Diet Log: Day 49 (and 48)
Willpower is a word often bandied about when talking about changing eating habits. However, I really think creating healthy eating habits is about being disciplined with my food rather than constantly having to tell myself, “no.” I’m trying to create a lifestyle that supports a true change in eating habits. As you know, I take the time to think about and plan my meals in advance. Willpower is reserved when I don’t have control over the environment: a party, eating out, family events.
One thing I know, I cannot bring junk food into the house! I think it is totally fine to splurge once in a while, but there are some things I just can’t resist (red vines, oreos). I’m doing myself a favor by keeping them out of my space. I congratulate myself when I am able to walk past red vines in the store! As for oreos, I’ve decided one treat per week (included in my calorie count) may just have to be okay. Or maybe super willpower is the order of the day!
I’ve read that often when we feel hungry we might just be dehydrated. Many diets suggest drinking some water before eating and waiting 20 minutes to see if you still feel hungry. Water is my friend, so I always have a glass of water near me and in the car, but I’m going to be a bit more diligent about the 12 oz of water with my snacks. For some reason, I’m not always doing that. As promised last week, I also prepared some healthy snacks to leave in the car. If I’m desperate on the drive home from the pool, I can just have a quick protein snack.
I’m grateful for a diet plan that specifies my meals. I know I say this all of the time, but it sure makes things easier. And I’m going to go ahead and use a check-off on my menu sheets. But I do find that I need extra willpower in restaurants. I took some time before going out to eat yesterday to put together my restaurant “eating strategy.” I checked the menu online, and looked at the options that would best fit my plan. We were celebrating a friend’s birthday. We talk almost daily, so she is aware of my journey. She pointed me right to the salads page of the menu (very nice of her). Salads are almost always the best plan in a restaurant! I did go over my calorie count for lunch (because of avocado), but not by very much.
Check-ins:
- Walked 2947 steps on Friday and 2879 steps on Saturday. Time to up my goal to 3000? I think I might.
- Met my weekly exercise goal of 4 times at the pool. Upping that to 5 (per doctor’s orders) but I have a new plan: pool 2 days, 1 day off. Days off will change every week, but I’ll always get enough days in, and maybe enough sleep!
- So now it’s the start of another week and time to weigh in tomorrow – hoping for good news.