08willbegreat's Journal, 04 April 2008

You know, I've been feeling a bit out of control this week too with too many nuts, cheese, and oil, and no weight loss on the scale. I read a motivation article online today that said that we need to accept past eating decisions as based on rational circumstances (hunger, convenience, marketing, etc.) that serve a rational purpose (tasted good, reduced appitite, contained nutrients, kept you alive) and we did what any rational person would do in that situation to achieve those goals. The article encouraged the reader to avoid thinking of themself as a 'helpless victim of their uncontrollable urges' and to avoid trying to understand 'why did I eat that?' when the answer simply may be 'because it was there [and I was hungry]. From the article: "Many people seem to think that "being motivated" means not having to struggle with opposing desires. Not so. It is our nature as human beings to pursue both the gratification of our senses (eating what we like when we want it) and the psychological gratification of achieving meaningful but more abstract goals (being healthy, fit or attractive). Both of these pursuits are necessary for our survival, both as individuals and as societies, and both are worthy of your loyalty. Judging one of these pursuits as superior to the other is to deny half of what and who you are, and set yourself up for endless inner conflict and turmoil". The article basically advised to move on and try to make healthier choices next time. PS I don't think your eating is bad overall. A protein bar would not satisfy my hunger but in the real world we don't all have personal chefs and unlimited time. A subway sandwich is not a make or break food. Unless it contains 3500 calories, one generous dinner will not make you gain a pound. So your points are a bit high today. It'll all balance out. It's one day, not your regular dinner for months or years. Perfectionism is a motivation killer. You are doing so well - but nobody's perfect!  

Even 30 points isn't horrible. And it can be really tough to get motivated again. One great suggestion I've had is to go back and re-read your old journal where you're inspired and maybe seeing that "good" you will boost your motivation level.  

We'll all have days where we just don't feel like working out, as long as one day doesn't become two and so on. Whenever I try to start that conversation with myself...in other words start makingexcuses...I ignore myself! I cut off those thoughts and even though it sounds corny - Just Do It - Nike owes me money now! Same goes for food choices sometimes, we're all going to make a choice sometimes that wasn't the best one. However, your choice wasn't that bad! It wasn't a pizza or a big mac - you ate a veggie sandwich - overall a good choice even though it was on white and the size. Stay on track, you truly are doing great...by the way, you still managed to go back down a pound! 

It looks like you made healthy food choices, just the portions were bigger than you would have liked. You could have done much worse! I don't know, maybe it was just something about this week, because I've not been motivated at all! Plus, if you are making a lifestyle change, you are going to have to take little vacations...keyword LITTLE. If you are back on track today, you'll be fine!