[Keika]

Story time!

When I first started eating healthy (about 46 days ago), it was a struggle. Of course. I struggled a lot with food cravings (especially for fry sauce, for some reason), but I was very good and didn't indulge. Eventually they went away.

It was soon after that time that I noticed an interesting emotional effect I was experiencing. When I was pushing myself to eat healthy and moaning to myself over wanting to eat the world, I felt a great sense of accomplishment for not giving in and seeing the pounds drop off. I knew I was making a difference in my life and losing weight, partially because I felt that sense of accomplishment that came from pushing myself. It was very rewarding.

Now, I find that healthy eating has settled into habit. It's just how I live my life now. It's great! ...except I've lost that sense of "pushing myself," and it took my sense of accomplishment with it. I'm still seeing pounds falling off, and it does feel wonderful to see the number going down, but it doesn't feel as "special" anymore. Does that make sense? It's hard to describe... I miss that exhilarating "I'm doing something new and right" feeling.

I guess what I wanted to see if this is something that everyone goes through, and if so, to get some support going through this phase. I'm afraid of falling into a cycle of pushing myself to do unhealthy things to lose weight in order to earn back that rewarding feeling. So I guess this is kind of a motivation thing? How do you keep yourself feeling "rewarded" for living healthy? Is it even something I should be feeling "rewarded" for, or is losing that feeling just part of making a lifestyle change?

End story. Sorry for the book.