Log: Day 9
It’s the start of my second week, and I must remind myself that motivation can be inconsistent, and positive self-talk is pretty important. I don’t feel very well today. Probably nothing to do with dieting, just not feeling well. I’m just telling you that by way of reinforcing the fact that “staying the course” matters. Looking toward that wonderful goal – 117 pounds off – is great, but maybe some short-term goals (with accompanying celebrations) are in order?
The problem is that celebrations of nearly every kind center around food. What do we do with friends? Go out to eat. What do we do at holidays? Plan extravagant meals. Even small gatherings, game nights, meeting … all include food. And for me, a reward for anything was … yes, food! Couple that with a portion control problem, and you have the makings of habits that are very difficult to break.
Sorry, back to the short-term goals … and ensuing celebration. I’m thinking that perhaps a monthly goal is worthwhile at this point. Since I started on May 1st, I’m going to work toward at least 8+ lbs off by May 31st. So how to celebrate the small bits of progress? Well, in reality I think food can be a reward. But not in the way I once would have thought about it. Not chips or cookies. No bowl of noodles or mashed potatoes, but treating myself to a night out. Nearly every restaurant has a reasonable option that can fit into the plan. It’s really just a matter of checking the menu in advance and making good choices. A lean cut of meat or fish and a salad, dressing on the side!
Adding vegetables may be an option, as long as they are not prepared and served in butter or sauce. Self-control alert: pre-determining the order is a great way to fight the desire to have something else. Portions are always too big in restaurants, so recognizing the proper portion by it’s “look” can be helpful. Another practical approach – just a basic restaurant is best for now. No specialty foods or contemporary menus.
For me, one important detail is reminding myself how much this all matters to me. How much I hate being fat. I don’t hate myself, by the way. Not to worry. I just hate that my body is in the way of so much of my life, and I’m tired of it. It may sound silly, but just putting that in print gives me a little lift, a reminder of better things to come. I also need to remind myself (regularly) that I can hopefully look forward to better health as a result of weight loss.
And other goals I plan to celebrate? More to come on that later.
You may have noticed that I decided to post the daily menus. Today has many of my favorites …
As time allows, I’ll also post the recipes that correspond with some of the specific meal items.