Keep your mind right, and you will control your body’s weight. Today, it was difficult. My mind wanted the quick and easy solution. I needed to feel completion, release, satisfaction. I was telling myself that I could get all that – by eating!
That would be quick and easy. It is also a waste of my time. That kind of completion, satisfaction, soothing, is not enough for me. I tell myself that I would rather have achievement than food. What do I achieve by eating food? Nothing. (What as your achievement today? Eating food, eh?). Achieving something is better. Even if it’s a to-do list of all the things at work. I tell myself I can do all those things and then feel better. It’s certainly more productive.
My food intake and calorie count
Breakfast – 6oz grilled pork burger (450); 1/2 whole wheat wrap wrap (45);
- 495 calories
Lunch – bratwurst (260); 1/4 wrap (25); 4.5oz steak (300);
- 585 calories
Dinner – 5oz rice (160); beef and broccoli (300)
- 460 calories
Snacking – tea with half and half (80);
- 80 calories
Total for the day: 1630 calories (limit 1700)
More walking, less eating
I haven’t walked at all this week. Today, I did. It was an achievement, if not a big one. I got some of my to-do list done at work. Again, an achievement. Is it enough? We shall see. I can be a bit proud, maybe, of getting a few things done. Add to that. I did recognize when I wanted to break my discipline today and take the easy way out. It counts, I think, that I resisted and won. Today.
That’s a short term victory, though. I can’t have this urge to eat every time I want to feel soothed and comforted and have completion. It means I haven’t got my head right, my old habits are still part of me. Indulging myself this way is how I gained weight in the first place.
The old thinking must be reprogrammed away. Satisfaction and release and comfort don’t come from food. I was wrong to pretend that they did. A substitute must be found. Is it achievement? Something else? A combination of things?
For now, I will keep fighting. It has been working, mostly. The saying is that you should double down on anything in your life that is working.
-The Doctor
Hi Doc. Long time reader, first time writer. With your walking, have you considered any local walks/marathons/events? As you get more fit from your regimen they can be an enjoying way to see different parts of your city or local area and add a little sense of triumph towards your accomplishments. https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/events-festivals/marathons-runs-walks/