Thank you, Jim Davis.
Hello. My name is Monique, and I'm an emotional eater. I also eat out of boredom, because I like the taste of food, and, in a sense, it's an addiction. And then of course, I eat because it's a necessity. Given the amount of diet programs, self help books, pills, supplements, DVDs, machines, etc., I'd be willing to go out on a limb and say that overeating is by far the most popular coping mechanism, as compared to say drugs or alcohol, people, women especially, turn to in times of stress. Anyone with me on that?
Doesn't matter. It's my blog post so I'll just keep going with this.
The problem with having a food addiction, rather than say a drug or alcohol addiction, is that eating is necessary to sustain life. I mean sure, you could go the Matrix way and eat gelatinous globs of amino acids but honestly, who wants to do that? Especially when food is sooooo good but oftentimes it's the actual yumminess of food that triggers the urge to overeat.
It's such a vicious cycle, overeating, and yet so unavoidable because again, you need to eat. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Changing your eating habits is difficult for many reasons. Sometimes the food is tasteless. Portion sizes aren't large enough to be filling. You may take drastic measures to lose weight by eating nothing but grapefruit or cabbage soup. And all of these things can trigger binge eating, or falling off the wagon so to speak. As can eating out with friends. You know you should order the salad with grilled chicken and the fat free balsamic vinaigrette, but man does your friend's cheeseburger and onion rings sound good and the next thing you know, you're having, "what she's having."
Eating healthy can also prove to be expensive, especially in winter months when farmers markets and farm stands aren't open. Sure, you can eat "seasonal" but really.... In the winter when root vegetables are in season, who likes the actual taste of rutabaga (aside from my grandpa Jack), let alone all the work that goes into preparing it? Buying organic in theory is wonderful, if you have the paycheck to allow you to do so. But in these times, the 2 for $1 boxes of mac and cheese is a far more economical option than the two pints of grape tomatoes for $5. And don't get me started on free-range chicken prices versus Tyson. Just don't.
Vicious, vicious cycle.
I posted wayyyyyyy back in January that I was going on a diet. I'm happy to announce that I have managed to lose (and not find again) 13.2 pounds, and accomplished my 5% weight loss goal! With summer here, I'm able to resume my favorite form of exercise: walking. So while I embark on my next 5% goal, which is another 13 pounds, I'm adding in a second goal.
I used to be able to walk 3 miles in 45 minutes. Now, I walk 3 miles in 70 minutes. Obviously, I've got a lot of time to shave off. So that's my secondary goal. During July, I'd like to knock 15 minutes off my time, and walk 3 miles in 55 minutes.
So, dietary goals are to lose another 13 pounds, and walk 3 miles in 55 minutes.
Now, on another (somewhat diet) note.... I have been trying new recipes up the wazoo. And for the most part, LOVING them. I recently discovered Gazpacho. Have you tried it? It's like eating liquid salsa. Mmmmmm.... So is it any wonder that I'm in love with Weight Watcher's Gazpacho Salad? Great alternative to tossed salad, and it keeps for quite a few days in the fridge. I made it on a Sunday and took it to work for four days as part of my lunch. Try it. Almost guaranteed to love it as long as you like tomato chunks in your salad (reader, you know who you are!). Nom nom.
If you walk from Potawatomi down Vinsetta to Woodward and back it's 3 miles. It's a great way to time yourself Mo ;) Just a helpful tip to reach your goal. And P.S Gazapacho is the BEST!!
Posted by: Jen | June 29, 2011 at 08:45 AM