Yep. It's the time that people trot out resolutions about how they are going to lose thirty pounds and find religion. While I am a firm believer that everyone should have a goal to pursue, I also understand that many of us set impossibly unreachable goals, which we fail spectacularly. We then feel justified in doing the exact opposite of what we vowed to do in the first place. It's impossible, we tell ourselves, as we finish off the last gallon of ice cream at Baskin-Robbins.
I'm not casting stones.
I myself have a tendency toward lofty goal-setting, particularly when it comes to losing weight. I see other people dropping weight quickly, not dieting or restricting themselves, and I think "Oh, that's easy." Overestimating my ability to resist food has been a lifelong affliction. I can't help it. Cheeseburgers call to me. Fresh donuts have the power to pull my attention if they are anywhere in a ten-mile radius.
It's a never ending quest, this battle of the bulge.
I can say 'no' to french fries, most days, and I consider that significant progress. Onion rings are an iffy proposition, however, as are fried pickles. Something about fried pickles just gets my mouth watering, and then it's all over. I'm thinking about fried pickles right now, as a matter of fact, and I'm practically drooling. I am a bit ashamed to admit that, but it is true. Fortunately, I don't know any place around here that sells fried pickles at this hour, otherwise I'd be there now, ordering some.
Other people go on about their will power and how they used it to conquer cravings for cigarettes, alcohol, and other vices. I'd like to say that my will power is strong, that I can resist. Often, my resolve is firm, and I am able to resist snacking, and I can order a salad without a twinge. This tends to lull me into a false sense of security, so that when a true craving hits, I am blindsided, helpless to resist. And if I am supposed to be on a diet, that just makes it worse.
I don't think that I need therapy. I don't have a food addiction. I just like to eat. Food tastes good. I love eating salads just as much as I love a good cheeseburger. No, my issue is portion control. This is what I want to work on in 2013. I tend to clean my plate, and maybe I would be better off just eating half. So that is what I am going to work on this year--eating half. Maybe if I work on that, it won't seem like a diet, I won't feel restricted, and I won't have cravings.
It's worth a shot.
What is your goal for the new year?
Portion control is SO HARD. I commend you for that goal. I am going to try and keep up with the exercise... eating better.. and feeling better.
ReplyDeleteWith being insulin resistant it is even harder to lose the weight. You do everything right, but still your body wants to hang on to it. I've lost 23 pounds... it's been a long process. Tony has lost 16... by simply looking at the scale. (I hate him just a little)
:)
You've made getting healthy a family affair, and that is so inspiring to me!
DeleteI l-o-v-e fried pickles! Had some last night and I really could not stop at one, or the basket. And I really, really need to - sigh. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteFried pickles are impossible not to love! Happy New Year to you!
DeleteNow I am craving fried pickles - thanks a lot! :) Food is one of those things we can not avoid in life, and I for one, associate it with fellowship. Most of my childhood memories revolve around my mom's amazing parties and mouth watering recipes. We also always ate together as a family. Good luck to you!
ReplyDeleteControlling food can be such a challenge! I, too, need to work on small tastes of good things rather than letting myself attack with reckless abandon. Good luck!
ReplyDeletePortion control and sweets are my big downfall. I would like to try to eat less sugar this year.
ReplyDeletePortion control and chocolate....these a my stumbling blocks.
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