So I am recovering from shoulder surgery a week ago. And I have to say, my constant focusing on food has lessened. My focus on the pain in my shoulder and arm has increased. But my obsession with food has definately decreased. It could be because the pain in my shoulder makes me think of percocets and not chocolate cake. It could be that preparing any food actually causes me physical pain right now. I find this very interesting. The power of the mind and the connection with the body.
I have been following this blog on Just B Living...by Tonya Leigh. She is a life coach and her approach to weight loss is NOT to focus on the food, but to focus on life. Check her out, she speaks my language....
http://justbliving.com/blog/2010/03/why-i-am-not-a-fan-of-weight-watchers/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wordpress%2Fjblv+%28Just+B+Living%29
So, a short post today. I am going to focus on healing this shoulder, plan some short activity for tomorrow (walk around the block or maybe get on the stationary bike for 15 minutes) and go take some more percocets....because eating right now really is a pain...
Showing posts with label weight loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weight loss. Show all posts
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
"Mommy, why do I eat when I'm bored?"
My answer "I don't know, but I do that too."
8 year old "I thought we are supposed to eat only when we are hungry."
Me "We are."
8 year old "Then why do I want a snack right now, but I'm not hungry?"
Me "I am glad you can say this to me, but I don't know the answer honey, let's find something else to do."
I really don't know the answer. I am pretty sure it started for me around the same age if not before. Eat when happy. Eat when sad. Eat to celebrate. Eat when bored. Eat because there are starving children in Africa. Clean your plate. Don't cry, have a cookie. Don't fight with your brother, have a piece of cake. I had a grandmother that when you said "that is enough Nana" you would get three more scoops on your plate. I don't remember being taught that you eat when you are hungry. In fact, I don't remember ever being hungry. Is that a good thing?
I love food. I am one of those people that would much rather cheese and bread, cookies and cakes than an apple or celery. Don't get me wrong, I love veggies. I eat healthy food. But, given the choice? Chocolate. Wine. Sugar. Pasta. Oh, and just to clarify, I don't like to cook. Make it for me and I'll eat it. Lot's of it. I'm not one of those "I just need a taste" people. I need it all. And sometimes more.
So when am I eating? I eat when hungry. I get that emptiness feeling in the morning just after waking (good to know the metabolism IS working), I need a mid morning snack, lunch, another snack and then dinner. But I also eat because I want to. I need a chocolate fix. I see a commercial with someone eating a big juicy cheeseburger, I guarentee you within 24 hours one will be on my plate. I eat because I deserve to. I work hard and dammit, if I want ice cream I should have it. Shouldn't I?
Moderation vs. deprivation. That is my struggle. Can I have a small amount of a mashed potatos with butter and not feel deprived? Or is it better not to have it at all rather than start the cascade of over eating? How do I slow down turning the thought (I love mashed potatoes) into the action (eating the whole bowl)? I know what does not work for me. Paying someone to weigh me each week. I have scale anxiety. Counting calories - BORING! Weighing food and portions - MORE BORING!! I think this time I have to approach weigh loss mindfully. Be in the moment. The now.
So, my 8 year old taught me yet another lesson yesterday. I can start by asking the question each time. Why am I eating {fill in the blank}?
I'll get back to you on the answer.
8 year old "I thought we are supposed to eat only when we are hungry."
Me "We are."
8 year old "Then why do I want a snack right now, but I'm not hungry?"
Me "I am glad you can say this to me, but I don't know the answer honey, let's find something else to do."
I really don't know the answer. I am pretty sure it started for me around the same age if not before. Eat when happy. Eat when sad. Eat to celebrate. Eat when bored. Eat because there are starving children in Africa. Clean your plate. Don't cry, have a cookie. Don't fight with your brother, have a piece of cake. I had a grandmother that when you said "that is enough Nana" you would get three more scoops on your plate. I don't remember being taught that you eat when you are hungry. In fact, I don't remember ever being hungry. Is that a good thing?
I love food. I am one of those people that would much rather cheese and bread, cookies and cakes than an apple or celery. Don't get me wrong, I love veggies. I eat healthy food. But, given the choice? Chocolate. Wine. Sugar. Pasta. Oh, and just to clarify, I don't like to cook. Make it for me and I'll eat it. Lot's of it. I'm not one of those "I just need a taste" people. I need it all. And sometimes more.
So when am I eating? I eat when hungry. I get that emptiness feeling in the morning just after waking (good to know the metabolism IS working), I need a mid morning snack, lunch, another snack and then dinner. But I also eat because I want to. I need a chocolate fix. I see a commercial with someone eating a big juicy cheeseburger, I guarentee you within 24 hours one will be on my plate. I eat because I deserve to. I work hard and dammit, if I want ice cream I should have it. Shouldn't I?
Moderation vs. deprivation. That is my struggle. Can I have a small amount of a mashed potatos with butter and not feel deprived? Or is it better not to have it at all rather than start the cascade of over eating? How do I slow down turning the thought (I love mashed potatoes) into the action (eating the whole bowl)? I know what does not work for me. Paying someone to weigh me each week. I have scale anxiety. Counting calories - BORING! Weighing food and portions - MORE BORING!! I think this time I have to approach weigh loss mindfully. Be in the moment. The now.
So, my 8 year old taught me yet another lesson yesterday. I can start by asking the question each time. Why am I eating {fill in the blank}?
I'll get back to you on the answer.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
To Blog or Not To Blog
That is the question....My husband's question "Why in the world would you do that?!" I have not figured out the answer yet.
My thought is that possibly blogging would provide an outlet and support as I once again pursue the skinny jeans. Yes, like many women, I am in need of losing a few pounds (or more like 50). I have tried LA weight loss, South Beach, Sugarbusters, Weight Watchers, Best Life, starving, supplements, you name it. (Because of my medical background I will not try Atkins, but that discussion is for another day.) And here I am. Overweight and sick of it.
So you might say - what about exercise? Yup do that too. Ran a 5 mile road race on Thanksgiving, which was huge for me as I have never even run down the street prior to a year ago. I spin. I pay a personal trainer. I am strong. I can run up the stairs and not feel short of breath....
Yesterday was the straw....an intervention of sorts from my personal trainer. He didn't see the point in my continuing to work out with him with the goal of losing weight if I was not willing to look at what I eat (I am paraphrasing, he was much kinder and gentler than that). The pounds just won't come off, no matter how hard I exercise. Rocket science - calories in calories out. That is how you lose weight. So I worked my butt off to come home and have my 8 year old daughter say that she thinks that I should buy the "magic belly hider" she saw on an infomercial. Great. Et tu Erin?
So here I sit. I know what to do, and I am not quite sure why I don't do it. Eat healthy, exercise, limit alcohol (ugh) and refined sugar. Drink water. Get enough sleep. Hey, I am a nurse practitioner. I give great advice to my patients, friends and family. Now I have to start the walk. And it is a long road. One pound at a time.
My thought is that possibly blogging would provide an outlet and support as I once again pursue the skinny jeans. Yes, like many women, I am in need of losing a few pounds (or more like 50). I have tried LA weight loss, South Beach, Sugarbusters, Weight Watchers, Best Life, starving, supplements, you name it. (Because of my medical background I will not try Atkins, but that discussion is for another day.) And here I am. Overweight and sick of it.
So you might say - what about exercise? Yup do that too. Ran a 5 mile road race on Thanksgiving, which was huge for me as I have never even run down the street prior to a year ago. I spin. I pay a personal trainer. I am strong. I can run up the stairs and not feel short of breath....
Yesterday was the straw....an intervention of sorts from my personal trainer. He didn't see the point in my continuing to work out with him with the goal of losing weight if I was not willing to look at what I eat (I am paraphrasing, he was much kinder and gentler than that). The pounds just won't come off, no matter how hard I exercise. Rocket science - calories in calories out. That is how you lose weight. So I worked my butt off to come home and have my 8 year old daughter say that she thinks that I should buy the "magic belly hider" she saw on an infomercial. Great. Et tu Erin?
So here I sit. I know what to do, and I am not quite sure why I don't do it. Eat healthy, exercise, limit alcohol (ugh) and refined sugar. Drink water. Get enough sleep. Hey, I am a nurse practitioner. I give great advice to my patients, friends and family. Now I have to start the walk. And it is a long road. One pound at a time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)