*happy face* ^____^
Oct. 27th, 2009 12:06 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
eirenicalSo, you may or may not know, but for the second time in my life, I have joined Weight Watchers. I have reached the point where I must do something or risk seriously endangering my health. I don't know why I have such trouble controlling my weight. Maybe I never learned correct portion size. Maybe I use food to deal with emotional stress (boy, do I ever... O_o;;;). Maybe I just like my carbs too much. I don't know. Whatever the case, I have struggled with my weight since I was a child. I joined WW first when I was in vet school. I lost about 20 pounds and was feeling great... then I fell off program. On it all went again. I tried doing it myself about four or five years ago and that was a no-go.
This time it's going to be different. "Suuuuuuuure...." you all say. I know, I know. I hear you. But here's why it's going to be different. First off, the program is different -- not only does it stress your general portion control, etc., but it stresses a balanced diet. I am eating (and rediscovering my love for) more fruits and veggies than I've eaten in the last 2-3 years. O_o;;; And you know something? I've had an epiphany. On those days when I make sure to get in the servings of all the things they tell you to (6 fruits/veggies, 2 dairy, 2 lean protein, etc.)... I feel better. I have more energy. I'm less tired. I'm more alert. Who knew? When you eat the things your body needs to stay healthy... you feel healthy! *smacks hand against forehead* Why did this take me 31 years to figure out? O_o;;;
Epiphany number two: You get an "allowance" each week to spend beyond the things you should be eating. You can spend five per day, or all 35 on one day, or none at all. However you like. In telling us how you should use that allowance, our meeting leader told us that you should spend your actual points on filling in the guidelines. Then once you've met those, if you want a piece of chocolate, use your allowance points. In other words: no playing outside 'til you do your homework. ^_~ Makes sense, right? So, along with this, she made this simple statement: "If you're craving a sweet, have the sweet. However, if you're hungry, don't reach for the sweet -- it won't satisfy your hunger. Reach for a protein or a filling food (something with high fiber), instead." And there you have it folks. Epiphany #2. And you know what I've found? If I do reach for the protein/high fiber food (for example, some lentils, an apple -- hell, dinner), the craving for the chocolate or whatever goes away. And if it doesn't, I save a few points at the end of the day (or use my allowance) and have something sweet/salty/whatever the craving happens to be. No deprivation. Just learning how to eat the things I like responsibly.
Why was this so hard to do?? *falls over*
In my first week on plan, I lost 6 lbs. 6 lbs. *squee!!!* And I started cooking again (had a marathon cook-a-thon on Monday ^_^). And you know what? I feel better. I'm starting to look better. I'm less stressed about life in general. I look forward to each new day. Hell... when my co-workers say that they're making a run to McDonald's and are taking orders, I stop to think for a minute, then smile and say, "You know what? I'm good. I brought home-made chicken marsala and a sweet potato for lunch." And I mean it. *beams*
Here's to much success in the future! Will keep you posted. ^_^
This time it's going to be different. "Suuuuuuuure...." you all say. I know, I know. I hear you. But here's why it's going to be different. First off, the program is different -- not only does it stress your general portion control, etc., but it stresses a balanced diet. I am eating (and rediscovering my love for) more fruits and veggies than I've eaten in the last 2-3 years. O_o;;; And you know something? I've had an epiphany. On those days when I make sure to get in the servings of all the things they tell you to (6 fruits/veggies, 2 dairy, 2 lean protein, etc.)... I feel better. I have more energy. I'm less tired. I'm more alert. Who knew? When you eat the things your body needs to stay healthy... you feel healthy! *smacks hand against forehead* Why did this take me 31 years to figure out? O_o;;;
Epiphany number two: You get an "allowance" each week to spend beyond the things you should be eating. You can spend five per day, or all 35 on one day, or none at all. However you like. In telling us how you should use that allowance, our meeting leader told us that you should spend your actual points on filling in the guidelines. Then once you've met those, if you want a piece of chocolate, use your allowance points. In other words: no playing outside 'til you do your homework. ^_~ Makes sense, right? So, along with this, she made this simple statement: "If you're craving a sweet, have the sweet. However, if you're hungry, don't reach for the sweet -- it won't satisfy your hunger. Reach for a protein or a filling food (something with high fiber), instead." And there you have it folks. Epiphany #2. And you know what I've found? If I do reach for the protein/high fiber food (for example, some lentils, an apple -- hell, dinner), the craving for the chocolate or whatever goes away. And if it doesn't, I save a few points at the end of the day (or use my allowance) and have something sweet/salty/whatever the craving happens to be. No deprivation. Just learning how to eat the things I like responsibly.
Why was this so hard to do?? *falls over*
In my first week on plan, I lost 6 lbs. 6 lbs. *squee!!!* And I started cooking again (had a marathon cook-a-thon on Monday ^_^). And you know what? I feel better. I'm starting to look better. I'm less stressed about life in general. I look forward to each new day. Hell... when my co-workers say that they're making a run to McDonald's and are taking orders, I stop to think for a minute, then smile and say, "You know what? I'm good. I brought home-made chicken marsala and a sweet potato for lunch." And I mean it. *beams*
Here's to much success in the future! Will keep you posted. ^_^
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Date: 2009-10-28 02:38 am (UTC)Another little trick that I personally enjoy a lot is to slow down while eating and taste your food. Really taste it. Sounds crazy, I know, but we tend to hork our meals so quickly that we miss a huge amount of flavor. Next time you eat, try closing your eyes and identify each individual flavor. It's downright amazing - and makes a meal that much more satisfying. I guess the closest analogy I have is during music class when we had to sit down and listen to a piece of music and identify each musical instrument being used. Once you learn to listen in that manner, music takes on a depth that the untrained ear simply misses.
Anyway! I babbled a bit - it's late and I'm tired. But maybe those little tips will help a bit. *hugs!*