Through the stomach

Is this the way to my heart? Or, my perceived happiness? Hmmm ... I have been pondering this question a lot lately.

Let me begin by saying that I always thought it weird when people would talk about their "relationship with food". I think of relationships as applying to people, God, and maybe animals - but not food. I also thought it a little weird (but less than the former) when people would talk about self-medicating with food. I mean, the food tastes good, but is it really medicating?

I do recognize that I can quite easily be a "mindless" eater. I eat when I am bored or when I am distracted by something like a tv show or movie and there is food around me. I read about this phenomenon in a book by the (oddly appropriate) name, Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink. It really is an interesting book and gave me lots of food for thought. (Yes, that pun was intentional.) I try to be more intentional with my food, but still fall victim to mindless eating sometimes. At least I am more aware of and in control of my eating than I was before reading the book.

I have recently decided that I am an "emotional" eater, too. When things are going well in my relationships with God, Steve, and the boys I am less likely to crave junk food. I also am much more likely to eat only when I am hungry and eat until I am full. So, I have been thinking more about my "relationship" with food and how I use it to "medicate" myself. The bad part of this self-analyzing is that I am aware of what I am doing while I am doing it. Sometimes I can stop myself, but sometimes I still eat the junk food and it just makes me feel even worse. One thing that has helped is not buying the junk food. I know that is a radical concept, but it was Steve's idea. I have been really good about not buying (I think). I did get some Easter treats in an after-Easter clearance. (Some were for me, and some were for the Women's Retreat.)

So, I am trying to re-train myself that the way to my heart and my well-being (at least my physical well-being) is through putting the right things in my stomach. I feel a little silly discovering this at my age, but at least it is now and not later. Sometimes it's not fun to grow up, but the end result is worth it.

Note: That picture was from my birthday in December and one of the "motivating" pictures for me to get serious about my health. Although I still like a good hamburger!

Kind of surprised ...

... at the ease with which my motivation can come and go. Since I had laryngitis this week I was on the low side of the ever-swinging pendulum. I didn't really exercise much at all. I picked it up some towards the end of the week, thankfully, when I started feeling better. I definitely need to be more serious and purposeful this next week, though.

I don't have much to say about diet about this week, except that I saw the movie "Food, Inc." Oh, my! I hit the farmer's market as quickly as I could and was disappointed that there weren't more fruits. I think my food buying habits will be making another drastic change.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

So, I have posted about being up, and down, and now I am up again. (I am talking spirits and attitude here, not weight.) Last week was a pretty good one for me as far as choices went. I didn't buy a greasy burger or fried food all week long. I also successfully avoided sodas for the entire week. This is a first for me, I think.

I exercised more, but it was more strength training than aerobic. I want to focus on doing more cardio/aerobic work this week.

I also felt like I looked better by the end of the week. I didn't feel that I looked pregnant any more, which is definitely good (since I am not).

Now, everything was not rosy last week. My hormones and gi system seem to be really out of whack. This week is starting off better, so I am hoping that I was having as adjustment time and that I am now over the hump.

BUT, the best part of last week, is that I actually felt healthier! I was able to play outside with the boys more. I played basketball and football with Evan and felt great doing it! That is what this journey is really about and I am so happy that I am able to see progress in this area. I think that the rest of my family is happy about this change, too.

A better start ...

After Easter, I seem to be getting off to a better start this week. Okay, to be completely honest I had a lousy morning, including emotionally eating a (recently bought, after Easter-clearanced) Reese's peanut butter cup. BUT, then I actually exercised this afternoon, including some cardio and some ab-specific exercises. I am feeling a little bit of momentum that will hopefully carry me forward the rest of the week.