I have heard lots of people say that "dieting" is just too restrictive. And, of course, I have been that person too. No doubt there are times I just want ot strap on the feedbag and eat whatever/whenever I want. However, there is a flip side to that "restriction." I have found freedom too. When I go to the grocery store I know what I am buying and what I am NOT buying. I don't have to stand in front of a huge rack of chips trying to decide if I should buy some this time. Do I need them? Do I deserve them? How will I feel if I do? Can I ration them or will I gobble them all up? Then picture the same scene repeated as I move on to the ice cream section or the bakery.
The freedom is that I know I am not buying them. Period. So I can completely skip those "danger" zones. When I leave the store I am free of guilt and stress. I know what I have purchased is good food that is helping me toward my ultimate freedom - freedom from my fat :)
The same can be said about our house. There aren't "naughty snacks" calling to me from the cabinet because I didn't buy them and invite them in. So I am not constantly struggling with "should I have some? or "forget this I am eating what I want." Now please don't misunderstand I absolutely work in sweets, chips and other goodies - I just am not keeping them at home. I would have to make a conscious effort to go get them and thankfully that usually stops me. Maybe one day I will be stronger and I won't need this protection, but for now it is working for me.
I am much happier with the "naughty snacks" not hanging out in the house.I am becoming a believer in not allowing myself instant treat gratification. I feel so much better when I have planned for the treat and rarely regret it afterwards.
For example.. Today at Walmart I noticed this big "healthy snack" section in the produce aisle. In general, I am not a fan of individually packaged items - usually more expensive and I feel guilty about the extra trash generated. However, sometimes I feel like a portioned out item can be a very useful tool for success. Let's face it I don't want my laziness to interfere with making good food choices.
Okay, I just thought these were cute. I am sure that is what the marketers are banking on. Definitely more than a snack for me though.
I was intrigued by all the different items. Then this caught my eye.
Yes, I can be an impulse buyer. (My husband says checkout lanes are designed specifically for people like me.) In this case, the caramel/chocolate/nut dip sucked me in like a vacuum. And who doesn't feel virtuous eating apples? A yummy treat for only 130 calories. Turns out the dip was yummy...for the first couple of bites. But then it became tainted by the sourness of the apple - I am sure they had been doused in lemon juice to prevent browning. I felt like I forced myself to finish it. There were only 5 apple slices so you know the majority of the calories came from the dip. When I finished I realized I would have been much happier with an undisguised treat like this...
I can have all three of these candies for the same calories. I can spread them out over the day and truly enjoy them. Why do I have these candies at home, you ask? I don't. I took the picture at work using the candy stash we have for people when we hold workshops.
Hopefully, it is another lesson learned that I can apply to future success. I'd love to know how other people handle "goodies."
great post - I agree that its very freeing to choose to eat healthier... great job on the weight loss !
ReplyDeleteThank you! You are a good encourager :)
DeleteWow for the 3 pounds!!
ReplyDeleteThanks. It was better than I hoped especially after last week.
DeleteGood for you! I am with you. If it's not at home I won't eat it. And if it's at work I can either avoid it or allow myself just a little bit of it (like the actual portion size).
ReplyDeleteI have found that if I don't like something, if it doesn't taste that good, I simply stop eating it. It's a new thing for me, I used to have to finish it or would just keep eating because it was there but NO MORE. My mentality is "why waste the calories when it's not even that good?". Good thing I have a husband who will finish it, or I throw it out.
I have been working on "the only eat it if I really like it." I might be 50/50 on it. I hate to offend anyone so I struggle the most at other people's houses.
DeleteFantastic loss this week!!! I bought one of those pre-packaged snacks for our trip to the beach a couple weeks ago. Mine had carrot sticks, broccoli, ranch dressing, almonds and cheese. I ate the veggies and cheese and saved the almonds for another time. It was filling and delicious.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I saw a pack like that and it did look good.
DeleteThat's a good way of looking at it. Freedom in the grocery store. I like it. It is true. When I am sticking to my plan, it is so much easier to get through a grocery store.
ReplyDeleteI had something similar to those apple slices a few weeks ago. I liked it, but I'm with you, for the same calories I could have had something that I would have really enjoyed.
My grocery trips have definitely been easier :) With the apples I kinda fell into the "at least it is partially healthy" trap. Fact is I am probably never going to be a 100% healthy eater. So I need to find what fits the lifestyle I can sustain.
DeleteI always love looking at those healthy snack sections. I'm always curious to see what they're packaging up for ideas. :) With my goodies, when I am behaving myself, I like to plan out mine for my one day a week I can have them. (I am not the type that can have a little treat every day. A little treat, and I turn into Cookie Monster.) I'm an all or nothing type, unfortunately!
ReplyDeleteI can have a little treat if I don't have more around. So I figure if I have it outside the house I am so much safer because of the forced limitation. Like I said I do need the protection :) Mmmm....cookies :)
DeleteGreat loss for you this week too!
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could split those healthy snacks in half - one for the morning and the other for the afternoon snack....just one container to bring to work.
Thanks :) That is a good idea...but once I start to eat that yummy cheese, can I stop??
DeleteIsn't it a great feeling to know that you've filled your cabinets and fridge/freezer with healthy items! I love grocery shopping now that I skim the outer edges of the store and do not make my way into the middle!
ReplyDeleteIt does make it so much easier. The few things I need from the inner aisles I know exactly where they are and they don't require much decision making :)
DeleteFantastic loss this week!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
Delete