own lunch.

He ate only a raw red pepper and a normal-sized red apple (so, maybe 130 cal total). When I offered him my side salad, which was only only mixed greens with grape tomatoes, he turned it down, pointing out that it had "processed salad dressing." It was a vinaigrette.

He eats like that all the time. Maaaybe 1,000 calories a day. He is starving himself and doesn't realize it. I've pointed it out and so have others.

Don't be like this guy. Eat a decent meal. Make sure it has a good amount of protein, especially if you exercise 2 hours a day like this guy.

And it's completed!!! It has slow burn love, magic, many developed characters, not cliche in the lightest, adventure, etc. it's just a really good story.

Check it out before if/when we toons turns it into a daily thing.