Learning to Say No

Monday, October 15, 2012

Used with permission from Arthlete

One of the most difficult trials when losing weight is learning how to say "No." In the beginning it may feel like you are punishing yourself by taking away all the foods you love best. You may go through a phase of trying barter by finding healthier cookies and less fatty hamburgers. The truth is that by simply switching to a healthy version, you're still feeding the craving. Personally, I cannot do a small treat once in a while or a healthy alternative because I always want more.

I've found that for me, it's easier to say "No" if I just get it out of my system. I just need to go cold turkey, the first few days are the hardest, and it does the trick. After a week or two, sweet things start to taste sickening. I lose the need. If you had been in my house last night as I begged my husband to please go get me some ___, you would have known which stage I'm in. I had a very delicious cupcake with cream cheese frosting on Saturday at a birthday party. 

In trying to eat better, I've been trying new recipes and cooking at home more often. Last week we tried Zucchini, Black Bean and Rice Skillet, Pan Roasted Chicken with Lemon Garlic Green Beans, Rigatoni with Sauteed Eggplant and Tomatoes, and Weeknight Spinach, Mushroom, and Turkey Lasagna. I made a few changes here and there, less carbs or meat, switching for whole grain, things like that. All of the recipes were simple to make, filling, and scrumptious. Good recipes take so much of the work out of it!

I'm still losing, slowly...which is good enough for me. I feel like I can only focus on one thing at a time either nutrition or exercise. I know that in order to lose long term and keep it off I need to learn to do both, but right now I'm just taking baby steps and am still learning my way. One step at a time right?

Do you find that you have an easier time with exercise or with nutrition?