Satisfaction
I'm about a month into this diet and there has been something on my mind that I would like to rave about for a while--enjoying food. Food is a blessing from God and all of us in America should be grateful that we live in a land of such abundance, Therefore, I have issues with any diet that says, "you can't eat fried food" or "you can't have dessert". What happens when you reach the proper weight? Are you going to live the rest of your life without dessert?
Obviously, there has to be a system in place to govern the amount of fattening food consumed or the weight won't come off or will come back. For me, I've been writing down every calorie I eat and holding myself to a limit of 1800. I have also made it a point not to eat unless I am hungry, meaning I have hunger pangs. When I have hunger pangs I eat a little something and see if they go away. If they do I don't eat until they return. Following this formula, I usually eat between 1200 and 1400 calories a day. The trouble comes when I want something but am not really hungry. Often this is because someone else is eating something tasty. I am learning to promise myself that I can have the tasty item once I become hungry. I haven't denied myself anything except artificial ingredients. Corn chips, ice cream, pizza, all have crossed my lips. I measure out about 300 calories of food and eat that before waiting to see if my hunger is satisfied. One slice of pizza is usually 300 calories. Of course, I would like 1/2 a pizza but I don't need it so the hard part is backing away after the one slice. 30 minutes later, if my tummy is talking, I can have another slice. ( I know from experience that it won't be)
Food is therefore grouped into two categories in my mind. The first is food that I control. I have control over veggies, meats, candy, milk, and probably most other food. The second group is the food that controls me. these are the things that, if I start eating, I won't stop when I'm full. Potato chips and dip, cola, cheese, and a few other items of shocking caloric value. What to do about group two? First, limit exposure--I know that I will have to face these foods and even enjoy them but I don't want them before me all the time. There is no reason to stress my willpower. Second, if I come in contact with them have a built in control. For example, pizza has been dealt with by DH. Our local pizza parlor will sell a slice and a salad for $4. If I request pizza he will take me there and order that for me. One slice ordered is one slice eaten and I know I won't be asked if I want another one. If I want potato chips I will buy the small bag that usually cost 25c. That used to be called a single serving bag before everything got biggie-sized. That way I can finish it and there is no more temptation. I've been out to eat twice this month and both times asked for a box when I placed my order. 1/2 an entrée was plenty and once I actually divided it into three meals.
When I do get hungry, I ask myself what would I really like to have. Sometimes that takes ten minutes to figure out. Sometimes the answer surprises me. A few days ago it was a bowl of oatmeal at 8pm--go figure. Whatever it is I make a point to eat it without doing anything else--no t.v. computers, telephone etc... Concentrating on whatever I'm eating really helps enhance the experience. Most of my weight was probably gained while mindlessly eating. This morning I ate a serving of granola piece by piece while sitting on my porch. It was heavenly. Do you remember granola? each bite is different with nuts, grains, fruit and spices. Eating it took 30 minutes and I can't think of anything I have enjoyed more in a long time. That granola was truly satisfying. It was exactly what I wanted and since my tummy was growling it was exquisite. One thing about eating mindlessly--nothing truly tastes good. When was the last time you really enjoyed your food?
What if I really got to craving something "terrible" like cheesecake? Thank Goodness it hasn't happened yet but I know it will. I would try to buy a small piece of the best cheesecake I can find and really enjoy it. I would try to find a friend to share it with because I would hate to throw half of it away(and I'm not sure I could) DH hates cheesecake so would probably do me the honors of giving me a part of a slice before pitching the rest. I know its a waste but better than eating the whole thing. I would never buy low-fat or low cal cheesecake. Blah! Of course, I would have to count it in my daily calorie count.
I know there is a popular Christian diet with some of these same thoughts. I enjoyed the book. Where it changes is I don't know how much mental or spiritual anguish I have been through due to diet. I don't think I am having any sort of crisis--I just haven't paid enough attention to what I eat. Also, I'm unwilling pay anyone to tell me how to avoid food.
Finally, I have written a whole post with no mention of getting disciplined. Still that is the backbone of the whole thing. If I go to The Cheesecake Factory and eat 1500 calories of cheesecake I will probably get a spanking. If it makes me sick, I'll get a spanking. If I don't lose weight for the week I will definitely get a spanking. Believe me, that makes a difference when I am standing there wanting to eat a whole piece whether my tummy needs it or not. I've had responses from some people who think it is horrible for DH to discipline me. That happens weekly at most (so far I haven't gotten one for not loosing) but walking away from The Cheesecake Factory is what really hurts.
Obviously, there has to be a system in place to govern the amount of fattening food consumed or the weight won't come off or will come back. For me, I've been writing down every calorie I eat and holding myself to a limit of 1800. I have also made it a point not to eat unless I am hungry, meaning I have hunger pangs. When I have hunger pangs I eat a little something and see if they go away. If they do I don't eat until they return. Following this formula, I usually eat between 1200 and 1400 calories a day. The trouble comes when I want something but am not really hungry. Often this is because someone else is eating something tasty. I am learning to promise myself that I can have the tasty item once I become hungry. I haven't denied myself anything except artificial ingredients. Corn chips, ice cream, pizza, all have crossed my lips. I measure out about 300 calories of food and eat that before waiting to see if my hunger is satisfied. One slice of pizza is usually 300 calories. Of course, I would like 1/2 a pizza but I don't need it so the hard part is backing away after the one slice. 30 minutes later, if my tummy is talking, I can have another slice. ( I know from experience that it won't be)
Food is therefore grouped into two categories in my mind. The first is food that I control. I have control over veggies, meats, candy, milk, and probably most other food. The second group is the food that controls me. these are the things that, if I start eating, I won't stop when I'm full. Potato chips and dip, cola, cheese, and a few other items of shocking caloric value. What to do about group two? First, limit exposure--I know that I will have to face these foods and even enjoy them but I don't want them before me all the time. There is no reason to stress my willpower. Second, if I come in contact with them have a built in control. For example, pizza has been dealt with by DH. Our local pizza parlor will sell a slice and a salad for $4. If I request pizza he will take me there and order that for me. One slice ordered is one slice eaten and I know I won't be asked if I want another one. If I want potato chips I will buy the small bag that usually cost 25c. That used to be called a single serving bag before everything got biggie-sized. That way I can finish it and there is no more temptation. I've been out to eat twice this month and both times asked for a box when I placed my order. 1/2 an entrée was plenty and once I actually divided it into three meals.
When I do get hungry, I ask myself what would I really like to have. Sometimes that takes ten minutes to figure out. Sometimes the answer surprises me. A few days ago it was a bowl of oatmeal at 8pm--go figure. Whatever it is I make a point to eat it without doing anything else--no t.v. computers, telephone etc... Concentrating on whatever I'm eating really helps enhance the experience. Most of my weight was probably gained while mindlessly eating. This morning I ate a serving of granola piece by piece while sitting on my porch. It was heavenly. Do you remember granola? each bite is different with nuts, grains, fruit and spices. Eating it took 30 minutes and I can't think of anything I have enjoyed more in a long time. That granola was truly satisfying. It was exactly what I wanted and since my tummy was growling it was exquisite. One thing about eating mindlessly--nothing truly tastes good. When was the last time you really enjoyed your food?
What if I really got to craving something "terrible" like cheesecake? Thank Goodness it hasn't happened yet but I know it will. I would try to buy a small piece of the best cheesecake I can find and really enjoy it. I would try to find a friend to share it with because I would hate to throw half of it away(and I'm not sure I could) DH hates cheesecake so would probably do me the honors of giving me a part of a slice before pitching the rest. I know its a waste but better than eating the whole thing. I would never buy low-fat or low cal cheesecake. Blah! Of course, I would have to count it in my daily calorie count.
I know there is a popular Christian diet with some of these same thoughts. I enjoyed the book. Where it changes is I don't know how much mental or spiritual anguish I have been through due to diet. I don't think I am having any sort of crisis--I just haven't paid enough attention to what I eat. Also, I'm unwilling pay anyone to tell me how to avoid food.
Finally, I have written a whole post with no mention of getting disciplined. Still that is the backbone of the whole thing. If I go to The Cheesecake Factory and eat 1500 calories of cheesecake I will probably get a spanking. If it makes me sick, I'll get a spanking. If I don't lose weight for the week I will definitely get a spanking. Believe me, that makes a difference when I am standing there wanting to eat a whole piece whether my tummy needs it or not. I've had responses from some people who think it is horrible for DH to discipline me. That happens weekly at most (so far I haven't gotten one for not loosing) but walking away from The Cheesecake Factory is what really hurts.
Oh Debbie, the Cheesecake Factory isn't even that good! You Can make one for yourself, using Splenda that's much better. Try Spenda,low fat cream cheese, and no crust. Bake individuals in small pyrex dishes, that way you also have portion control! Love your blog, good luck!
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Thanks, The cheese cake factory really isn't my biggest downfall but the world is so full of things that are. I can't be left alone with a cheesecake though. I was on a diet and doing well at Christmas. My mother in law was in the hospice with cancer and I promised to sit with her. (I did for three days) some well meaning soul left us with a lot of cheesecake--enough for patients, nurses, visitors, etc... I think I ate enough in three days to gain 15 pounds. Of course, stress had a lot to do with it also. I agree with what you say about portion conrol conpletely. I would rather have cheesecake once every six months and have the regular version than to eat "lite" on a regular basis. I kknow others disagree.
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