OK, going to buy Christmas cookies in the late afternoon of the 23rd was not the best option! Or perhaps it was! There was not a large selection and many that were there were so unappealing there was no pull at all. I did find a nice tray of European cookies dipped in chocolate for under $5--I've bought these before for twice that, so maybe waiting until the last minute is a good idea!
There was also a German box of cookies which we settled on because of the "fun factor"...very similar cookies but in a box that is literally a yard long! It just cracked me up! Even better is that the "yard" was made up of 3 sealed packages which helps me with my restraint...it gives me a little time to think, do I REALLY want to open another package?
So I have a little chocolate fix, a little Christmas fun and it won't spoil my weight loss success! Sounds like a Happy Holiday to me!
Showing posts with label treats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label treats. Show all posts
Friday, December 24, 2010
Friday, February 27, 2009
Food Addiction: Cured or In Recovery?
Hi. My name is Laurie. I'm an ice cream-aholic.
Food has always been my 'drug of choice'. Specifically ice cream. Even more specifically, chocolate ice cream...or just about any ice cream with chocolate in it.
The higher the fat content the better.
I could literally eat several quarts at a sitting.
Of course I would then wonder why I had a headache!!!
It is a wonder I'm not diabetic or have cholesterol through the roof.
That has all changed now...I actually bought a pint (one!) of ice cream on Sunday because it sounded good. Then I forgot I even had it in the house!
On Wednesday night I decided to have some. I voluntarily stopped part way through because I was done! It no longer was satisfying or tasting good, so I put it back...
If you notice I said I put it back, that means that I was eating right out of the container, I had not dished it out. That had been my method of portion control before. Dish some out. And go back for more. Again. and Again. Or not--sometimes I just ate right out of the quart container.
I am excited at the prospect that I have a normal relationship with food!
I know that it is important to keep my awareness up and not slip into bad habits--but this is a very good day...
Maybe I'll celebrate! Rocky Road, anyone (I'm joking!)
Food has always been my 'drug of choice'. Specifically ice cream. Even more specifically, chocolate ice cream...or just about any ice cream with chocolate in it.
The higher the fat content the better.
I could literally eat several quarts at a sitting.
Of course I would then wonder why I had a headache!!!
It is a wonder I'm not diabetic or have cholesterol through the roof.
That has all changed now...I actually bought a pint (one!) of ice cream on Sunday because it sounded good. Then I forgot I even had it in the house!
On Wednesday night I decided to have some. I voluntarily stopped part way through because I was done! It no longer was satisfying or tasting good, so I put it back...
If you notice I said I put it back, that means that I was eating right out of the container, I had not dished it out. That had been my method of portion control before. Dish some out. And go back for more. Again. and Again. Or not--sometimes I just ate right out of the quart container.
I am excited at the prospect that I have a normal relationship with food!
I know that it is important to keep my awareness up and not slip into bad habits--but this is a very good day...
Maybe I'll celebrate! Rocky Road, anyone (I'm joking!)
Monday, November 10, 2008
Cookies, the Good the Bad and the Ugly
Well, maybe there aren't any ugly cookies, but I couldn't resist!
Why am I talking about cookies, when this blog is about achieving health (and weight) goals? Well, if you remember I have said with my program I have no forbidden foods. That includes cookies.
One of my wonderful neighbors came by the house today selling cookie dough as a fundraiser for his grandson's pre-school. The child was sick and therefore could not assist Grandpa, but will be helping with the delivery of the buckets. Hmmmm. Since each bucket weighs in at 3 pounds I'm not sure just how much help the little guy will be, but at least he will be present!
My neighbor said, "I know you are on a diet, so if you don't want any that's okay". It was really sweet that he wanted me to know that he was aware that I've lost a lot of weight and that I should not feel obligated to participate. I did have to tell him that I refuse to diet! People just don't seem to understand that--how is it possible to lose weight without dieting? Well, I'm proof that it is possible!
Know what else? I was glad that he didn't assume and make the decision for me! Since most people think if you are losing weight you never eat treats, he could easily have made that assumption!
We did buy one bucket. I figure it will last us about a year!
I know that I won't go crazy...because I have evidence to prove that now. So this is the first time I have ever bought one of these food fund-raisers and not had a level of fear associated with the purchase!
Sometimes a freshly baked cookie is just what the doctor ordered (well, maybe not Dr. Linda!)
We'll chat another time about some really healthy cookies that I make that are part of the Mars Venus Wellness Solution. They are so rich and chocolately...my mother said
Oh, if only all of life's problems were so simple!
Why am I talking about cookies, when this blog is about achieving health (and weight) goals? Well, if you remember I have said with my program I have no forbidden foods. That includes cookies.
One of my wonderful neighbors came by the house today selling cookie dough as a fundraiser for his grandson's pre-school. The child was sick and therefore could not assist Grandpa, but will be helping with the delivery of the buckets. Hmmmm. Since each bucket weighs in at 3 pounds I'm not sure just how much help the little guy will be, but at least he will be present!
My neighbor said, "I know you are on a diet, so if you don't want any that's okay". It was really sweet that he wanted me to know that he was aware that I've lost a lot of weight and that I should not feel obligated to participate. I did have to tell him that I refuse to diet! People just don't seem to understand that--how is it possible to lose weight without dieting? Well, I'm proof that it is possible!
Know what else? I was glad that he didn't assume and make the decision for me! Since most people think if you are losing weight you never eat treats, he could easily have made that assumption!
We did buy one bucket. I figure it will last us about a year!
I know that I won't go crazy...because I have evidence to prove that now. So this is the first time I have ever bought one of these food fund-raisers and not had a level of fear associated with the purchase!
Sometimes a freshly baked cookie is just what the doctor ordered (well, maybe not Dr. Linda!)
We'll chat another time about some really healthy cookies that I make that are part of the Mars Venus Wellness Solution. They are so rich and chocolately...my mother said
They taste so sinful I cannot get it into my head they are legal.
Oh, if only all of life's problems were so simple!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
More on Indulgences and Diet
So it is okay to indulge from time to time, but let's not overdo it. It is the overdoing that got us into "trouble" with our weight in the first place.
Overeating can wreck havoc with our bodies just like drinking too much alcohol. Typically we don't have some of the other complications that are true with too much booze--like impaired driving, for example, unless we are driving while eating then that would be a possibility, too!
Too much sugar, whether it is refined sugar, honey, or even natural sugars in fruits can cause health complications down the road. In the short term it can cause sleep disturbances and mood swings.
So if you choose to have your indulgence, see if you can do it with a small serving. You can always have more if you really want it. I try to wait at least 30 minutes after my treat before I have another. I know it takes me that long to really assimilate it in my mind and body. Then if I still want it after half an hour I'll allow myself a bit more. Typically I find that I no longer want that extra bit and because I only had a small serving in the first place my body is able to handle the bit of sugar.
Overeating can wreck havoc with our bodies just like drinking too much alcohol. Typically we don't have some of the other complications that are true with too much booze--like impaired driving, for example, unless we are driving while eating then that would be a possibility, too!
Too much sugar, whether it is refined sugar, honey, or even natural sugars in fruits can cause health complications down the road. In the short term it can cause sleep disturbances and mood swings.
So if you choose to have your indulgence, see if you can do it with a small serving. You can always have more if you really want it. I try to wait at least 30 minutes after my treat before I have another. I know it takes me that long to really assimilate it in my mind and body. Then if I still want it after half an hour I'll allow myself a bit more. Typically I find that I no longer want that extra bit and because I only had a small serving in the first place my body is able to handle the bit of sugar.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Indulgence and Weight Loss
I have learned over the years that having little indulgences actually help me to lose weight.
Sometimes it is a "healthy" indulgence--which I think really depends on one's definition of healthy--such as extra fruits (because I love fruit), or a piece or two of good dark chocolate.
Sometimes the indulgence will be more, well, indulgent, like wine or beer or good bread. Still, not horrible for you in moderation.
Then there are the official "poison foods" that contain white sugar, white flour, high fructose corn syrup and all those other "sins" found in the grocery store. My favorite in this group is ice cream. I have a friend who loves canned cranberry sauce. Whatever the food is, even these can be indulgences that actually assist in dropping fat.
How can that be? Part of it is mental attitude--if by not having that special treat in moderation you are going to feel deprived, then down the road at some point a binge will come. When the binge hits, you will be worse off. The key is paying attention to how you feel about the food. And moderation, of course.
So if you love ice cream, like I do, then once in a while you should have it. There is nothing more depressing than being told (by yourself or someone else) that you can never have that again. If you love red rope licorice or french bread or canned cranberry sauce, let yourself have a little when you really want it.
By allowing yourself to have it, you are letting your subconscious know that it is a possibility. That permission alone helps reduce the cravings for it because it is no longer "forbidden fruit."
Sometimes it is a "healthy" indulgence--which I think really depends on one's definition of healthy--such as extra fruits (because I love fruit), or a piece or two of good dark chocolate.
Sometimes the indulgence will be more, well, indulgent, like wine or beer or good bread. Still, not horrible for you in moderation.
Then there are the official "poison foods" that contain white sugar, white flour, high fructose corn syrup and all those other "sins" found in the grocery store. My favorite in this group is ice cream. I have a friend who loves canned cranberry sauce. Whatever the food is, even these can be indulgences that actually assist in dropping fat.
How can that be? Part of it is mental attitude--if by not having that special treat in moderation you are going to feel deprived, then down the road at some point a binge will come. When the binge hits, you will be worse off. The key is paying attention to how you feel about the food. And moderation, of course.
So if you love ice cream, like I do, then once in a while you should have it. There is nothing more depressing than being told (by yourself or someone else) that you can never have that again. If you love red rope licorice or french bread or canned cranberry sauce, let yourself have a little when you really want it.
By allowing yourself to have it, you are letting your subconscious know that it is a possibility. That permission alone helps reduce the cravings for it because it is no longer "forbidden fruit."
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Joy is Key to Healthy Weight
When I feel less than joyful (whether that is sad, angry, anxious or even depressed) it is a big challenge for me to retain my physical health. It is more than just the fact that these "negative" emotions cause me direct harm. If I allow myself to wallow in them, my attitude about myself in general begins to spiral downward, making it harder and harder for me to care enough to make the effort to live a healthy life.
Therefore, I find it important to resolve to do something every day that brings me joy and allows me to feel good about myself. Some of these things are daily routines, like my gratitude journal or going for a walk in the fresh air.
I also make the effort to do something "special" every month that brings me "special joy". These are the things that are not routine. It could be getting away for a couple of days--either to the mountains, like I did recently, or to the City to catch a show. It also includes taking advantage of seasonal events in my neighborhood. For me this weekend that was attending 2 different sculpture shows. I spent an entire day at each show, the "Invitational" and Sculpture in the Park
Attending events like this feed my spirit. I get to meet lots of wonderful, friendly and talented artists and see fantastic pieces of all styles and media. I am in hog heaven, as it were. For you it may be the County Fair--it is that time of year, folks!
When you attend the events, there will no doubt be lots of opportunities to eat! If there is a "treat" that will absolutely make the fair for you, but you "shouldn't have it"...see if you can share it with a friend (or 2 or 3!). Even if no one will share it with you, commit to eating only 3/4 of it! You will be surprised at how good that makes you feel as it puts you in the driver's seat.
When you ask yourself if you are going to have the treat be aware of a couple of things, 1. the fact that you are even asking yourself if you are going to have the treat means you are gaining control--that's awesome, pat yourself on the back! 2. If you want it, but it isn't going to make the event for you, try walking around for a while and see if the desire goes away. Sometimes it is just seeing the stand that makes it seem so appealing! 3. If you decide you are going to have the treat, under no circumstances should you beat yourself up over it. Have it and enjoy it, and resolve to keep moving and making the best healthiest choices every day.
Remember--it is NOT A DIET, IT IS YOUR LIFE!
Therefore, I find it important to resolve to do something every day that brings me joy and allows me to feel good about myself. Some of these things are daily routines, like my gratitude journal or going for a walk in the fresh air.
I also make the effort to do something "special" every month that brings me "special joy". These are the things that are not routine. It could be getting away for a couple of days--either to the mountains, like I did recently, or to the City to catch a show. It also includes taking advantage of seasonal events in my neighborhood. For me this weekend that was attending 2 different sculpture shows. I spent an entire day at each show, the "Invitational" and Sculpture in the Park
Attending events like this feed my spirit. I get to meet lots of wonderful, friendly and talented artists and see fantastic pieces of all styles and media. I am in hog heaven, as it were. For you it may be the County Fair--it is that time of year, folks!
When you attend the events, there will no doubt be lots of opportunities to eat! If there is a "treat" that will absolutely make the fair for you, but you "shouldn't have it"...see if you can share it with a friend (or 2 or 3!). Even if no one will share it with you, commit to eating only 3/4 of it! You will be surprised at how good that makes you feel as it puts you in the driver's seat.
When you ask yourself if you are going to have the treat be aware of a couple of things, 1. the fact that you are even asking yourself if you are going to have the treat means you are gaining control--that's awesome, pat yourself on the back! 2. If you want it, but it isn't going to make the event for you, try walking around for a while and see if the desire goes away. Sometimes it is just seeing the stand that makes it seem so appealing! 3. If you decide you are going to have the treat, under no circumstances should you beat yourself up over it. Have it and enjoy it, and resolve to keep moving and making the best healthiest choices every day.
Remember--it is NOT A DIET, IT IS YOUR LIFE!
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