Dieting is the wrong way to lose 120 pounds. It is temporary, and someone like me who has a lot to lose, needs more than a few temporary tweaks to their lifestyle. It needs a radical re-think. Almost a new person has to be created, who cares a lot about their weight. Once that person has awakened, once the mind has been changed, then the body is the lagging indicator. A person who is serious about changing their lifestyle and their values can do it, and make it permanent.
My food intake and calorie count
Breakfast – chicken hummus wraps (350);
rice (160)
- 510 calories
Lunch – half pizza (450)
- 450 calories
Dinner – pork potstickers (750)
- 750 calories
Snacking – cookies (280); bread and butter (160)
- 440 calories
Total for the day: 2150 calories (limit 1800)
A mystery to me
Frozen potstickers are never great. These were just ok. But what is the allure? Why do I keep trying? I should just find a recipe and make my own. My brother makes a mean egg roll, how much harder can these be? My rule is, if it needs soy sauce to taste good, you shouldn’t eat it. I found myself slipping into the old pattern of thinking – “if they don’t taste great, keep eating and you will feel full and will get satisfaction that way.” My old life keeps calling me! I can’t let myself eat unsatisfying junk, it is too dangerous for me. No more.
Anyway, this week wasn’t my best. I was healthy again, at least. Well, even if this week wasn’t great, tomorrow is the start of a new week where I can do better. It’s a great comfort to get unlimited second chances. Having a bad week doesn’t destroy my morale, since I’m not forcing myself to do this. I put a lot of work into creating a new life that I enjoy, which has been very positive.
Some of the work is finding and making foods that I will look forward to eating and will find satisfying. I’ve just found my own recipe for pork and cabbage potstickers….. what foods would make you happy? Self knowledge is the key to controlling your weight.
-The Doctor