PastaQueen - Comments on 'Default Setting'

john commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 07:03:30 -0500

By john]]> Right on! I used to think that an outcome of my diet would be that eventually I wouldn't have to think about food anymore, but then I realized that it would be too easy to fall back into checking the "default checkboxes" - I know myself well enough to know this will be a constant vigil for the rest of my (now hopefully longer) life.

"Stop at Arby's on the way home and eat curly fries at red lights"

I sure can relate to this - although for me it was foot long Subway sandwiches. More than once I came home with my front a little messy. My clean car thanks me for not eating in it any more.

Rah commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 08:10:31 -0500

By Rah]]> Your analogy is right on, PQ. I often find myself going back to your "motivation vs. discipline" post, and this default setting idea nicely develops that thought. [Gah, I sound like a professor!]

Mindy commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 08:21:16 -0500

By Mindy]]> Excellent post!

Princess Dieter commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 08:32:27 -0500

By Princess Dieter]]> I have long advocated that organ donation be like that, default. And furthermore, anyone who opts out of donating is also opting out of RECEIVING organs. I think it's hypocritical and unfair for someone to refuse to be a donor but STILL WANTS TO GET an organ when they need it. Tough. You don't donate, you don't get an organ. Period.

Mir

Hanlie commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 09:49:36 -0500

By Hanlie]]> I learn something from you every day! You are absolutely right...

Tom Bastek commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 10:26:31 -0500

By Tom Bastek]]> Hey there,
I lost 60 lbs in 3 months and thought it was a lot! You though, are kicking butt! (or ass, I guess, becuase it sounds funnier)

Tom Bastek
Hilton Head Popcorn Co.
www.hiltonheadpopcorn.com

BrightAngel commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 10:54:18 -0500

By BrightAngel]]> Insightful and Motivating.

Marianne commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:00:23 -0500

By Marianne]]> Great post, PQ.

I am realising more and more how much my unhealthy habits have become the default setting. It never used to be that way, but slowly it happened. It will and is changing though!

Scale Junkie commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:21:42 -0500

By Scale Junkie]]> Unchecking the unhealthy habits short term has never been a problem for me, I have to figure out how to keep them unchecked long term.

Sally Parrott Ashbrook commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 14:30:43 -0500

By Sally Parrott Ashbrook]]> Great post--you explained that concept very well.

CEL commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:42:40 -0500

By CEL]]> I have been a fan of your blog for months for some reason my office unblocked the comments section today so watch out I'll be posting more often! (lol)I love this post! When I am around people who are not trying to be healthier I see my former self and how I just did things without thinking. I went to a friend's 30th birthday brunch buffet yesterday and everyone lined up for an omelet and I did too I asked for egg whites and they didn’t have them but I stayed in line anyway...As the chef poured tons of oil in the frying pan I had to actually THINK and say out loud well then I don’t have an omelet and I moved onto the baked salmon for my protein. That was HUGE for me to not just go with the flow. Un-checking those boxes takes time and effort but boy is it worth it!!Great post!

laurie commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:02:22 -0500

By laurie]]> Even though I have worked hard to "uncheck my boxes" as you so aptly said it, I still sometimes find myself momentarily on autopilot. Last week, for example, I was down in Macy's Plaza to pick up a gift for someone at lunchtime and I thought, "Oh I can just pop into Carl's Jr. and get some chicken strips..." and then I was like, "Oh wait a minute! I don't do that anymore!" Weird, huh? It's so deeply ingrained. I caught myself, but the initial urge was still there!

catherine commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:13:15 -0500

By catherine]]> You are so right, PQ and CEL and everyone else.

I was once at a WW meeting, and the leader was kind of moaning and saying, "Aren't we THINKING about this way too much?" And I and some others said no, we can't stop thinking, because it's when we stop thinking that we get in trouble.

At least for the foreseeable future, it's vital that I keep "thinking" about food/lifestyle choices, because I'm still in default mode about a lot of it.

Great reminder; thanks.

Jenny commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:16:48 -0500

By Jenny]]> It's all about choices and understanding that easy and fast isn't better - this is a much needed post to read on a Monday. Thanks!

origamifreak commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:58:24 -0500

By origamifreak]]> I love that you actually put clickable checkboxes in that post. Now, what was the listserve address for unsubscribing from that Unhealthy Habits list? :-)

virg commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:37:08 -0500

By virg]]> Great analogy! It seems like the defaults at restaurants are my problem. I have to make an effort to get special orders and substitutions, when I really just want a default so as not to feel embarrassed or difficult.

v'ron commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:29:44 -0500

By v'ron]]> Yes, I like that we end users can check and uncheck the boxes.

So I'm not going to admit which ones I did.

Jen commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:06:39 -0500

By Jen]]> What an interesting way to think of it! I love the way you related the two. Thanks for making me think (and, as always, laugh). You rock the party PQ!

Heather commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:22:59 -0500

By Heather]]> Ha, cool post!

At my work, we're encouraged to phrase things so the default position is what we'd like, and not mention that "No" is an option. Ah, sales!

Flora commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:26:55 -0500

By Flora]]> That is so true. Healthy eating and physical activity are like a hobby that you have to go out of your way to pursue, when they should be the default in our lives.

Sam commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 22:40:38 -0500

By Sam]]> You're awesome PQ!!!

Israel commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 22:54:19 -0500

By Israel]]> it takes time, but eventually you would like to make living a healthy life a DEFAULT part of your life.

NB commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 23:01:56 -0500

By NB]]> What a terrific post. This line "the default settings of the world tend to make you fat." is just so darn true. Let's all unclick those pre-programmed default settings!

Weightloss Diet Watch commented on 'Default Setting'

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 06:49:04 -0500

By Weightloss Diet Watch]]> Well a very informative post,the way you related is outstanding,u have done nice job.
keep up the work.

psychsarah commented on 'Default Setting'

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:12:12 -0500

By psychsarah]]> virg-I just wanted to comment and say that I can relate to your dilemma. I didn't ever want to even ask for my salad dressing on the side a few years ago. I think I've figured out that for me, it has to do with a couple of things; one, not pointing out to anyone else I'm with that I care about what I eat (because then if I don't lose weight, no will know I've failed), and two, I was taught to not cause trouble (as if pouring my dressing into a small dish would be sooooo much trouble!) Finally, it seems that other people feel like you're judging them if they "choose the default"! It's stuff like this that makes me realize what an emotional and interpersonal minefield losing weight can be! Thanks to PQ for continuing to inspire and make us laugh despite the minefield!

carol commented on 'Default Setting'

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:58:00 -0500

By carol]]> It's really true--change your habits and you change your life.

MB commented on 'Default Setting'

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 14:20:43 -0500

By MB]]> I need to change all my default settings but I know changing them just isn't enough. I need to find out how to super glue them in place so they can't switch back on me when I get distracted.

You continue to inspire me. I look forward to each and every new post.

You are absolutely amazing! Rock on PQ!

KateG commented on 'Default Setting'

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:22:51 -0500

By KateG]]> I definitely agree on the need to re-set the defaults! For me, it seems like some of them require a lot of work (switching the default to exercising instead of sitting on the couch remains a constant struggle) and a couple happened almost naturally as I lost weight(eating more slowly and in smaller portions)Happily, I get full much easier these days, although I have pigged out on occasion, eating too much too quickly is no longer the default.

Debbie commented on 'Default Setting'

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:32:43 -0500

By Debbie]]> That's a great analogy. But sometimes, it's hard to uncheck all those default boxes at once. I like to do them a little at a time so I can stick to the ones I think are most important.

anji commented on 'Default Setting'

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:59:31 -0500

By anji]]> But... but.... I LOVE Law & Order (especially Criminal Intent at the moment....)

:D I suppose as long as I watch the 1 episode a day and not the marathon, I'll still be okay, right?

Zentient commented on 'Default Setting'

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:48:45 -0500

By Zentient]]> So much is my mindset - is it "restraint" or "deprivation" when I make a food choice in the interest of well being? I can call it what I want and either suffer or make peace with food. I have to step back as an observer when I start to obsess about food, take note of it. I still agonize over the Sonic when I pass it daily. I want a big chili dog and fries. I don't stop, but I tell myself some interesting rationalizations. Just a small hot dog and tater tots, just this one time., it would help me get over this stress,it won't cost much. I am beginning to laugh at myself, how I give over so much energy to a hot dog and fries. I do the same thing with Girl Scout cookies. For several years, I have not eaten any, because when I do I eat a whole box/sleeve of them. When I buy them I give them away immediately. But I spend a lot of fantasy time on Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs!

elissa commented on 'Default Setting'

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:21:24 -0500

By elissa]]> This is a really good, insightful post.

It's so much easier to have an unhealthy lifestyle. It takes a lot of planning, thought and effort to exercise, eat right and take care of yourself. The minute I stopped having exercise forced upon me by the sports I was in and moved out of my parents' house, where my mom cooked healthy food, my lifestyle defaulted to sedentary, junk-eating habits and my body began to reflect that habit.

I'm just trying to kick them now. And already, it feels so much better.

Masked Mom commented on 'Default Setting'

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:47:16 -0500

By Masked Mom]]> Wanted to let you know I chose this post for my Perfect Post for September award--I tried to send an e-mail but it bounced. You can e-mail me if you want the button or more info...and you can read my post about your post on my blog. Thanks for a great post!

AbsolutelyBananas commented on 'Default Setting'

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:26:39 -0500

By AbsolutelyBananas]]> Great post! Glad I found you... here via the Perfect Post awards.