As a predicted, yesterday was a difficult day! We had a graduation party at the park to go to for my cousin, and it was full of food... very little of which was healthy. There was Asian cole slaw, pasta salad, taco salad, HUGE sub sandwiches with about 2 inch thick bread, chips of all kinds, baked beans, cheese dip for the chips, watermelon, cake, cupcakes, cupcakes filled with cheesecake, sodas, etc. This is a diet nightmare! (The good thing was my cousin is on a diet right now too, and we were both feeling the heat together... and it was her party!)
In preparation, I tried to eat light in the morning. I had skipped breakfast since I did not get up until almost 10am due to being up until 1:30 the night before. When the boys I ate lunch, I passed on what they were having. I ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread with just barely enough peanut butter or jelly to coat the bread. I also had a Yoplait Light yogurt cup and water. Yum, right?
At the party, I made a plate and decided that it was okay to have some of my favorite things because if I never eat anything I like, I won't stick to it very long. When I got to my sandwich, I used mustard instead of mayo (saving about 100 calories!) and tore off about half of the bread (as I mentioned it was super thick). Although those 2 changes couldn't make up for the other things I ate, it was more than I ever would have done before! I also avoided the greasy potato chips. I did have some of the tortilla chips with cheese dip, but I made it a small portion and avoided going back for the seconds I would have loved to have. I also drank a Diet Coke instead of a Pepsi. This was my first soda all week!
When it was time for dessert, everyone around me was eating cake, cupcakes, peach pie (no thanks!), etc. but I ate a small plate of watermelon for dessert. It was hard to walk past the cake, but once I ate the watermelon, it was really good!
We had been planning to take a walk while we were at the park since they have a fabulous paved trail, but it was pouring down rain and had lightning when we got there. My Aunt Linda and I planned to take a walk together if the rain let up. Unfortunately, that did not happen, so I never got to walk. I mentally made plans to work out when I got home (which would later be derailed).
I had not seen my dad in quite a while, so he was eager to visit with us (especially Jameson), so he asked us to come over to the house for the evening. We had no other plans, so we decided to go visit for a while. Obviously this is what prevented me from working out at home (and it was still raining at their house, so no walk). Around 8pm, my dad ordered Imo's Pizzas. I was feeling a little hungry, and I decided to have a few pieces of pizza and water... which turned into more than a few pieces. :( I also had a Mountain Dew to keep me awake on the way home. (It's over an hour drive.)
We got home around 11pm, and I went straight to bed. It was not a good day! However, I am focusing on the fact that I did make a few good choices (the mustard, tearing the bread off, the watermelon) AND I came home to realize I had started my period (sorry for the TMI) and was in the height of PMS! So honestly, that was a great day! Usually this throws me into a 3 day eating binge! It's awful!
This is usually the point where I would say, "Well, I screwed up big time and ruined it. I don't know why I bother trying." and give up! However, I woke up this morning with even more resolve to get back on track. The positive.... no more social events for a week and a half!!! Also, I feel that God has a bigger plan for me and that he puts things in our life for a purpose. Well, this morning I had one of those things happen. I have a friend from work who has been an inspiration to many people. She had never run a day in her life until 2 years ago and took it up cold turkey. She has lost a LOT of weight (80ish lbs. I think) and runs marathons and half marathons on a regular basis plus several miles every day in between. This morning she posted an awesome quote from one of her running pages on Facebook that I think God wanted me to see. It said, "Rather than aiming to be perfect, just aim to be a little better today than you were yesterday." That's what I needed. This is not a quick fix... this is a long journey that is going to have ups and downs. Yesterday was a down, but I did just that... I wasn't perfect, but I did things better than I would have a week ago! Today is a new day, and I will not let one bad day ruin this. I have big plans for my life (and my children's lives), and food will not be the death of me... LITERALLY!
Proud of you for not throwing in the towel. I know it is not easy but keep strong, I know you can do it. Next time we will definitely go for a walk just bring jackets and an umbrella to a June graduation party (who would think you would need either)!
ReplyDeleteWell, hopefully third time's a charm...every time I backspace, it deletes my entire response! Anyway, so very proud of you too for not giving up! That alone puts you miles ahead of other times, so hold your head high and pat yourself on the back! Like you mentioned, you definitely made some good choices in the face of a very tough situation. Over time those choices will become habit and it will be easier (never easy, but easier anyway). And waking up with even more resolve is awesome!! You're right in there will be ups and downs, so just pray to God to give you strength and resolve to get through the rough patches and do the best you can do each and every day. One day at a time, one meal at a time, one bite at a time. And you're right...there are no mistakes with God; He meant for you to see that quote and for it to touch your heart. When you fall, get back up again and hold your head high. You deserve to be healthy and happy, and you're on the path that will take you there. But remember, you're never alone on that path, whether it be your wonderful husband, your supportive family, or a Facebook quote from a friend...but most of all, God is with you on this journey, and He wants you to succeed. Think of the "Footprints" quote when you feel all alone in this and struggling through a rough patch. We love you with all our hearts and agree God has even bigger plans for you! You touch so many lives in a positive way; now it's our turn to touch yours in a positive way. We're here for you, loving you, supporting you, cheering for you...and I know you'll be the success story helping others with their weight struggles in the future! Hang in there; you're doing great!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're very smart to realize that if you totally deprive yourself, you won't stick with it. You should still be able to enjoy meals and not feel punished the whole time. Guess the trick is being smart about it like you were - cutting where you can and portion control. And not giving up when you have a "less than great" day. I read somewhere to compare it to driving: say you ran a stop sign first thing in the morning. Would you just say, "Ah, to hell with it, I'm just going to run them the rest of the day."? No, you wouldn't - you'd be more aware and try to do better. Just like your diet - so way to go!!!!! Love the quote - it can apply to all of us for so many things. Thanks for sharing it. Love ya!
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