New and have some questions

Hi!

 I am turning from a low carb way of eating. Please don't stone me too early. I lost and have kept off about 40 lbs. But, I know this isn't a way of eating for life. So I am transitioning to a more balanced way of eating. My nutritionalist wants me at 1500 calories a day which is doable. She also told me to have one day where I don't worry about my calories. Does anyone else do this? Does it work? Does it throw you off? Does it start something you can't stop?

Just wanted a clear up.  You are going to reintroduce carbs into your diet?

oh yeah I have...I am eating completely balanced....good carbs, whole grains, skim milks, etc...still no junk carbs.

Congrats on the 40lbs.  That is great!

Baked potatoes are my staple.  I always add brown or wild rice to my homemade soups.  Baked beans are my main source of fibre after veggies.  Ancient grains bread or whole wheat pitas for sandwiches.  Uncooked oatmeal and honey in my yogurt for breakfast.  Lots of squash and sweet potatoes.

My treat is thinly sliced potatoes sprayed with a light coating of EVOO and baked in the oven until crispy, because I have to have my potato chips.

I find that, for me, if I don't have a day every so often where I don't count then I am much more likely to go over my calories on a regular basis!  It kind of depends on what works for you, but I'd say that if your nutritionist is recommending it, give it a try and see how it goes for a month.

She also told me to have one day where I don't worry about my calories. Does anyone else do this? Does it work? Does it throw you off? Does it start something you can't stop?

 The concept here is to keep your metabolism from slowing down from the day to day decrease in calories.  I am a little surprised to hear "don't worry about calories"; while it is often considered beneficial to have an off day, you probably should consider a 15-20% calorie increase for that day.

i take weekends off, in moderation. i don't eat pizza and burgers and all that (well this weekend i did but it was a bad weekend) but i go out to eat with friends and try to make good choices, but i still eat what i want, usually sushi or thai or ethiopian or some ethnic cuisine cause it's what i love. i always get back on track monday, but i also make sure my fridge is stocked with the healthy foods. i don't keep unhealthy foods in the house -- i only eat those when i'm out.

i also have absolutely no craving anymore for sweets or desserts. it's weird, but good.