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."
