On Track

I've been on a healthy track for a week now, which feels absolutely wonderful.  There's such a peace in knowing that if you keep living your life the way you're living it right now, you'll have no regrets.

I did wobble this weekend.  My husband was out of town and I was solo parenting.  I had no way to get exercise since my son is too big for a stroller yet not old enough to ride a bike next to me as I walk.  We were on the go (supporting family by attending my niece's horse show) and away from my weekday routine, and unfortunately I let that be an excuse not to keep track of what I ate.  Sunday my husband came home and my brother mowed our big lawn for us, so I made chocolate chip cookies for the guys.  I planned to eat a spoon of dough and one cookie but it ended up eating more.  Once I'd already "blown my diet," pizza seemed so much easier for dinner.

The thing is, though, that I got right back on track.  For several years now I'd rally to do well for a few days but then it all fell apart.  What is different now?  Why was I able to get back on track?

1.  Mainly, I think it is because I broke the sugar cycle before I started actively trying to lose weight.  Even though I "cheated" with cookies, my body is already used to less sugar and I didn't feel triggered.

2.  I also think it helped that I planned a date to start losing weight over a week in advance.  I had time to mull and plan as well as get the sweeteners out of my system.

3.  Since joining TOPS, I know I have accountability and folks to cheer me on.

4.  When I ate more on the weekend, I didn't completely lose track of mindfulness.  I took my son to get Asian noodles for supper, which I adore.  But as soon as I felt full, I pushed the bowl away.  I'll be honest -- usually I'll finish off a serving of anything I love even if I feel too full.  I had sort of a breakthrough with that last week.  On one of my walks I thought a lot about overeating and realized that in some ways it is simply disrespectful to your own body.  If I stop and "listen," the cues are there when I don't need or want any more.  Listening to those cues is not only smart, it is also respectful and kind to myself.

Off I go to do my morning speedwalk...