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Monday, June 19, 2017

Surviving My Diet

Here in Diet Hell I’m looking for ways to pull through, to survive this horror show of low cal-ness. I buzzed around on line to see if anyone had tips. Some of what I found was helpful, such as:
  • Keep a laser beam focus on my goal. This will help my floundering will.
Absolutely.
  • Once a week weigh-ins.
I need to know if I'm making any progress so this is spot on. Seeing a pound or three drop would buoy my spirits, encouraging me to stay the course on this voyage to Svelte Land. Each night I think – tomorrow morning, first thing I'll step on Jen’s scale (mine's busted) or I'll zip over to the Y for a fast scale dance. Fear of no progress trips me up every damn day. This is, I suppose, the beauty of having a weight loss coach and/or partner. Tonight I'll ask Jen to put the scale in her kitchen. This way, tomorrow morning, pre-brekkie, I'll have no choice but to step up to the plate.
  • I can indulge in low cal snacks like sugar-free Jell-O.
It's a weensy 10 calories per serving but ICK. If I’m going to indulge a sweet craving with something that's not CAKE, I can pop a perfectlyfree “frozen treat.” If I want actual versus ersatz ice cream, I can go up to 120 cal for one of Trader Joe's Mini Mint Ice Cream Mouthfuls.
  • Cheat meals – no more than once a week. I’m free to indulge, to not be all Abstemious Abby at ONE meal per week.
Lovely idea but, afterward, my guilt soars. It yell/whines at me, You’ll never reach your goal weight if you don’t stop eating tempura, scallion pancakes and dub dun noodles! I cry back, But…but…I’ve been so good all week and I haven’t had tempura in a month! Guilt doesn’t give a shit and won’t let up. BASTARD! I haven’t had a cheat meal in a couple weeks. I’m overdo for indulgence (IF I can keep the Guilt Monster at bay).
  • I should have an end date.
This is said to relieve the stress of dieting. I get it BUT I’m not done until I lose the heft. My calorie-per-day window is set such that I should reach Tranquility Base-weight by October. If I’m not there by then, I gotta keep going.
  • MORE salad action.
I don’t really like dressing so I’m good, fab even, on this count. Here’s the thing though – I'm so cooking impaired that I can’t even make a decent salad. I am so NOT a kitchen goddess. I need to hit Trader Joe’s more often – like once a week. They’ve a variety of pre-made salads that look awesome and could see me through the week nicely.

If all else fails, I’ll just go to L.A. and have my consciousness dumped into a new bod. I’ll pick one that’s 5’10” (versus 5’4”), slender yet curvy (think Beyonce, Penelope Cruz, Salma Hayek). Whedon’s Dollhouse really exists doesn’t it? It does RIGHT?! That’s my ace in the hole, mes amis, it's got to!!!

4 comments:

  1. Dear Donna, I'm so sorry that you're going through the D-experience (dieting). While calorie awareness is important, counting calories is no way to live. Please check out the link below. His work has helped educated my process for getting real with food and having patience as my wonderfully flexible taste buds go through 'rehab.' I've maintained my weight loss close to 20 pounds (it's been 2 years) because of this balanced, evidence-based approach.

    http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2014/03/31/a-taste-for-satiety

    Below is the website of the wife of Dr.Katz. She basically offers recipes that she's crafted that employs the simple, but tasty approach to eating well. Even if you don't cook, it's worth perusing her site. I've come to know her a little bit through her site and Catherine Katz is a generous, loving, fun person:

    http://cuisinicity.com/

    and finally, I read this interesting book that got me into motivation. Chris Crowley is not for everyone. His manner is jocular. But I love the guy. He wrote 2 books: 'Younger Next Year' (this one is mostly about the value of exercise and he wrote it with is doctor who became a lifelong friend. ) The other book, which is what helped me with eating, he wrote with a noted nutritionist. It's called 'Thinner This Year.'

    So that's that for now. Except that now I'm remembering your post about that 'snack' stand that is new at your gym, The Y. It made me very angry that they've installed a place that sells junk. There is a movement afoot to tax junk food. While I'm not exactly sure I'm behind it, I do think that this crap is on par with selling drugs to kids (and us all). A come-to-Jesus is really needed with regard to selling food products that is nutritionally bankrupt.
    That's my sermon on this topic!
    As ever,
    Wendy


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    1. Thank you Wendy! I look forward to checking out the books and links. On a very quick peak I see that Katz has an entire section on savory vegan recipes – awesome. Maybe I can get Jen and Oni to whip up one or two of 'em :-)

      Re: taxing junk food – I'm all for it. At the same time, healthy foods should be more available to all AND every bit as eye catchingly well placed in the grocery and quickie marts. Dammit.

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