Goals

Something that's really is dumb is that when you feel fat, bloated, and uncomfortable in your own skin... you just wanna eat more.  I know there are some amazing people out there who use it as motivation to go for a run or hit the gym hard.  But me?  It puts me into a depression that makes me wanna lay around in pajamas and eat cake.

So, to stop this nonsense, I'm going to make a list of reasons why I want to lose weight.  In no particular order, they are:

1. Fit into my clothes again.
2. Feel comfortable in public and at the gym.
3. Feel better in my swimsuit.
4. Have pride in my accomplishments.
5. Generally feel healthier and better.
6. Gain confidence.
7. Not be embarrassed by the weight gain (because it won't be there!)
8. Enjoy that feeling of being more in control.

I can do this.

21 Days

I think we've all heard the theory that it takes about 21 days for a new habit to form.  Unfortunately, it seems like lots of other research has come out debunking this.  Still, I decided to personally keep track and see.

Monday was my 21 day mark.  In all fairness, I wasn't doing too wonderfully with my eating/exercising habits during these 21 days, but I have gotten better.  Honestly, it does feel more natural now.  Choosing fruits/veggies over the chips, processed carbs, or sweets is getting easier.  Still not easy, but easier.

I was particularly proud of myself yesterday.  I had to work at our satellite office and then drive around dropping materials off at various other locations.  I get to take a half day when I do this, but even so I didn't get back on the road and return to my house until past 1:30.  I was hungry by then, having had my usual 400 calorie breakfast at about 5:30AM and just a banana for a snack.  But I didn't let myself stop at any of the numerous conveniently located fast food restaurants along my way.  And when I got home, I made myself eat the pre-portioned healthy lunch I had already prepared.  When I was still a bit hungry after I ate lunch, I let myself have some extra---carrots and low-fat ranch.  This is a pretty huge accomplishment for me and I am proud.

Baby steps but in the right direction.

Stupid Things I Do, Part One

So I do this stupid thing.  Here's how it goes:  I'm kinda hungry and I want a snack.  I'll look at the healthy snacks I have packed, like carrots and hummus/lowfat ranch, apple and peanut butter, etc. and think, "Oh, no, that's too big.  I'll just grab something small." And by small, I mean a handful of those potato chips or just one little Dove chocolate... which NEVER stops.  I'm always on my sixth or seventh "small handful" of chips or am staring at the growing pile of aluminum foil chocolate wrappers before I realize how stupid a decision I made.

Why do I do this?  A banana is a better choice.  An apple is a better choice.  Even if I eat the apple AND the banana... it's STILL a better choice.  I've done better at this today.  More mindful snacking is something I definitely need to work on improving!