Dethroned

What importance does food play in your daily routine? How much attention do you give to what you're going to eat? Most people will answer quite a bit. Depending on your diet, this could easily take up to about 60% of your planning throughout your day, especially for those who eat 6 small meals a day. Usually, not an hour goes by without our mind wandering to food, whether it be a snack or a meal. For some, it may become an obsession. It becomes the high point of our day, what we look forward to the most. Sometimes, we may not even be aware of how much importance we have given food. Unintentionally, we may have put food up on a pedestal. It has power over us.

My belief is that this is what leads to obesity. We chase the feeling of satisfaction that we get from food, often to the point of feeling stuffed. Until we feel that "full" feeling, we won't stop. This is especially true if we have a craving. We won't truly be satisfied unless we get that specific taste we are looking for. 

It's time to kick food off the pedestal on which we have placed it. That doesn't mean that you don't look forward to a tasty meal, or enjoy good food. We were given these tastebuds for a reason! Here are some tips to help you dethrone food.

1. Train Your Mind

When you catch yourself daydreaming about your next meal, shift your attention to something more beneficial.  In these moments, I stop myself from focusing on how good it will taste and instead, I start thinking about what benefits that meal will bring me. What veggies are included? What proteins? How will this affect my day and fitness plan?

2. Choose Wisely
I don't know about you, but when I plant myself on the couch, I suddenly am starving! Thoughts of popcorn, ice cream, and junk food start flying at me! I now keep smarter food choices on hand. Air-popped popcorn is quite filling and tastes wonderful, especially lightly salted. Also, there are plenty of low calorie chips if you're looking for a salty snack. My favorite is Light Pringles, or Light Ruffles. As far as dessert goes, frozen yogurt and light ice cream are great alternatives to the real things. Flavorwise, you cannot tell the difference with most of them.

3. Keep it Movin'!
One of our worst enemies is boredom. This can lead to mindless eating and binging. When you find yourself in this common situation, get up and MOVE! Go for a walk, read a book, start a project...whatever will keep you busy and not munching!

Let's make this week a GREAT one. :)

2012 has arrived

The first day of this year went quite well.

When I first woke up, I didn't necessarily feel like working out today. One excuse I had was how sore I was from the night of playing my friends Kinect and throwing the football with my hubby. After I got up and moved around a bit, I felt a bit better. What pushed me to go? The gorgeous day that was awaiting outside. It was a clear, cloudless day that begged to be enjoyed.

During the walk, we took some pictures of our beautiful scenery:

It's not always that pleasant, though. Over the past few months, my husband and I have diligently ventured out regardless of how we felt...after a 2 hour commute to an 8 hour work day. Through cold weather, rainy days, and even the onset of a headcold. 

The flip has switched in my head. 

Regardless of what it takes, I will make myself do it. I will not create barriers or obstacles. If I want to see results, I must put forth the effort. The only thing stopping me from reaching my goal is myself. And I'll be damned if I will let that happen.

Forgive me if I sound firm. I now realize what it takes to see results. It's not a cakewalk. It takes work. To expect change without effort is unrealistic.

I've lost 39 pounds so far. That brings me to the point of being 100 pounds away from my goal. I feel like a different person. Well, let me rephrase that. I feel like the person I was prior to letting myself go. I recognize the person in the mirror again. I'm more confident, and not as self conscious. 

Progress:

Cheers to a new year, one filled with the possibility of redesigning yourself, and changing your own mind. 

"Behold, I make all things new." - Revelation 21