Tuesday, April 21

Goals and Aspirations

I want to be healthy, to have a healthful lifestyle with lots of movement and nutritious foods. And I want to teach my children the same. I think so far we are good with the teaching the kids part of my goal.

Last week I realized that I was addicted to sugary sweet food. At least every day, I was eating something sugary. I was able to rationalize it because I was still losing baby weight - still seeing progress! Slow and steady!

As if what I weigh is the most reliable indicator of health. Um, er, NO. I know sugary junk is unhealthy, it can make me into a pre-diabetic, it can wreck havok on my body in other ways too. I know it is bad for me, and I was still doing it. Like a smoker. Or an alchoholic. I was addicted.

So last week I gathered up all the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows and the box of Girl Scout Thin Mints I was saving for a rainy day, and a few other items and sent them away. I haven't had any sugary treats for (drumroll please) FOUR DAYS. It seems like forever. I am undoubtedly still in withdrawl.

It's not like I'm not eating any sugar, I'm just not eating the stuff with no nutritional value, like candy and brownies and cupcakes. I did have a latte a couple days ago, but I don't count that due to the protein in the skim milk. See how my logic works?

I am pleased to report that I do feel better. And I know it's probably not related, as it has only been four days, for pity's sake, but my second-largest pair of fat jeans are super-de-dooper baggy. I know because I'm wearing them (it's laundry day) and I have to keep hiking them up.

My pregnancy diet of adding protein is working to get rid of the post-pregnancy weight. I am a mere 8 pounds away from my pre-Aaron weight. Then I only have about 14 more to go before I'm back where I was when we got married. And that, my friends, will be a happy day indeed.

I like to break it down. It makes it so much more attainable. And it's horrible that I have 22 lbs to lose, I know. But It's better than the very embarrassing number I had to lose not so long ago.

6 comments:

Shelldell said...

So hard to do. I admire your efforts. I also struggle with sugary stuff.
I personally don't do stuff at home with sugar except for holidays.
But there is so much out there when we go to church events.
I've been eating a lot of sunflower seeds lately. It's my substitute for sugar fix.
Don't know if that is good or not.

ruth said...

Good job, Jenny! I'm proud of you--keep it up! As you know, I've been trying to make some changes to my eating lifestyle, too. I did pretty well the first two weeks of my diet, but since then I've been on and off the wagon. Today I had pop for the first time in a month. I didn't feel very well afterwards, though, and now I've got a headache. I think I'll stick to cutting it out.

Keep up the good work!

Tricia said...

Way to go Jenny! I just got inspired to do some pantry cleaning out today as well. Except for I'm not taking the ultimate step yet...just moving it down to the storage area in the basement. =)

suzanne said...

I'm going to try and remember this next time I'm hiding in the pantry 'sneaking' sweets!

Kelly Glupker said...

I can totally relate. And now I feel like I should throw away all the Easter candy since I'm the only one who eats it. I shouldn't have read this post. :)

Doesn't love a wall said...

Oh how I wish I had your determination. I am SO addicted to sugar it's rediculous. I've always been "one of those people" who can eat all I want an gain no weight - so as a result I eat a LOT of junk. What's weird is that I am super uptight about Madeline's diet. She very very rarely gets a treat. I don't want to be a Nazi about it because I think being overly strict with her will have the same affect that giving her TONS of sugar would. but I am SHOCKED at the type of garbage some of my friends feed their children. We are a very Kashi-friendly household!!!

I admire you - I do! I just know I could never do it myself.....