FAT Tuesday ... It's Like a Blank Check

Tomorrow is "Fat Tuesday", the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Now I'm not Catholic, but I've participated in the practice of giving up something I enjoy very much during the Lenton season for a number of years because I think it's a good exercise in sacrifice. It has shown me that I am capable of saying no to the cookies and ice cream (two of my larger vices and what I'll be "giving up" this year). I guess it's easier when you're doing it for God as opposed to yourself. I'm less likey to cheat him than myself. But I wonder, do people (not just me) look at Fat Tuesday like a blank check? "I'm giving up cookies and ice cream so on Tuesday I eat a whole freakin' package of Oreos and a 1/2 gallon of chocolate and peanut butter ice cream"... I can't be the only one who has that thought cross my mind. So in all honesty, I intend to eat both a couple cookies and a little ice cream but I will keep it under control... I promise.

My husband and I are both desperate to get into some kind of shape before the weather becomes warm enough to wear shorts and tank tops. Our goals are realistic but serious effort still needs to be applied so we are using this Lent to help kick-start the beginnings of a completely healthier lifestyle. That being said, for us, it's not all about "giving up" things we love. I've also included the practice of adding something good and this year it is a vow to have a vegetable at every dinner no matter what. That may not sound like a big deal but in a house where dinner is usually meat and potatoes or a simple starchy carb-fest, adding a veggie to each meal is a big step and one that I intend to make a good habit.

In the meantime, look forward to reading some interesting posts during Lent as I will not have my comfort food for emotional control (lol).

The Night Time is the Right Time

Why is it soooo much easier to get pumped up and gung ho about exercise and eating right at the very end of the day? The thought of a new day, a new slate, everything is fresh and you have yet to completely screw it up. I think that's my thought process anyway. At the end of each day I seem to find renewed hope in the success of tomorrow. That enthusiasm is rarely as strong when I wake up in the morning wishing I had Chocolate Pop-Tarts in the cabinet but I know better than to buy them.. well, not always but I'm getting much much better with keeping the "evil" out of my house.

My goal now is to keep that attitude throughout the day and tell myself "I CAN do this!" and "I deserve to be strong and healthy!" Taking care of myself is a gift to my family, not selfishness. I think I've just discovered my new mantra.

Jack of All Diets, Master of None

Woke up again this morning with terrible aching feet as soon as I stood up out of bed. I HAVE to do SOMETHING! Gosh, what's it going to take to kick my butt into gear?! I was thinking of all thing different diets, fads, programs, etc. that tried. Tried isn't even the right word. Many things were purchased and never even attempted. Guess you could call those "The Money Burning Weight Loss Programs".

Let's see, over the past 10 years there's been diet pills (prescription and otc, Alli, Hydroxycut, etc.), Michael Thurman's 6-week Body Makeover, Weight Watchers, The Biggest Loser online, Dr. Phil's Ultimate Weight Solution, You On A Diet, and my own version of what I think is the right thing to do. Each of these have their good points and bad points. The Rx pills worked as great appetite control but made me crazy jittery and that freaked me out. I bought the OTC pills and never took a one, wish I had that money back. The 6-Week Body Makeover seems like a great idea and 6 weeks doesn't seem that long but it's pretty strict especially if you're a carb junkie like me... 6 weeks is forever then if you're not ready to change your habits, what's the point?

Ultimately what needs to happen when using any of these programs is you actually have to DO what they say. Much to my dismay, just buying the book, program or CD doesn't peel the weight off, go figure. Now the BUT... but I'm someone who needs some kind of guidelines. I wish I were strong enough to just do it on my own and I hope that will happen one day but until that time comes, until I have some significant success, I need a plan, a list of do's and don'ts. So I'm going back to the one plan that has been most successful for me. Weight Watchers.

Luckily I have all my materials left from my last stint of WW at work. At least this program gives you the flexibility to have your favorites, it's just a matter of choice. Now, I just need to stick to it. I have a history of starting a plan and falling hard off the wagon. I just want to be successful. I want to be proud of myself. I want my family to be proud of me. I want to be passionate about it. Until next time... healthy choices, healthy choices, healthy choices. And lots and lots of water!!