I have found it useful to treat each new day as a new chance to do well. If I have a bad diet day, then it is only one bad day. It doesn’t wreck the whole weight loss lifestyle. Scott Adams, of Dilbert, describes this as a way of setting productive goals. He points out that if your goal is to reach a certain weight or just to lose weight, it is hard to ensure success. In a way, everything you eat counts against your goal!
He suggests you change your goal: he tries to “eat healthy” at every meal. That way, every meal is a chance to succeed. If you goal is “lose weight” or “reach 150 pounds” then every meal counts against the goal. You could always eat less, and lose more. It’s a defeating attitude.
I changed my goal of eating. I make sure that I enjoy every meal by employing the sense of hunger. My goal is to enjoy every meal to the max. That’s a fun goal. Who wouldn’t want that?
My food intake and calorie count
Breakfast – Reuben sandwich, with bread (200); Swiss cheese (70); 2oz corned beef (70); Thousand island dressing (50); sauerkraut (25);
- 415 calories
Lunch – Braciole (250); 4oz cooked noodles (200);
- 450 calories
Dinner – 5oz white rice (160); beef and broccoli stir fry (300)
- 460 calories
Snacking – tea with half and half (80); cookies (170)
- 250 calories
Total for the day: 1575 calories (limit 1700)
Good goals make good results
By making my goal of eating both “enjoy this meal” and” prepare to enjoy the next meal” I have set myself up for success in weight control. I will enjoy this current meal, because I let myself anticipate it. I plan and cook ahead whenever possible. I rarely go to the refrigerator and try to decide what to eat on the spur of the moment. That’s what restaurants are for! I make food I really want and make sure that I get hungry just when it it’s time to eat it.
I prepare to enjoy the next meal both by cooking and planning ahead, and by making sure I don’t overeat during THIS meal. Food is the best when you are a little hungry – but not too much. I have learned that if I overeat, then I won’t enjoy the next meal. My body seems to like the arrangement.
This double goal uses hunger as a tool, with great success. Are you hungry when you sit down? Success! Did you eat a measured portion, so that you will be hungry next time? Success! Can you do that all day? Success! Plus, you are linking physical hunger to eating just the right amount. The trouble comes when you have learned to eat for emotional reasons. Then, emotional turmoil in your life might make you want to revert to your old ways. You have to build up the true link: good is for physical hunger and not for anything else.
Pick goals you enjoy and you will fight to achieve them!
-The Doctor