A couple weeks ago I had lunch with two girlfriends and we got onto the topic of weight loss. I was sharing a little about this program and one of the gals asked if the program includes bread... or pasta... or rice... or crackers, etc. I knew deep down she wanted me to say "oh yes, it's a miracle plan... you get to eat a bagel for breakfast, ravioli for lunch and pizza for dinner and all you do is sprinkle magic carb-zapping powder on it." Wouldn't it be awesome if it was that easy??? But instead I had to disappoint her with the reality that we cut out carbs... just like practically every other weight loss plan out there. We laughed - but inside there were silent tears for the mere idea of being banned from interacting with french bread and all that is tempting at the bakery.
Later that day one of the gals sent me this funny little meme:
I laughed at her text remembering our conversation... but also got to thinking about bread.
How sad it is to feel like you have been told that you can never enjoy something that you "love" again. Like you have been warned that your best friend is bad for you and is tainting your character. That when you associate with "that" thing you run the risk of failing in everything you do in your entire life. That your friend Mr. Carb is actually an enemy out to destroy you. These are horrible and depressing thoughts.
And these thoughts are NOT true.
Truth is, once you hit your goal and transition into a state of maintenance you will get to reunite with your friend. Your relationship will be different, but you will be able to hang out again someday. See, while on program we need to realize that we're not saying "goodbye forever" - but we are saying "see you later."
I've been in maintenance for 5 months now and I'll happily admit I have had bread and tortillas and crackers and noodles. But I have not returned to eating them the way I used to - we have a new relationship. During the months of losing weight and striving toward health the most important thing I learned were the "healthy habits" that this program is based upon. Drinking lots of water, eating 5-6 meals throughout the day so that I wasn't starving and making wise healthy choices with my regular meals.
We are all looking and seeking forever change.
We all desire that being healthy would be our new normal.
We all share the desire for optimal health.
AND we can all do this!
I want to encourage you to stay strong and focused while you work this plan. Know that whatever is your weakness will be there waiting for you after you have reached your goal. And at that time you can re-defne your relationship.
Today you are fighting to cross that finish line.
Keep going! Stay strong!
I believe in you - I hope that you believe in you too!
Hugs,
Kelly
P.S. Here's a fun little video with some ideas of alternative Halloween treats that your kids and co-workers are sure to love...
Skip the sugar this Halloween and try these tasty treats
Those oranges cutout to look like pumpkins are too cute!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to try the water addins with sparkling water, I love flavored water.