Thursday, June 17, 2010

Working with myself

Sometimes we get what we want by breaking the rules. Sometimes we get what we want by working with the system. I'm trying to get what I want by doing both.

I've dieted the old fashioned way... epoch failures. Two of the "rules" that I was a chronic breaker of were 1) I must feel guilty if I eat candy or chips or whatever and 2) I must eat breakfast and not eat at night.

I can follow those rules for a week or two, sometimes lots longer, but not forever. So, I've decided to work WITH myself instead of AGAINST myself.

What does that mean exactly? Well, it means that I'm not going to try to force myself to make "perfect" food choices. Don't get me wrong, I usually make healthy food choices. But, why would I beat myself up over wanting and indulging in an occasional, fully informed decision to eat whatever I choose?

And, I'm going to eat WHEN I want to. I've never been a big morning eater. I do eat a small amount in the morning, if and when I'm hungry. However, I have always enjoyed being an evening eater. I had a nutrition instructor in nursing school who believed that it was calories in and calories out, not WHEN you ate those calories. I know digestion and metabolism slow during the night, but enough to make a real difference? I'm doubting that. Just like muscle burns more calories than fat... an average of what 40 more calories a day? That's great, but not amazing.

Anyway, so those two "rules" don't work for me. I'm finished forcing myself into feeling guilty about food... what a waste of time for something that doesn't even work! And, I'm tired of playing the party line about when I naturally want to eat. I'm listening to my body this time, instead of to everyone else. Who "says" for me better than ME? It's mind boggling to me that I've spent so much of my life futally working against myself. It seems so simple that by working with myself, I'd take the best care of myself. Deceptively simple.

10 comments:

  1. So true. I am following the same mantra although I have to eat in the morning (I get up early) and stop by 7 pm. Since it works for you we listen and I am following the advice to "listen" to my body. It may be slow weight loss but it is a loss. BTW, I ate chips tonight and a couple of glasses of wine. I don't feel an ounce of guilt because it fits me at this time of my journey. Yeah for saying the truth. We do actually listen.

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  2. Well said. In fact it was the concept of 'bad' food that would often send me in a spiral of terrible eating.

    I am working really hard to just try and make good decisions but if I want something that is high in calories I have some and then move on.

    Normally when dieting I would think 'well I've wrecked it now - I might as well really enjoy myself!'

    I feel like the band has given me (heaven forbid) self control. I can have some treats and feel satisfied by them and not binge.

    Love my band.

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  3. I totally agree with your post... after so many years of trying to conform to someone else's strict or prescribed diet.. I say "screw it".. I am going to eat healthy and eat in moderation (and the band forces that second point).. so I am right there with you ..be well

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  4. This is what I'm hoping the band will allow me to do. Listen to my body.

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  5. I agree...eat when hungry and leave it at that. If it is at night then it is at night. I follow the same mantra!!!

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  6. I am right there with ya! You know best, not the mysterious "they" that dictate what is best and worst for you. Listen to your body and figure out what works for you, because that is what will stay with you and become lifetime habbit which is what we want to be healthy, thin , and happy for the rest of our lives!

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  7. Oh go you!! You've just struck gold and I think if we could all feel like this - not torturing ourselves when we break from 'good' eating to sometimes 'bad, the world would be a happier place.

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  8. Great post! Could not agree with you more. We need to let go of the guilt!

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  9. Totally! You are living proof that you are the lady in charge!

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  10. Sounds like you are breaking free of the food prison!

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