I have noticed lately that there are events that I am invited to that I send my regrets about going to for one simple reason: there will be the temptation of food. I never thought I would be like that. And I am not sure I like it. One thing about this whole weight loss journey is that I am determined not to be "on a diet", but to instead change myself into a healthier person, with a healthier lifestyle that includes exercise and eating foods that are best for my body.
However the holidays were really difficult to remain healthy through. All the parties, the gatherings, the special events...they all had food, and lots of my old favorites. Somehow you get into that holiday spirit of: "Oh what's a little bit of fudge going to hurt?" "It is Christmas, or (insert holiday here.)" "I deserve a break." "I can get back into if after the holidays." Etc, etc. So many ways to rationalize a piece of pie.
And I don't really think eating some goodies is wrong. I think it should be able to be worked into a healthy lifestyle. But I have not developed that special skill yet. I am an "all or nothing" kind of gal. I don't seem to have the ability to eat one amazing piece of cake and then stop. It triggers other nibblings, other tastings, and suddenly, the scale is going up, not down.
I am finally back on track (for the most part) after the holidays, and then I received an invitation for a work related Holiday Party. (They hold it after the actual holidays.) My first thought was: "That sounds fun!" My second thought was: "There will be lots of food that I should not be eating there." It is part catered dinner, part potluck. I decided that the temptation, and possibly setting myself back into a vicious carb craving cycle is just not worth it, so I decided not to go. Another friend was having a party, and invited me. I turned the invite down, because I know the evening will be centered around food.
Now,obviously, if it is something I really want to attend, then I will go, and make a way to pick healthy food to eat. Either by making and bringing it myself, or by finding out if there are healthy alternatives. (Like my cousin's upcoming Super Bowl Party. You bet I will be there!) But I have discovered that if it is an event that I am not 100% sure that I want to go to, I will send my regrets more times than not, because I just don't want to deal with the temptation of food. Does anyone else do that? Or am I the only anti-social food person?
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I do the same thing with respect to "girls nite outs" that my friend organizes. They are ALWAYS centered around food and DRINKS. Just an accident waiting to happen if you ask me! I know I won't "stick to my program", even though she insists there will be plenty of low cal options. I'd rather not even take the chance. We gotta do what we gotta do while we're in weight -loss mode because we have to be soooo careful. I'm sure maintenance will be a bit easier to navigate these things (at least I hope!)
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone ! We are doing this as a family, and we have chosen to avoid the really serious potholes with social occasions. I think the main reason I am able to do this with no rgrets or no guilt is because the main focus is getting my 16 yr old son down to a healthy weight. he began at 425 and is now 352. He has come far, still has farther to go, and there is something about doing this with my son that makes the Mamma Bear in me wake up and become vigilant. Our extended family scratches their head at this, but I don't think they really understand how challenging this journey can be.There are so many potholes in the road to begin with. Why dump a load of gravel on it as well ?
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