Quit or continue, black or white...
Your one comment in my last inventory spoke to me in volumes - "Why only two options? Continue or quit?" I don't know why I think that way - must be a habit I picked up years ago. So I took that advice and what did I do? I gave myself an afternoon off (this included one meal).
I was truly, truly hungry and my husband and I went out for lunch (without kids!!). I have not had french fries since April 16. So in my afternoon of freedom - I had french fries with gravy! I realized that I had been wanting them for weeks and weeks and my self imposed "rules" about no fried food had left me exhausted from fighting against it.
So I had them and truly enjoyed them. I also enjoyed going out for lunch on a rainy day and having an uninterrupted conversation with my husband. And just that left me feeling refreshed. I carried on to have a healthy supper and a workout with my trainer - all thoughts of quitting gone.
So I am thinking - this "break" is obviously something that I needed. My sister-in-law lost 50+ pounds 4 years ago. Once per week she allowed herself two hours of freedom. Freedom to eat whatever she wanted - no matter how much or what it was. The limitations where - it could only be once in 7 days, it had to be preplanned and it had to comprise only two consecutive hours.
I think I need to plan such a scheduled freedom session into my weeks. Even if all I feel like is an extra serving of potato or want pasta for supper. In order to continue to do this long term, I need that time to let down my guard and the opportunity to give into cravings that don't subside with time. Thoughts?
Comments
Excellent discovery. Why do
Excellent discovery.
Why do you think like that? Why wouldn't you? We are taught black and white, good and bad, on or off.
We need to learn the range of options and to not be so judgemental.
Take a break as needed. But break wisely. Plan your weekly treat or food item etc. Nothing is off limits but don't ruin it by eating an amount that makes you feel ill or down.
What works for one (your sister) doens't always work for another. But having a break from constant food restriction can be helpful. Like setting down heavy bags.. if only for a moment.
That said, maybe you are too restictive in general.. either mentally or in your actual eating actions. Maybe you are trying TOO hard or forcing things. This can be exhausting.
I would consider working on both, the treating yourself with food and the gentle approach to keeping calories in check.
I know you'll get it figured out. I think your hard work just needed a break. Enjoy it guilt free.
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