ready4change

I had a great couple weeks.  No more than 3 lbs total lost (on the scale) but I was already starting to feel better. Stronger. And maybe even a slighter looseness in my jeans.  But then…illness hit.  I was out of work last Wednesday and Thursday.  Didn’t work out at all.  Didn’t keep track of what I ate, although I can’t remember eating much because my throat was so sore.  Then Friday came.  It was my normal day off. I felt better but again didn’t work out.  I was throwing my daughter her 11th birthday party after school so I had much to do.  Errands to run, cakes to bake and decorate, presents to wrap, etc.  Here’s how I started my morning:  Rolled out of bed, threw on some sweats and grabbed my list of errands.  Headed out the door.  Then realized I was hungry.  Duh!  So without even a second thought, I pulled into the Burger King drive-thru and got a bacon, egg and cheese croissant with the little hash brown things.  The orange juice I drank was probably the only thing healthy in that meal.  After that I was full and continued with all my errands.  Skipped lunch.  Still not really hungry from the fatty breakfast.  It’s now 3:45 p.m. and the 12 kids start to arrive.  I have Totino’s pizza rolls cooked and ready to go; a platter of Chick-fil-a nuggets; and several bottles of soda.  But I hadn’t nibbled on any of it…yet.  Then one of my gf’s who is the mother of one of the kids at the party came over.  And what did she bring??  Beer!  Lots of light beer.  It was light…but when you drink a 6 pack it doesn’t really matter that it’s light!  So as I start drinking beer, I start nibbling on all of the left overs.  The one good thing about Friday is I didn’t eat any cake.

So Saturday rolls around.  My kids were with their dad for the rest of the weekend.  I had lots of time to myself.  However, I didn’t work out.  Didn’t eat much really all day until that evening.  And then I decided to have to last piece of cake.  Went to bed feeling guilty.

Sunday comes.  Told myself to get myself prepared for the week and get all my meals and snacks ready to go.  I did some healthy cooking and made some chicken and brown rice burgers to bring to work with me for lunch and I also made a chicken satay.  But I didn’t eat any of that…because it was for work.  So I had a glass of wine instead.  Then another glass.  Then saw the bag of potatoes in the pantry and decided that before they spoil I should roast them.  So I did.  And when they came out of the oven they smelled so good…I threw some cheese and bacon bits on top and poured another glass of wine.   Went to bed Sunday night feeling bloated and disappointed in myself.

I ate ok yesterday.  Until after dinner (spaghetti & meatballs) I decided to eat a few of the roasted potatoes that were still in the fridge.  I did have an awesome workout yesterday though.  But it’s not enough when I sabotage all my efforts over 5 days!  I don’t have any brilliant thoughts running through my head at the moment.  Just wanted to get down what I did to myself over the past several days.

…I plan ahead and bring food and snacks with me to work! I have been finding it really, really easy to resist those donuts that mysteriously show up at work in the mornings…or the mini-candy bars that show up in jars or bowls all around the place…or the bags of chips…or that piece of cake for a co-workers birthday…and I could continue to name all the other temptations I am faced with at work but I won’t; you get the picture.

I went to that store that has big red circles for a logo and bought several of the Fit&Fresh tupperware. I know, if you don’t already own several of these yourself, you’re probably thinking ‘why would I invest money in tupperware when I already have a zillion plastic containers at home?’ Well, let me tell you…my absolute favorite piece is the four hole one as seen in this picture. Hopefully I inserted it right so you can actually see it.

All of the containers have the measurement markings on them so you already know how much of something you are bringing with you. So in this particular container I will put two fruits in two containers and two veggies in the other. My next favorite container is the lunch box type.  I actually have two of these.

So anyway, my point is, I can bring a variety of snacks (and my lunch) with me to work without carrying out the entire cupboard of tupperware containers.  I have been bringing yogurt and cottage cheese with me and will leave them in the fridge at work.  One usually calms my salty cravings and one hits my sweet craving.  I will also bring some hummus too for my veggies.  It’s a healthier alternative than dressing.

I have easily had breakfast, lunch and two snacks and have only had to carry one container (and a few little lose items). I knew it before but I am reminded by the facts that as long as you eat every couple of hours of clean food your blood sugar levels stay normalized and you don’t have crazy cravings.  It’s a heck of a lot easier to resist those office temptations when you’re feeling satisfied!