Okay. So I thought about whether I would bring this up or not...and I thoguht I should - for myself and others. Anyway - here goes…

...yesterday I was just a bit stressed over a variety of issues...from business travel to getting the FAFSA application finished by deadline for my college bound son...and I knew..JUST KNEW...that I would be challenged food-wise when I got home...”...where did I put those candy coated dark chocolate Cadburry Easter Eggs....”

So I jump of the lightrail and head to my car...and my personal cell phone rings. It’s hubby..."hey Tina...Rick’s Pizza is doing a fundraiser for the seniors in our church...so will this work for dinner?” (Hubby gets off earlier than I do, and is typically responsbile for getting the evening meal off the ground..”

Angel on the Left: “Nope - you have chicken tenders in the freezer and some romaine lettuce in the fridge...just a snap to prepare...”
Devil on the Right: “Say yes...you deserve some pizza...maybe a beer while you wait for it to be cooked...spend some time with hubby....” and well, from there the conversation got much more seductive....I wonder how many of you are familiar?

Okay - so fast forward. We did go get pizza. And instead of getting my usual extra thin crust, red sauce, vegetarian NO CHEESE - I got the Gourmet Vegetarian..with that white sauce...and cheese...(no beer tho...so....)

When we got home...I only had two pieces...because I am not used to all that cheese anymore...and later...about 6 of those darned chocolate eggs.

And when I woke up this morning, I felt like a football had taken residents in my lower abdomen. Still stuffed...not to mention that sugar/cheese hangover...mild headache...mild nausea...oy.

Good thing is tho, I did move yesterday. Better thing - I know what I did wrong, and can fix it (Thanks Scott).

So today is just as busy - in fact, on my way out for a very long meeting. But on my morning break, I fixed a big green salad, plenty of veggies...and now, when I get out of this meeting today, and am starving...ahhhh....healthy food!

Tomorrow morning I will have recovered from that hour of munching last night…

because of healthy food - and my scheduled workout today:

Brisk walk outside (weather permitting) for 30 mins
Contingency Plan: Treadmill/exercise bike when I get home
and four flights of stairs - up and down...as I leave and return the building today.

Have a great day everyone.

We all have our demons...that get the upper hand every once in a while....

But like Scott says, just be more gooder than badder.....

as an example: I try to work out 4 of the 7 days a week (more often than not....through the week) That’s 52 more times in a year that I work out more than I don’t, to burn off those extra calories that the ‘devil’ makes me eat.... (ok… ok..... a little bit of personal responsibility)....

It’s knowing “How I want to feel” and, at least most of the time, act accordingly.  But what would life be without a few curves thrown in! 

Be flexible, make adjustments...plan for the days you know will happen (when the devil wins )

Thanks for the encouragement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HERES TO MORE “GOODER”

We all have those food demons

It’s just a matter of learning to keep them happy and still keep our fitness goals.

Hi Tina,

Life does occasionally get in the way.  But now you know the warning signs and you know how to answer that ever-present question, “how do I want to feel?” Answer: not like a football in the lower abdomen!  *grin*

Seriously, you’ve learned something and now it’s time to move on, which you already did.  No drama, just life. 

Cheers,
Julie

I do understand how the food demons can be soo tempting. One of the things I do to try and minimize this from happening is to have a “just in case” meal planned that can be made up in a pinch.  For example I may make ahead a healthy casserole and put it in the freeezer.  Then on those days when it is next to impossible to cook something I just turn to my “ just in case meal” pop it in the oven, make a nice salad to go with it and viola I have a nice healthy meal that didn’t take long to prepare.  This is perfect for those days when life seems to get in the way.  The trick to making this one work is to preplan and make up a meal that can be frozen ahead of time.  I usually put some time aside on the weekend to prepare a “ just in case” meal.  As far as the food demons go I like to give myself a small treat every so often that helps to take care of those food tempations.  I don’t do that very often and I keep the portion size really small.  I try to take my time and eat the treat really slow to enjoy every bite of it.  That way I don’t feel the need to binge and totally ruin my diet.  That way you satisfy the food demons tempations and you don’t ruin your diet.  I try to keep in mind the saying, “HOw do I want to feel.” But on the other hand I need my small treat fix every so often so I don’t totally blow my diet by totally going all out on the foods that are bad for me.  The thing I need to watch here is the frequency of how often I allow myself to have these small treats, which is maybe once a month.  Ok I hope all this helps for what it is worth.  I

You really have a good approach.  It is so true that the food demons sometimes need to be fed.  I’ve always maintained that ‘forbidden foods’ lead to deprivation which leads to binging.  A small treat, thoroughly and completely savored - no guilt allowed - can be so satisfying.  The key is frequency and portion.  Sounds like you have both under control.

Well folks I have given in to the food demons way more than I would have liked too.  It all started this weekend when I was at a family party, I began my junk food feast that just went way out of control.  It all started with chips and dip, then went to pizza, and then to some cookies.  Top it all off with some rum and cokes.  That night I went to bed with an upset stomach.  The next day was a little better, but then at a church function I gave way to the food demons again.  I ate way too many cookies.  I look back at this weekend, I was really out of control.  Well folks I am one of those people who tend to turn to food during stressful times and this weekend I choose very unwisely.  So, I am currently trying to put that behind me and start by taking a step toward better eating.  Also trying to address head on the stresses in my life that caused my food feast this past weekend.  I thought I had the food demons under control, but this weekend showed me that I didn’t.  Folks I may need some encouragement on this one!!  How do you all rebuild after a bad weekend or bad day?  I know what I need to do, but I feel a little depressed after this past food feast. 

So you had a bad day, OK, a bad weekend, but its done and over.  The food demons won this round, but they didn’t take control of you life.  I think you’re on the right track already, acknowledge that it was a bad week, look at what you might do differently when faces with the same choices, then move forward.  Ask for support and encouragement and you will get lots. 

My suggestion is that you just put it behind you and go exercise, even just a little.  It will work off some of the excess calories you ate over the weekend, clear your head, and hopefully help you feel better.  Today you have an opportunity to make better choices - so go for it.

scoobydoo - 27 March 2007 01:29 PM

Folks I may need some encouragement on this one!!  How do you all rebuild after a bad weekend or bad day?  I know what I need to do, but I feel a little depressed after this past food feast. 

Oops!  Paula yet again beat me to the punch on this one, and with great advice as always.  (Hi, Paula!)

Instead of reiterating, here are a few other tips I’ve got:
- Acknowledge what happened and move on.  Sure, you may have gotten a little out of control, but now you’re back in control.  As long as you recognize that, you can start making better choices, starting now.
- Analyze what happened and strategize so that it doesn’t happen again.  Why did you have so much food, even knowing it was bad for you?  And, more importantly, what are you going to do so that it doesn’t happen next time?  If you plan now, you’ll be ready for it.
- Don’t blow it out of proportion.  In the end, you’re going to be alive for a long time.  One weekend is not going to break your entire life.  Life is a marathon, not a sprint.
- Reverse course out of the rut and keep going.  Getting back on track is as simple as doing a workout or eating well, starting right now.  Don’t overdo it: four hours at the gym or a 500-calorie day is just going to burn you out and depress you.  Instead, just make the choices you know are right without going overboard.  You’ll be fine!

How’s that?  Feeling inspired yet?  Feeling like you’re back in control?

Good!

Cheers,
Julie

Great advise as always Julie...(so wise!)

I beg to differ....Life is a TRIALTHON (either a sprint, olympic or ironman!)!! .....not a sprint....I think that’s a better analogy, because during our life, we change gears (like the different parts of a triathlon) and start new things!

Each day is ours to own.....just make THIS day yours....plan it out.....stick to it....

Like Julie says, don’t deprive yourself, just keep it in moderation (may even wanna track your food for a few days, just for fun!)

Just realizing you can do better is half the journey.....get out and exercise.....and HAVE FUN....

Tom - looking at life as a Triathlon is such a cool concept.  We do go through stages.  Some of us (looking at me) may even be going for the decathlon. 

No matter what sport you prefer (marathon, bi, tri, deca) one weekend is just a blip on the overall scheme of life.  Today is where we are, and what we control.  Have fun and make the best of it.

Thanks Paula, Tom, and Julie for the inspiring thoughts and encouragement!!  This is just what I needed to help me out!!  That is what I really love about this community is when someone needs a little inspiring or encouragement people are willing to help out.  You all give me a little kick in the butt, with some kind words thrown in, just what was needed.  I feel back in control of my life again and ready to get back on track again.  I hope I can return the favor someday when someone else may need it.  Thanks again everyone, I really appreciate this alot

I like Zig.....and your signiture....make a good day better......

today after spin class, the instructor suggested we go out of our way to help someone (if only a smile)..........I was able to help the guy who sell newspaper at the corner ......with more than just a newspaper purchase!

It’s wonderful what you can do...each day!

You’ve already returned the favor by having the courage to ask for support, many others who have similar problems will also benefit.  Just keep paying it forward.