That when I go out to eat, it is easier to choose the "healthy option."
That working out is a routine.
But who am I kidding? Sugar-coating not included, two years later and I still cry "IT'S NOT FAIR" when I'm out to eat with a friend and they order a cheeseburger & french fries while I order lean meat, no sauce and veggies on the side.
I still cry foul when my friends meet for happy hour after work while I force myself to go to the gym.
True, there are some people out there who, after doing something for a good length of time, can make it a habit.
Clearly, that hasn't happened to me. So consider this fair warning to all of you out there who think one day you'll get it. Who think one day you may enjoy eating healthy. Who think you can figure out "temptation."
What you don't see is that once you get to the point where you think you want to be, you'll still fight just as hard.
Weekend Update
I have 2 plans this weekend. First, to send my final thesis to the printer. Yep, you read it right! A little over 6 months after "graduating" I'm finally hitting submit on the project and calling it done. (Luckily they gave me till January to finish it so I'm technically ahead of schedule).
Secondly, I plan on finishing the E-Cookbook that ya'll have been SO PATIENTLY waiting for! I actually called in back-up and asked Lindsay over at Lindsay: Under Construction to help out. Have you checked out her blog yet? LOVE LOVE LOVE! So anyways, hopefully I have some good news for you early next week in regards being able to purchase the cookbook.
What are YOU doing this weekend
Remember, healthiness doesn't take the weekend off!
Remember, healthiness doesn't take the weekend off!
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33 comments:
For me, some days are easier than others but I do still struggle sometimes!
That's awesome, about your thesis (and the cookbook!). Have a great weekend Jen. :)
I wish I didn't have to struggle as well, but I still have about 40+ lbs that I'm wanting to lose. My best friend orders the cheeseburger and fries, and eats the pizza, and I usually think the same thing, that it's "Not Fair," and why was I given this struggle? For a while, it was a little easier, but lately not so much. *sigh*
one step in front of the other ever day forever! But we can do this Jen!
I have a date with hubby on Sunday can't wait!
Looking forward to the cookbook, with your touches it's sure to be great!
I do both. I would say that working out is absolutely a habit, and heathing healthy (uhh...most of the time) is as well, but that doesn't mean that it's easy, or that I don't stomp my feet in frustration at those who don't have to fight obesity every day like I do. The ones who can just listen to hunger cues naturally, eat what they want when they are hungry and stop when they've had enough, and the ones who stay slim with no trouble at all (like my damn brother!). It's really comforting to know I'm not alone in these feelings.
BTW I loved the "choose your hard" quote from the other day and I'm telling myself that all the time now, and sharing it with others as well.
That is my biggest fear. Getting where I want to be then the challenge of staying there. I hope I will be able to do what you do!
I, too struggle. Sometimes are easier than others.
Andrea
Thanks for posting this. Honestly, I keep convincing myself that once I get to goal, that I wouldn't have to work so hard to pick better choices and exercise. It's not a battle, but we still have to work to NEVER get to where we were before. On that note, I've got a "sweaty proof" for ya over at my blog :-)
Loves!!!!!!!!!
I have a run planned for this afternoon with a friend. Happy Hour with the guys is soooo tempting. I almost cancelled my run last Friday, but I didn't. I felt so awesome when I was done.
The guys are going out again this afternoon, but I am going to run.
How many years of bad habits were you used to before making the decision to change your life? I don't blame you for hiding out to avoid temptation. Many people have this same problem-it's why weight is continually lost & regained. But you are aware & even better blogging about it. Eventually things will become more of a habit-until then just keep calling it your journey.
Jennifer, When we met for drinks oh so long ago earlier this year. there was me sitting there with a BIG beer and you with your wine I believe we both ordered a salad mine bigger than yours and you had your dressing on the side. I look at that and think MAN I so wish I had the will power she does. I dont, I cave every time I suck at portion control and love my BEER. But i exercise and use that as my excuse and eat sometimes not as healthy as I should. But at the same time so many people can learn from you. I look at you as inspiration, strength and much will power.
Big hugz and lots of love!!
Beth C.
This is one of my biggest fears. I go hard at it for about 4-6 months and usualy lose 25-40 pounds and then I just get tired of it and gain most of it back. I tell myself I know better but I've known better every other time also. We will all get through this. We can do it.
This weekend, I'm going to committ to making better choices. I found a new WW leader and meeting location and I love it. It was the change in motivation/inspiration that I needed so badly.
Thank you for being honest about the struggle continuing when you've gotten to where you want to be. I guess I never really thought about it. I'm at the beginning of my journey, so I just need to get to my goal and then re-evaluate my lifestyle then.
A thought from the other side.
When you're in that frame of mind, where you wish you could eat whatever you want....Remember, at least one person is looking at you thinking they wish they had your strength and will power:)
Thank you for this post today - I have seen myself struggle with about 4-8 pounds to go to goal. I know part of it is my marathon training, but tomorrow is the big day and I will be running my long awaited first full marathon and then Sunday morning - weigh in day and re-commitment day! I will get my butt on the scale - take what ever the number says and put it in my past and get to my goal!
Jen - I love your "Sugar-Coating Not Included" approach. I think it's important for us to realize there is not "stopping point", no "the end". I'm glad you're so honest in all of your posts. Reality can be harsh, but it's reality!
The E-Cookbook WILL be done this weekend. (Send more work my way, I've got time...) :)
AND, little missy - you have THREE plans this weekend - you're coming over to see my new digs and celebrate me getting old! Haha
See you Saturday!
I don't know, maybe it's my age (and the fact that I've had a lot more years of eating whatever I wanted, lol!) - but it really doesn't bother me that I'm not eating what other people are...I guess I'm at the place where I just focus on me and what's good for my body.
I am not "there" yet by any means (as far as weight loss goes) but I have to say it has gotten a whole lot easier for me over time. I don't struggle with the restaurant stuff etc like I did a year ago, but I think it's because I've tweaked my plan a lot to make me happy. For example, I do limit how often I go out to eat (about once a week) but when I do go, I really enjoy my food. I try to order a healthier choice but if I want lasagna I get it, cut it in half and just eat that, and have a big salad on the side. STuff like that. I enjoy my meals pretty much daily.
I am telling you this because I don't want you to think that you are going to have to struggle every single day for the rest of your life to keep the weight off. Think about what it is you want (do you like wraps with cheese and veggies instead of a frozen meal? Or think about what you would enjoy, and try to make it fit). Think about what exercise you'd look forward to rather than one that seems a chore. Just an idea... I know you've had a rough year and I applaud you for staying on track as much as you have. Some days will ALWAYS be a struggle for us all but hopefully those days are few and far between as time goes on.
I'm jealous that you ahve the willpower to choose the lean meat. I still struggle SO much when I'm out to eat. I do so well at home and worko but then sabotage myself when I go out with friends. GOT.TO.MAKE.BETTER.CHOICES.
Have a great weekend!!!
What you don't see is that making the "better" choices for you is a routine! You do chose what is right for you eating/health wise! At least that's what I see!
I know maintenance is going to be just as hard as losing...it's very scary!
As for the weekend...I already got my workout in this morning (yay!) and so I am thinking dinner out at this place I've been wanting to try with my boyfirend...then my plan for Saturday is to drive to my fav yoga studio...jog around that neighborhod for 30 minutes then take a power vinyasa class. A wine tasting event may be on the menu for Sunday:)
Well said Jen!!! There are so many of us in the same boat as you. To me losing the weight is not as hard as maintining it. Thanks again for sharing your struggles good to know that I'm not alone.:)
Can't wait for the cookbook!
And congrats on the thesis!
p.s. I too am waiting for the day when I stop "struggling" with this whole mess.
i totally agree. sometimes i still think "why can't i be like everyone else and just eat what i want!". can be frustrating!
Todays post on my blog was about whether it was easy or hard to lose 100 pounds. The jury is still out on that, but I can say that each day is a work in progress.
Congrats on the thesis!
I had these same thoughts last week, about how I can't ever 'just eat whatever', but I have to plan and think before I put anything into my mouth. It feels exhausting sometimes, but I've come a long way, and I know that returning to how I was before wasn't an option.
I know you've been struggling with everything from eating to working out to probably everything in between!! But you've done so well, you really are an inspiration Jen, just keep your goals to one day at a time!! Focus on the now :)
Amen to that. I still struggle a lot. All people see on the outside is how I've changed, but they don't see the tug of war going on on the inside about what I should eat next, and how much I am really tempted by crap food.
But, I will keep going, just like you. :) Have a great weekend!
Good things in our lives are worth fighting for, how bad do you want this? We deserve the attention and respect of ourselves that we expect others to give us.
Paying attention can sometimes be hard, keep practicing and we will be better at it. There is no quitting, a delay now and then, but no quitting.
Running into you and your blog three weeks ago has made a difference in my efforts, THANK YOU!
Hey girl. I think for many of us this will ALWAYS be a struggle, but that's okay. We're fighting the good fight ya know! And it is worth it. It really is. Right? Right!
I know how hard it is for you sweetheart -- but don't forget the importance of moderation! If you want to go out and have a cheeseburger, go for it! as long as you don't make it an every day thing then it's no problem. No one has ever gained weight from one cheeseburger, or one night of happy hour with their friends. It's just not possible. Those nights of giving in to our indulgences keep us sane - insolong as we do it responsibly :)
Are you still taking recipes for you e-book? I finally found one I'd like to contribute.
As I type this my friends are enjoying margaritas at the best margarita place in town. 3 of those babies will have the gas overflowing out of your tank as you pump it. That actually happened to my friend. Don't drunk pump! AND after the margaritas they are going to the movies.
This weekend I plan to go thrifting with my blogging buddy God's Favorite Shoes. She found this awesome goodwill that has designer clothes for next to nothing. She purchased an Alexander McQueen skirt for $4. That means nothing if you do not follow fashion.lol.
how was the weekend, Girlie?
I dont know if it surprises you or not but Im a woman who ADORES THE SUGAR.
Entirely.
and its a choice (if by CHOICE you mean lottsa days a STRUGGLE which I do) daily--hourly not to give into temptation as for me one packet of skittles begets a bag of m&ms begets.....
hope you are off to a good monday start!
Miz
You're so right. I've been at this a little over two years and while it's easier once you make things a habit, it still sucks to be the one to have to say "ok, it's either drinks OR dinner out, because I don't have the calories for both", when my hubby would like me to just relax a little.
The problem is the last time I relaxed a little I gained 100 lbs and only woke up about 8 years later. I don't want that to happen again!
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