So I've been calorie counting since January 5th and have lost 23 lbs so far. I've been here before. I get all excited to "change my life", I do good for 2 or 3 months then lose motivation and go back to my old ways. This time, though, I REALLY think it's different. There are a number of variables that I won't elaborate on here; but one of them, this time, is the fact that I've finally let go of my "all or nothing" mentality.
On my previous diet attempts, there's always a list of "banned" foods. I did low fat, which only made me want more. I did low carb, which only made me want more. I did "I can eat what I want except junk food and sweets", which only made me want more.
This time--though I have GREATY improved my eating habits--I can allow for occasional treats or "cheats" (if you want to look at it that way) and not feel like I've shot my entire plan to ****.
I allow myself a small piece of chocolate every day. (i.e., a "fun size" snickers bar or a couple of mini peanut butter cups.) And you know what? It's enough! I don't feel deprived but I'm still right on plan.
Tonight we're going to Applebees. I'm going to be "good" and have one of the under 550 calorie dinners, but I also have a planned splurge for a dessert shooter (haven't decided if I'm going to do the chocolate sundae or the cheescake!) It's 300 empty calories, but I've made room for it in my day. And in the scheme of my whole week, it's really not going to matter.
My old way of thinking would have had me beating myself up, calling myself a failure and deciding that I'm just going to be fat, so I might as well enjoy what time I have left by stuffing my face with any junk I can get my hands on. Not anymore!
I know some people feel better about avoiding "bad" food completely, and that is probably a healthier way to live...but for me, this is a much more realistic approach to the way I can live the rest of me life.
Yes, I've been 2 months in before. But this time, I have no intention of stopping.