Today I wanted to talk about food. Food and I have a love-hate relationship. I love to eat, and I hate to stop. When something tastes good I don't want it to end. At one point I really couldn't control my eating. I wish I was exaggerating when I typed that.
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I can remember as a kid eating dinner and go back for seconds and thirds because it tasted so good. When I went to college I gained twenty pounds because I would reach into my desk, while I was laying in bed, and grab a Reese Sticks to munch before bed. The weight came off after I moved home.
Life changed again after I was married and learning to cook for the two of us. There were a few times Mike and I nearly finished an entire lasagna. Next comes baby number one. I believed that I could eat anything and then lose it while nursing. Not for me.
It is only when I pay attention to what I am eating that I am able to shed pounds. A little over a year ago I signed up for Weight Watchers online. The point system worked well and I lost five pounds the first month. Friends noticed and I felt great. I shortly after fell off the wagon.
Last spring my eating was out of control. I would treat myself to candy every time I was at the grocery store. When I would go out to do errands alone, I would stop at the bakery and get something "because I deserved it." I was hiding all the goodies from my family. They didn't have any idea what I was eating. Looking in the mirror became painful. I would cry a lot and poor Mike didn't know what was wrong. After some thinking, I approached Mike and shared my dirty little secret. I was to the point that I needed someone to tell me exactly what to eat, so I didn't have to think about food. After researching a couple of different plans, I signed up for Nutrisystem. The plan took the guess work out of eating. I got my physical and mental appetite under control. After three months the food got old and I was ready to go it alone. Maintaing was pretty simple until my Father in Law passed away. The memories of losing my dad came back and so did the treating myself to goodies. That is what moved me to join the gym.
So here we are up to the present. Calorie counting has now become part of my regular day. We use myfitnesspal to track our calories, but there are a bunch of others to choose from. If you use them honestly and regularly, these sites can help you achieve your goals.
I know this is a long post. If you read all of it, I appreciate your support. There are just a few more things I wanted to share.
Don't compare yourself to others.
Food tastes better when you are in control.
Don't deprive yourself, just use moderation.
It can be done, and you will be happier.
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3 comments:
Hey Nikki! I know exactly what you mean. I've tried Weight Watchers, which totally works but then I get so dang sick of counting points. And calories. And everything else, ha :) I've been thinking about getting back on the wagon though, because I have about 15-20 pounds that I need to lose. Only thing - I am not going to weigh at all. I'm going to COMPLETELY focus on my eating habits and on my physical activity. It's going to be SO WEIRD, but I'm hoping it helps me pay attention to the important stuff rather than a number. Good luck to you :)
Totally understand. We all do it; we all have to watch what we eat and exercise to stay fit. The whole, "she has good genes and that's why she's so thin" isn't really true. Someone with an identical twin can be 100 lbs heavier if she/he doesn't watch what she/he eats. We all have to do count calories or points or eat more veggies; that's what the Biggest Loser show taught me. I watched it faithful the first few seasons---now I don't watch it as much, but it taught me an important lesson, eat well and stay active equals a "healthy" you, not what your "genetics" may or may not be. Genetics main influence is what our parents physically "taught" us to eat. Healthy is such a relative word too because 120 lbs may be healthy for one person while 145 lbs may be healthy for another. You're very courageous to make this post, but I think it's AWESOME! I think it shows a very strong, ready-for change and self aware you. I love it! Good luck!
PS: What gym did you join?
You are my inspiration. If you can do it, I can too--right?!
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