Nope, not today! Who's with me?

mikkimomof3

Every single morning I wake up with the best intentions to get back on track. I usually do great until early evening time…and then once I slip up, I sabotage my entire day by going overboard. Today I didn't even make it to noon, and usually this would mean I'd eat terrible the rest of the day. Not today. I know once I get into the groove of things, I can do this--but starting is always so hard. Putting this out there to hold myself accountable and to offer encouragement to anyone else who may be fighting an urge to eat crap today. We can do this…now off to search for a short term accountability group to join. I am over it!

My_Butt

If you think of certain foods as 'bad' because of calories, it will trick your mind into wanting them more. It's in our nature to rebel. When you're exercising you need to look at food differently. 'I will not buy those gummy bears because they will do nothing helpful for my body during a workout.' They may taste good, but can they make you run faster? Will they make your heart stronger? Will they repair your muscles after strength training?

mikkimomof3

You are absolutely right that this is how I should be thinking about what I eat…and I have been able to get there before and stick to it for years. I've not been so successful since having my last baby 9 months ago. It's not as much what foods I'm eating, as it is the quantity. I know I have a sugar addiction problem though--as soon as I have even a little, I find myself craving it all day long. For me, it works best to eliminate as much of the extra sugar as possible ( I still eat my fruits and veggies). I also have arthritis, and too much sugar really causes it to flare up. You'd think that would help deter me, but once I give in, I seriously struggle. I am going to get there though…I so badly want to be at a place where a piece of toast with some peanut butter doesn't lead to a full on pb&j with three servings worth of peanut butter in it!

KCoolBeanz

Or, work the "treats" into your day so you can have them and not go nuts because you can't. It's not difficult, just takes a bit of planning.

My_Butt

I find that if I incorporate cinnamon and honey in my diet, it keeps off the sweet cravings better. I also don't buy them. If they're not in my house, I have nothing to binge on. Evenings are my downfall for sugar since that's the time I watch a movie and my boyfriend eats his ice cream. I just have my tea while I watch it, and it doesn't annoy me as much. If its a persistent craving, I'll make a mental note to allow myself ice cream on Sunday.

Codilee87

Make little healthy treats that are super delicious. I like using dark cocoa powder, honey, nut butter, ground flax and rolled oats. Melt it all together and form into balls. Then you have delicious, high fiber energy bites with a shot of healthy fats and protein. Hell, you can even dip them in melted caramel or chocolate and call them truffles.

tulips_and_tea

mikkimomof3 wrote: »

You are absolutely right that this is how I should be thinking about what I eat…and I have been able to get there before and stick to it for years. I've not been so successful since having my last baby 9 months ago. It's not as much what foods I'm eating, as it is the quantity. I know I have a sugar addiction problem though--as soon as I have even a little, I find myself craving it all day long. For me, it works best to eliminate as much of the extra sugar as possible ( I still eat my fruits and veggies). I also have arthritis, and too much sugar really causes it to flare up. You'd think that would help deter me, but once I give in, I seriously struggle. I am going to get there though…I so badly want to be at a place where a piece of toast with some peanut butter doesn't lead to a full on pb&j with three servings worth of peanut butter in it!

Good for you for recognizing your triggers and for trying to learn to not ruin your whole day over one slip-up. Baby steps!

Thinking of food as fuel is very important. Helps you focus on the quality instead of the quantity. People have said this before on these boards but it applies here: you don't over fill the gas tank in your car, right? Don't over fill your stomach, either. There is no benefit to doing so.

Also, print this thread and if/when you find yourself reaching for extra food, read this FIRST. Hold onto this feeling to keep yourself on track. You can do this!