Some days on this journey come easy, but then, there are the ones that are a constant challenge.
They are the ones where your brain is telling you that this is serious business, you've had your fun, but now it is time to eat your vegetables again. But that kid inside keeps whispering in your ear, "Hey! There are more bagels in there from the weekend! Better eat them first cause you don't want to waste good food!"
And that's where I was when my best buddy, Noelle, snapped me back to reality yesterday. Her note was all it took to put things back into perspective. I suddenly knew that my eating all the goodies left from the weekend was not the best plan and I packed up what was left and sent it to work with my husband this morning! Let the guys in the break room enjoy the bagels and cream cheese...I even packed up the rest of the strawberry jam for them! And me? I went straight to the supermarket and filled my basket with fresh salad ingredients and every fresh fruit that looked good...strawberries, a watermelon slice, half a cantaloupe, some bananas, and a bag of yellow apples!
I've come to realize over the past two years that no matter how good my intentions or how far I've come, that having the foods I used to overindulge in here in the house is an open invitation to go right back where I came from. All the old habits are still there and ready to lead me by the nose down that path again. Twenty years could pass and there would be no difference in the response I would have to bagels and butter. The only difference between now and eighty pounds ago is the fact that I don't keep those foods in the house any longer. And when I do bring them in, I am no more able to pass them up than I ever was.
I suppose some people find themselves "cured" after awhile and are no longer tempted by their old food favorites, but I don't think I'll ever be one of them. I don't consider it an addiction as much as a Pavlovian response! It doesn't really matter which it is...the solution is the same...keep the healthy foods handy and the foods I tend to overeat out of the house!
Thanks, again, Noelle! Here's to a good on-plan day for both of us! And to any of you who are arguing with yourselves about recommitting yourself to eating healthy again starting today...just do it! You will feel so much better about yourself the moment you make that decision. Pack up the stuff that's calling your name and get rid of it now! If you're having trouble, I know this great "heinie kicker" that I could send over!
They are the ones where your brain is telling you that this is serious business, you've had your fun, but now it is time to eat your vegetables again. But that kid inside keeps whispering in your ear, "Hey! There are more bagels in there from the weekend! Better eat them first cause you don't want to waste good food!"
And that's where I was when my best buddy, Noelle, snapped me back to reality yesterday. Her note was all it took to put things back into perspective. I suddenly knew that my eating all the goodies left from the weekend was not the best plan and I packed up what was left and sent it to work with my husband this morning! Let the guys in the break room enjoy the bagels and cream cheese...I even packed up the rest of the strawberry jam for them! And me? I went straight to the supermarket and filled my basket with fresh salad ingredients and every fresh fruit that looked good...strawberries, a watermelon slice, half a cantaloupe, some bananas, and a bag of yellow apples!
I've come to realize over the past two years that no matter how good my intentions or how far I've come, that having the foods I used to overindulge in here in the house is an open invitation to go right back where I came from. All the old habits are still there and ready to lead me by the nose down that path again. Twenty years could pass and there would be no difference in the response I would have to bagels and butter. The only difference between now and eighty pounds ago is the fact that I don't keep those foods in the house any longer. And when I do bring them in, I am no more able to pass them up than I ever was.
I suppose some people find themselves "cured" after awhile and are no longer tempted by their old food favorites, but I don't think I'll ever be one of them. I don't consider it an addiction as much as a Pavlovian response! It doesn't really matter which it is...the solution is the same...keep the healthy foods handy and the foods I tend to overeat out of the house!
Thanks, again, Noelle! Here's to a good on-plan day for both of us! And to any of you who are arguing with yourselves about recommitting yourself to eating healthy again starting today...just do it! You will feel so much better about yourself the moment you make that decision. Pack up the stuff that's calling your name and get rid of it now! If you're having trouble, I know this great "heinie kicker" that I could send over!
12 comments:
I agree with you. If it's in the house it will get eaten!
Thanks Noelle, for saving Kathy from herself! I'll holler if I need you!
I thought Colorado to Indiana was a trip! She'll have quite an adventure reaching you...but, I'll bet she's up to it!!!
I don't think that regardless of how much time goes by, I will ever NOT be tempted by my favorites. There will always be something about them that calls to me, and makes me want to eat them until I am stuffed to the gills. I've just learned that I don't keep them in the house. When I do want something, I go buy one, and eat it. I don't care if I could buy a five pack cheaper...I just want one!
You said: "
I suppose some people find themselves "cured" after awhile and are no longer tempted by their old food favorites, but I don't think I'll ever be one of them."
I think this only happens when they get new favorites that contribute to their weight loss efforts.
As for those old ones that can't be replaced with new ones, like you, I find it best to limit my exposure....I tell myself it is not a waste of money to get rid of or purchase more expensive food...in the long run it does save money....it's that penny wise pound foolish thing...(which is sort of a double entendre if you think about it!)
Sometimes we momentarily lose sight..thankfully, blogging gives us a place to put down those thoughts and helps us get in touch with our own thinking, and it gives us the contributions of others who can help us along the way...
Kate and Dinah...Thanks for commenting and being such good blog buddies! You both inspire me every time I read your blogs!
I'm glad you packed it all up and bought new healthy food to tempt you instead.
I went to the store today and did the same thing...strawberries, apples, mangoes, bananas, snow peas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and a piece of salmon to share with hubby. (I got salad stuff yesterday! LOL) I'm going to try that salmon recipe in clean eating, which I got a 2 year subscription too, btw!
Good for you for getting back to it.
I'm with you - can't keep temptations in the house. Our house is so very junk-food free, because if it's here it shortly ends up in my mouth.
Yay Noelle for being the voice of reason! (Or would that be the email of reason?)
We're all capable of being our fellow blogger's "voice of reason"...we just have to care enough to go "Ahem! Stop the excuses and get with it, already!"
"We're all capable of being our fellow blogger's "voice of reason"...we just have to care enough to go "Ahem! Stop the excuses and get with it, already!"
Uhhhhh....yeah...and you are pretty good at that yourself. That is exactly why after clearing the crickets out of my own blog - I came directly back to yours. You've always been my "voice of reason" and you were right on with your post again today. Thanks for being here still! LOL
Sunny!!! Long time no see! Welcome back to blogging!
Kathy - we're never "cured." There's no such thing. :-) We just continue to be mindful, and do the healthy thing (most of the time).
Loved the article! It just hit such a note with me the other night and now I've written my own blog post about your article.
For me, the temptations cannot be in my house. I keep my house a safe eating place as much as possible, with the pantry and fridge full of lean proteins, reduced fat cheeses, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and healthy fats.
OK, sometimes I'll want something not ideal, but I'll try to buy a single item if I can.
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