Okay, I've put off this post as long as I can. I just feel so darn unqualified to write about diets or food or nutrition. My only qualification is that I've lost more than 100 pounds and kept it off for over a year now, so keep that in mind. I can only share what worked (and continues to work) for me. So here are my random thoughts--not a plan, not a *way of eating*, certainly not a magic forumla.
--There's no way I could stick to a restrictive food plan for very long because I have to feed a family of nine every day and more on weekends.
--I couldn't stick to a restrictive food plan for the rest of my life because sooner or later I would throw off the shackles and go hog-wild and EAT whatever it was I wasn't supposed to have.
--If you tell me I can't have it, I want it.
--If you tell me I can have it, I might or might not want it.
--I eat only when I am truly hungry, and stop when I am full. Politely full, not stuffed to the gills.
--Food is always available. If I'm hungry again, I'll just eat again. I don't have to be afraid.
--Food is not my friend. The only *need* it meets is true hunger. Not emotional needs, spiritual needs or social needs.
I remember feeling so shocked when I first realized how often I was eating because the food was good or it was my favorite or it was there or I was lonely or I wanted to pamper myself, etc., etc., etc. I once told my husband during the years of babies and toddlers (uh, 25+ years) that "eating is the only fun thing I do." That makes me sad now. But at the time I truly did not realize what I was doing.
It amazes me how complicated the diet world is. Everyone is looking for the miracle, the pill, the plan. I lost all my weight eating pizza, hamburgers, french fries and ice cream. And of course, apples, natural peanut butter, cheese and almonds. Just food. Sort of The Casual Approach to God Made/Man Made eating, now that I look back on it. I would go a couple of days and eat God-made food because that is what sounded good, then stop by Braum's for a peanut butter hot fudge sundae. And eat the peanut butter and hot fudge and whipped cream and cherry first, because I never knew when I would get full and stop eating.
Okay, so that's a start on the random thoughts. More random-ness to follow.
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This is really helpful, as I, too, am an emotional eater! I have learned that if I focus on food, it becomes obsessive and that stresses me out....and then I eat! *yikes!*
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your "random thoughts" on eating! I am finding more and more that I ask myself--do I really need another cookie? Or, as you said, do I just want more because they taste good?! (I can resist most sweets now, but chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are *very* hard to resist! ; )
I just need to get with the program and eat more veggies--I like them, especially cherry tomatoes and yellow peppers! Yum! But too often it's easy to grab a graham cracker than open the refrigerator door (which I have to pass on the way to the pantry!) and take out the veggies that are already there!
THAT part of discipline I can work on! Depriving myself--as you said, counterproductive!
Very encouraging as usual, Charlotte!
One month (almost!) to "get to hug you IRL day"! :-D
HUGS!
Trisch
P.S. Got Basic Tempo in with my df this morning, and before she came I did Lunges through Runner's Stretch! YES!
P.P.S. Sorry to hear about your little one. Hope she is feeling better soon! *little hug for her*
Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your candidness! It's so encouraging. I would have assumed you were very disciplined in avoiding certain types of foods because of your weight loss. I'm glad to know that you were able to do it eating "normally". I say this because I too have to cook for a crowd and I never feel more rebellious than when I try to restrict (completely) certain foods (sugar or carbs, etc.) Thanks for the encouragement.
Nancy
Thanks so much for your comments, ladies! It was with fear and trepidation that I wrote about eating because that topic can engender passionate disagreement. But the whole point is to NOT be passionate about eating or food. I like and enjoy food as much as the next person, especially chocolate and pizza. But like Trisch said, we get in trouble when we *focus* on it.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know how inspirational and helpful your posts have been for me. I have dusted off my T-Tapp videos and started using them again, and am already feeling better. I can't wait until I have my waist back, and my thighs don't rub together!
ReplyDeleteKeeping records is a challenge for me, but I can see from your experience how important it is, so I am going to begin right now, by recording the work out I just finished.
Thank you for starting this blog.
Wow, I just stumbled upon your blog tonight as I was researching t-tapp. This particular entry really resonates with me. I have thought the exact thing that you wrote--the part about eating being the only enjoyable part of your day. While I don't have as many children as you, I have 4 under age 5, and I feel like I am in survival mode most days. I spend nearly every waking moment taking care of someone's needs, so being able to enjoy food is like a little "get-away" for me. Yes, this IS sad!!! Anyway, I am so inspired by your story. I'm praying about what God would have me do next....Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI never really understood until reading this post what "emotional eating" really was. I always thought it was eating when you were sad or depressed, etc.
ReplyDeleteSo, I would officially call myself an emotional eater after reading your post!
WOW! I think I need to and can change some things after having that definition click with me!
Thanks!