Angel Food (lowfat)

My perspective on life has been quite different lately, and somehow losing weight has been easier. Because of the events of the past few weeks, I’ve become a kinder person - to others and to myself. Since this is supposed to be a weight loss blog, I’ll write a bit about the kindness to me. I’ve tried to embrace behaviors and actions that give me more energy. That means turning out the tv or putting away my reading (or blogging) earlier than usual so I can settle into sleep easier. I’ve been a breakfast eating fool, too; I dug out Round’s recipe for muesli from a while back  (wish I could find that post of hers to link here). I’ve made a few substitutions using what I have on hand (e.g. pepitas/pumpkin seeds instead of almonds), and I eat a nice, filling portion of it with yogurt to start my day.

Probably the biggest change is that I’m trying to make good choices about what I eat, “noticing” rather than “focusing on” how I feel while dining. I’m thinking about my satiety level while I’m eating, instead of regretting the “I’m stuffed” feeling laer. Also, I’m not letting myself get bored in life. I’m keeping myself focused on the work in front of me, instead of stressing about what’s left to be done. While relaxing, I’m experience things that I really enjoy rather than watching any old TV show and putting random snacks in my mouth. Eating larger meals and then keeping boredom at bay have cut way down on my snacking these past few weeks. I’ve also embraced the reality I can get by on far, far smaller amounts of food than was the norm for me. Now, when I feel hungry between meals I drink a glass of milk, or eat a popsicle, or a couple bites of chocolate, and then I’m fine. Today I had an amazing breakthrough - I ate a normal portion of Lays potato chips. (We live near a Frito Lay factory, and I swear our chips are better than anywhere else because they are so fresh.) A month ago, I’d have gone back for a couple more handfuls of chips.

Counterintuitively, I’ve been more energetic since I’ve been eating less. However, what I’m not doing is starving myself. I’m trying not to let myself get to the point that I’m hungry enough to eat any old crap that is put on a plate in front of me. Surprisingly, I’ve lost 5 lbs in the last couple weeks without even trying very hard. I feel like I’ve had quite the breakthrough. This all sounds so hokey, but it’s really been working for me. And, I’m a “do what works for now” kind of gal.

Hope all the other 3fc’ers are enjoying their lives this week!