Yesterday, I decided I really should weigh myself, but I didn't want to look. It's silly, I know, but I didn't want to be so discouraged that I gave up before barely getting started again. At the same time, I didn't want to get to the end of the month without having a concrete measurement of how things went. Yes, the pants may be looser, but I like a number! Fortunately, my scale has a lovely feature where you can see your previous weight after you weigh yourself. So, I weighed myself, but didn't look, knowing I will be able to see what that number was whenever I decide to weigh in again. Pretty crafty, huh?! You won't beat ME, scale!
You may be wondering what my plan is or you may not give a crap. Either way, I'm going to tell you. This month (and I started on Tuesday), I am not going to be tracking or counting, but I am going to focus on eating with a purpose. Usually (hopefully),the purpose will be because I am hungry. It may be because it's been awhile since I have eaten and I should probably eat something (trying not to go more than 3-4 hours without eating). But, it may also be because I am craving something or I am eating for pleasure to really enjoy the taste of something delicious or maybe even because I am enjoying myself in a social situation. And, I think those purposes are OK too, in moderation. Most importantly, I don't want to find myself blindly stuffing my face with food I don't even want without being aware of how much I am eating or why I am eating it. A couple purposes for eating which are off limits are eating to soothe emotions and/or stress. I am hoping by eating more mindfully and with purpose, I will be more conscious of the choices I am making and start to become more in tune with my body's wants and needs when it comes to food.
I won't lie and say that this is all I am doing as I am also trying to focus on making healthy choices and reasonable portion sizes, just without counting and measuring. So far, three days in, I'm feeling pretty good about how this is going. I have been a bit hungry, but I am considering that a detox from the bingeing over the holidays. When I have gotten hungry, truly hungry, I have eaten something, even if it is only an hour or so after a meal. I have grabbed things like a small packet of almonds and a small handful of dried cranberries or an apple or a small bag of popcorn. Reasonable choices, I think.
The other thing I am focusing on is channeling my inner Buddhist by incorporating some relaxation and meditation techniques. Thanks to fellow blogger Jill, I started reading this great website Zen Habits. It is written in such a succinct way that it makes it easy to gradually incorporate the habits. I'm starting with the list of most popular posts on the "Start Here" page and reading and trying to incorporate one each week. So, this week, I am focusing on BREATHE. I can honestly say that I have been breathing successfully all week! :-) And, mindfully doing so several times a day.
Well, this turned out to be a much longer post than I expected. If you are still reading at this point, I would love to hear your thoughts on this concept of eating with a purpose. I am sure I didn't invent that myself, but I will be sure to publish a book about it if I did!
Wooohoo - I do this. I have only weighed in once. over a year ago and I did it blind and still don't know the score. For the same reason, I didnt want to get set back by how depressing the news was. I know people think I'm mad but I was a Size 28 and am now a 14, I don't NEED the scale to tell me I've done well. I also don't track, count or measure food. I just eat very sensibly and stay well below what I guess the calories i need are and after many failed attempts at calorie counting i KNOW what foods are good and how much to eat. I'm dieting intuitively doing what feels right. I think doing what is right in your life - your 'eating with a purpose' is great. It could become a life plan and one you can stick to
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of eating with a purpose. It is similar to the concept of intuitive eating I think. One day I would like to be an intuitive eater and not have to worry about counting points. I am not there yet. I look forward to reading your posts on how things are going! Thanks for the shout out in your post! I am glad you like Zen Habits. I love it! Have a great weekend and don't forget to BREATHE!! :)
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that this is the only true way to get away from our food craziness. It's is so easy and so hard. I don't know why "eat when you are hungry, stop when you are satisfied" is so hard to follow. But it really is all about being present and in the moment when you are eating. When I am distracted I know eat A LOT more because I am just not paying attention. We can do it though! :o)
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