Diet Log: Day 35
Is it hard to eat one healthy meal? No. It’s not even hard to eat three healthy meals in one day. The hard part is eating all healthy meals every day. I’m sure I’m not alone with the challenges of staying with a diet plan. The million-dollar weight loss industry attests to that. I read an article today about healthy eating. It was all about setting goals, tracking progress, dealing with barriers, and getting support. I think I’m doing well in all of those areas. The fact is, it’s hard to diet. That’s why there are so many failures; and why large people gain and lose hundreds of pounds in their lifetimes. I know I have.
I’m one month into my 16-month plan, and I couldn’t be more goal-driven. We’ve covered all of those – the trip, mobility, fitting in (clothes, seats …), general health. My short-term goal was to lose 2 lbs per week. So obviously 8 lbs per month, and I’m close. Long term goal 117 lbs (down to 110). I don’t think I’m trying to do too much, too fast. 2 lbs per week is the recommended amount on nearly every medical weight loss plan. Slow going is just not as rewarding as I’d like. But my goals are no different, so this is a blog to self: stick with it!!
Yesterday I talked about my slip-ups. And I do know the difference between a slip-up and simply giving up. Making a mistake doesn’t make me a failure (new mantra). Really, I just find it difficult to make mistakes – of any kind. It’s a life-long thing. I’m not really sure what made me cheat, other than I really wanted something else to eat. I’m also not sure how to slip up and not feel guilty or angry with myself. I’m teachable, right? This is a learning curve. What happened, and why did I cheat? It has to be more than simply wanting some food item or other. Flavor issues? Variety? I don’t know, but I’m going to figure it out!
So how do I maintain the plan? Asking myself that all the time. I’m doing the things the experts recommend: no alcohol (no problem, I don’t drink), using a meal plan (am I ever), avoid unplanned eating (really trying to comply with this!), keep healthy low-fat snacks at the ready (yep). The thing I haven’t done is making my meal an “experience.” According to diet professionals, meals should be more than just eating food. Location, presentation, and socialization are also important factors. Communicate with family – check. Relax while you eat – check. Eat slowly and enjoy your food – mostly. Do not watch television or read while you eat – uhoh. I’ve gotten in the habit of eating in my comfy chair because my back hurts so much less there. But maybe it’s time to change that, too? We have a very nice dining room with a beautiful view. My new goal this week will be to have dinners at the table. If my pain threshold can handle it, I’ll add in other meals. The TV, however, will be a whole other problem. I’m addicted. I admit it happily. One thing at a time … !