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This isn't a newsflash, but occasionally something hits me like a ton of bricks. I've heard folks say this many times but I finally just absorbed and digested this little grain of truth.
Here it is! If they way I am eating isn't sustainable in the long run, I will gain all of my weight back. This is a lifestyle change that must be doable. So what I mean is this. I cannot become derailed by things I used to overindulge in. They cannot be forbidden or I will be drawn to them in an unhealthy way.
Yesterday, I happened to want not only chocolate, but also chips. Initially, I tried several things to refocus. It wasn't working and then I thought, OK, take 10 chips out of the bag and put it away. I savored those chips for about 15 minutes. Loved the crunch. Loved the salt. Loved the tangy BBQ flavor. I ate them very mindfully, for lack of a better word and by gosh, they were THE BEST CHIPS I HAVE EVER EATEN! After I ate them, I was completely satisfied. They were less than what the bag advertises as a serving. I adjusted my calories later in the day and all was good.
My craving was gone. I did the same with M & M's. I actually counted out 20 of those little gems and enjoyed them slowly as I did the chips and was totally satisfied.
Now mind you, the old me, that I am trying to keep at bay, could have eaten a bag of either in one sitting and then eaten supper or whatever else the rest of the day. I would have felt all greasy and oozing in self defeat which would have then spurned me on to eat something else to assuage my self loathing. I practice self control and in the end, I won this round.
Granted, I WILL NOT do this every day because it would derail me. Certainly, though, since I stayed within my calorie limit, I am sure my body will adjust to this little dose of Poison! I had a 4 pound weight loss last week. I am not sure where it came from but who am I to argue with God on that one! After a mini-stall it was so exciting to see!
So, tell me this. Is your new way of eating/ lifestyle change sustainable this time or will you be jumping on the merry go round of ups and downs? While I cannot predict the future, I do know I cannot continue the up and down cycle. There were just too many health concerns to go back and live like that while remaining healthy and productive as I approach the back side of middle age.
Please comment on how you are staying on track with a lifestyle change. I want and NEED to hear from you on this. Not to be dramatic or anything, but for me, it is literally a matter of life and death.
Blessings to each of you on the start of this new week.
Peace out!
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 Comments
I do pretty much the same as what you did. If I have an occasional craving, I don't deny myself, but portion it instead and I also log it in advance. Good job on being in control of snacking!!!!
06 Feb 17 by member: VeggieJunkie
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Excellent insight that should serve you well ....thanks for sharing....keep on keeping on!!!!!!
06 Feb 17 by member: SuccessThisTime58
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100% agree, what we are doing must be sustainable in the long run or we won't stick with it. I can have difficult time trying to limit treats, so have tried to come up with healthier versions of them that are satisfying and can be part of my plan. For example, having microwaved sweet potato and/or parsnip chips instead of regular potato chips - delicious, very healthy and no added oil. We prepared some for snacking during the Super Bowl along with a dip made from plain greek yogurt, lo-cal mayonnaise, dry ranch dressing mix and additional spices. Instead of ice cream, we use a Dessert Bullet machine with frozen fruits and berries to make an ice cream like frozen treat that is healthy and tastes great. Also freeze chocolate protein smoothies that taste like a milkshake or ice cream.
06 Feb 17 by member: jmb3450
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I agree with you, I still enjoy my chocolate a little and a Dr. Pepper, but know that I have to stop with just a small amount and then I don't crave them and I also know that I can do that and maintain a healthy weight. When i started this journey I was eating pretty healthy just WAY too much of it. Now I know better.
06 Feb 17 by member: skwhite
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It's all about building habits. Your tastes change in time.
06 Feb 17 by member: erikahollister
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GOOD for you!! Nice mindful work and heightened awareness!
I do several things to maintain:
1. I Never go shopping for food when hungry. (so I don't buy chips, cookies, etc.)
2. I track my calories religiously, everything I eat goes onto fatsecret!
3. I eat a huge nutritious breakfast! (**we need the nutrients DURING the day, not while we sleep (where instead of using those calories for the day, we store them as fat for 'later').
and since I eat a huge breakfast and a good size lunch, I DON'T CRAVE ANY SWEETS later on or during the day.!
06 Feb 17 by member: billtech66
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I usually set a goal, and when I reach it I have a little something and I savor it just like you did. I'm lucky I don't have to have it in my house, but that doesn't mean you won't see me lottering around the chip and candy section of the grocery store. I double check the sugar and carbs just to make sure (by some miracle) that it's now healthy and good for me. Hang in there you are not alone.
06 Feb 17 by member: upkeep
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Sherillynn's Weight History
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