Monday, October 12, 2009

Monday, Monday

Saturday night was a test. 

Our dinner plans were cancelled as we were getting dressed to go out. No sooner had I hung up the phone, then our youngest daughter walked in the front door for a visit. She agreed to stay for dinner, but I had nothing in the house and none of us felt like going out for dinner. Take-out pizza won by default.

Pizza is a problem for me. It is not only one of my favorite foods, it is also a trigger — an entree into the world of me eating everything in sight. But Saturday, instead of ordering two large pizzas, we ordered two medium pizza, and a salad each for me and my daughter. I ate the salad, followed by three slices of pizza — but reasoned because they were medium slices, this was so much better than my usual four large slices. And I did eat each bite slowly. 

And that was it for the night.

The real test came yesterday. Would I follow my usual routine and eat everything is sight because I had "cheated" the night before?

I didn't. And I spent most of yesterday figuring out why. Here are my conclusions:
  1. Because I am not approaching this as a "diet" but as a way of eating, splurging a little one night is OK.
  2. I was really full Saturday night. Uncomfortably so. I didn't like the way I felt, and kept telling myself that I have to remember this feeling the next time I have pizza. Two slices —or even one — might be a much better option.
  3. I didn't beat myself up, yelling at myself that I have no willpower. Instead, on Sunday I ate three healthy meals, and as I was eating, I was patting myself on the back. Encouragement is always appreciated, even if it comes from your inner voice. But yesterday, my inner voice was calm and nice instead of mean and argumentative.
Yesterday and  today, when I got on the scale, I was the same as I was Saturday morning. And that is what I am focusing on. I made it through the weekend without gaining an ounce. For  me, that is really amazing.

The following comes from the Centers for Disease Control, words I have printed out and put on my computer. I did edit it a bit: changing "you" to "I" and "ma" to more "will." It's all 

"So even if the overall goal seems large, see it as a journey rather than just a final destination. I'll learn new eating and physical activity habits that will help me live a healthier lifestyle. These habits will help me maintain my weight loss over time." 



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