It seems like my latest post has created some division amongst those who read this blog on a regular basis. Fighting out of the red corner we have the “all-or-nothing” group supporting the idea that abstinence from malicious foods is the true method. And fighting out of the blue corner we have the “moderation” club backing the premise of moderation in all things. I’ve recently had some interactive discussions with several people regarding this mini clash and have deduced the following:
Some people are programmed to be self-regulating of what they take into their body, and;
Some people ain’t.
Let me illustrate…Let’s say you take a brand new package of Oreo Cookies (or your most favorite malicious food), open up the package and place it on the counter in your kitchen, how long does it take for the entire package to become devoured? If you have to yell aloud the phrase “ready, set, go!” and use a stop watch to time how long it takes – chances are you are not the self-regulating type. If that package sits on your counter for an extended period of time and eventually has to be tossed into the trash because the contents became stale, you guessed it – self-monitoring.
As for me and my house…the package of Oreos will be fully consumed before the package hits the counter (from what I understand there are many people who have this same problem with ice cream).
Here’s how I have decided to break this big discussion down – Categorize potential food choices into one of the following groups; Do I want this, or do I need this? I believe that we all know what our body needs – water, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc. Of those things, freely partake. If the food is strictly categorized as a want – the self-regulators probably have no worries, however, those who aren’t self-regulators need some type of regulatory mechanism. For the next 51 weeks abstinence will be my mechanism, after that (or maybe even sometime before it) I will only partake of unnecessary foods (i.e. delicious sweets) one day per week, probably Sunday. This seems to be a reasonable compromise between the all-or-nothings and the moderationists.
How has the past week gone for me? Well, let me tell you about it. Monday was great because I polished off a copious amount of Diet Dr. Pepper and for good measure indulged on a 4-to-go pack of the new chocolate peanut butter Twix bars. Tuesday, the first day of abstinence, I continually rehearsed in my mind “I can do this, yes I can, this ain’t so bad”. Wednesday, the second day of abstinence, brought more of the same. Some time between Wednesday night and Thursday morning someone or something brought me a six gallon headache and shoved the whole entire thing into my one gallon head. Friday came – I didn’t need to exercise because the 24-hour body fibrillations were extremely exhausting, but not as exhausting as Saturday’s episodes of flopping around like a fish out of water. I think all of Saturday’s flopping pounded the six gallon headache into a 3½ gallon headache. Sunday was borderline pleasant, but the one or two nerves that I have left were easily irritated and a couple of times I felt like I was going to pull some type of Tasmanian Devil maneuver, but didn’t. Today, this morning, the seventh day of abstinence, other than high-spirited bowels, I think that I am almost on the other side. I don’t know what day it was but somewhere amidst all the mayhem I lost another two pounds. That’s twelve pounds total and the scale settled in at 290 pounds. I wish it were faster, but I’ll take it.
Better days are coming.
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8 comments:
Hey Richy,
I'm starting today to be off carbonation completely and to only have one sweet M-F and one Sat-Sun (2 per week). That's like abstinence for me though. I ran into a friend last week from Cedar City and he is an ultra athlete that does marathons and ironmans. He gave me a few websites to check out (triscoop.com and beginnertriathlete.com). They have good info and resources for beginners and ultra workout guru's. We're both busting a gut (especially Adrien) and having a healthier lifestyle because of your blogs. I was thinking about how difficult it is to workout in the winter. It's always nice to go outside and exercsise so I'm expecting more out of myself once it warms up. Thanks for your funny and helpful blogs. I'm wanting less junk and my body tells me I need more good stuff.
Gary
Week 5 total: 77 miles
(where we should have been 4 weeks ago. No pressure but I know you've all got something to add in the last 2 weeks)
Way to go Rich!!! I'm impressed with your will power and know you can do it.
As for our miles. We have 36 to add for the past two weeks since we didn't report last week.
Our total is 54. We must not have got the memo of when it started as we only have been doing it for three weeks.
Hey Richy,
I think that your plan is a good one. I also think that you are right. Some people have more restraint then others. I am glad that you made it through all the withdrawls, life should be much better now with out having to depend on that stuff don't you think???
Well, my tip for the week is... increase the number of push up and crunches you do by 10 a set! And if you have only been doing so much at a time ie. 50 pushups 50 crunches, add in another set!!!
I know you just look forward to that don't you. Doesn't it just brighten up your day.
LOR
P.S. Did the knees ever start working again?
P.S.S. Miles (I didn't have a great week last week, 3.5 miles is all)
I think your philosophy is right. I am the type that cannot obstain (sp) from the sweets. Give me a bowl of carmel popcorn or muddy buddies and watch me gorge. So, I think you are amazing for being able to quit altogether. I am going to join you on the soda though. I think I can quit that quite easily.
Congrats on the 2 pounds.
Emily
P.S. For those counting, I have been working out 3 days a week for a month doing aerobics and running in the gym, however, not sure how many miles that accounts for. Should count for something though. That will have to do until it gets warm enough my blood doesn't freeze when I walk out the door.
Rich
Congratulations on the 2 Pounds. It may not seem like a lot, but when that 20 Lb makr hits it will make a difference. I went off Soda pop in September, and it has made a difference. I feel better and I dont crave it. As for candy, I think I am on the team that cannot stop eating it. However, I have done really well not eating it as much. Everytime I used to go to Walmart I would buy a candy bar at the register and eat it on the way home so I would not have to share with my kids. I do not buy them now. So i think that is a great goal for me! What a great step, I commend you for it.
Liz
Good Job Rich. I agree with Gary. Ever since you have satrted this weight loss stuff I have had less cravings for junk. I used to be able to go into a gas station and stock up on all kinds of junk and have a craving for it all. Lately though I go in the gas station an dthe only thing that looks good is the exude water. If you haven't seen it is comes in about 6 flavors and is in blue bottles. I have started drinking that because is isn't as unhealthy as pop but still gives you a sweet flavor. Thanks for spreading the desire to get healthy. Mindy and I are gonna buy a couple of Mtn. bikes so that we can get into better shape and enjoy the outdoors a bit more. Good job. Keep it up.
Scott B
hi
Well Hello Rich,
If you were wondering what the random hi was about. That was me just making sure I still know how to send you a message. It has been a while.
Reading over your blog I realized we were both born with a sweet tooth! It sounds like you got yours pulled. That's way great! I am impressed at how determined you are at being healthy.
This blog is awsome! One day you will look back on it and see how far you have come!
Keep up the will power! I love you Dih-dur! Rusti
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