Rewards and Sabotage

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Rewards and Sabotage!! These two topics have been a torment to me every time I begin a new "diet". I have been on many, many diets but never a healthy lifestyle change as I am now. At one time I was a member of an organization, which I don't know if I can mention the name or not, anyway we met every week and weighed in. Every week if I lost weight I would go right out and have chicken tenders for supper afterwards. My thinking was that I had lost and I deserved a reward of something I really enjoy--well I enjoyed good old fried chicken. Sometimes I would have ice cream, another favorite. Of course I knew that I could not eat these again until I had a successful weight loss so I would eat all I could. Then struggle the whole week to lose the pounds I gained from this reward.

Well, on Monday I met my second goal of 25 pounds!!!.. I have lost 55 lbs. since January 16, 2008. BUT!! I certainly am not going out and binge on fried chicken or ice cream. My husband is taking me shopping tonight for a couple new outfits. A much better reward than food!!! So the next time you reach a goal don't think food as a reward. Think real hard of something that will make you feel that you have reached an achievement in your life not something you are going to have to work off your hips and waist!!

The other thing I have trouble with is sabotage. This seems like a harsh word and I am sure those around you do not mean to do it. But it happens. As a diabetic it seems that the hardest thing to get family and friends to realize is that you must eat differently than before you knew you were diabetic. The same is true of trying to live a healthier lifestyle. When someone says, "Oh, I made this new cake and brought you a piece." For two reasons I cannot eat it. Well what do you do!! Most of the time I thank them and take it home and my husband eats it. But I have been thinking about this. The next time I am just going to politely tell them thank you and I appreciate the thought but I cannot eat this cake. I am diabetic and I am trying real hard to stay with a healthy eating program.

I have had several ask how I handle the "food in the office" scenario. Well I just do not eat it. I always take two snacks with me to work. Most of the time it is Living Lean Protein Pudding, yogurt or yogurt with cottage cheese (mixed together this is really good and full of protein). When donuts or cake or candy or other items show up in the kitchen I avoid the kitchen as much as possible and have my snacks at 10AM and at 3 pm as always at my desk.

The bottom line is that you have to make choices for yourself. You have to put yourself first when it comes to eating healthy and living healthy. Some people will understand and some will not. Some may think I am selfish. But for 30-60 minutes a day what I do, exercise, cardio and workouts, is simply just for me!!! My food choices are just for me and what I want to achieve on the road to a healthier lifestyle.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. Faith
OH yes, I have set a new goal--30 pounds by October 16th!! Stay tuned!!!