Monday, December 27, 2010

Day 162-165 A Conscious Decision

"Reports of my falling off the wagon have been greatly exaggerated"- Shane Griffin

Ok there were no reports, but still. I hope this blog finds all my bloggy buddies doing well and having enjoyed their holidays to the fullest. I can honestly say I had as good of a time as I have ever had during the Christmas Holidays, and I don't even really like them. I got some cool stuff like my first Under Armour shirt, a bad assky leather jacket, Kathy got me a cool first person shooter game for the Wii, Call of Duty, World at War, and I got some new clothes. I also finally was able to save up enough money to spend on some decent walking/running shoes finally! I sprung for some Under Armour Shade running shoes. I had done some research and they came highly recommended by reviewers, so I took the chance. I love them! Most comfortable shoe I have had in quite some time. I broke them in this morning on my Wal Mart walking, got a second round at my lunch Wal Mart walk. I cannot complain one bit. Oh and I have committed to doing my first 5K on January 8, 2011. It is for the Van Buren's High School I guess drama club or whatever the acting people are in during high school. I am so looking forward to it!

As the title says, I made a conscious decision. In the days leading up to Christmas, I was sitting around making a war plan, getting psyched up, talking myself into a frenzy about not eating more than my normal calorie count for Christmas dinner. And suddenly, the on the 23rd, it occurred to me, once again, letting food run things. I know that the skinny people I know, they don't do all that. They eat normal the rest of the year, and the holidays, they eat mostly normal, but indulgence, that is ok. So, I decided on Christmas Eve morning, I would follow my usual diet up until we went to Kathy's mom's for that get together, and then I wouldn't eat till I was going to pop, but I wasn't going to get all psycho and eat two slices of lettuce either. So I took the blinders off, went to her mom's and had me two sandwiches and I ate some of the sweet treats her mom had baked. Nothing insane, but just a little letting go. Same thing with Christmas day when we hosted the dinner. I ate my normal menu up until 2 o'clock, then I turned it off, had me some good food in bigger portions THAN I NORMALLY DO and enjoyed the food of the season. Come yesterday morning, I was right back to the new Shane. I hopped on the treadmill, got my run in, had my usual breakfast, snack, lunch, snack and dinner. Now, I knew when I made the decision, I may not make my 210 by the end of 2010 goal, but I think that ultimately, I gained two things that are bigger than that, and that will help me when I do get to my goal weight. First, to eat like a skinny person would during the Christmas Holiday, some indulging, but not exorbitant amounts. Second, that I can take the blinders off for the holidays, cause they go right back on when they are done. This is my second day after letting my "diet" go. I have had phenomenal workouts on both days, I am just as motivated to keep on living healthy, and I gained a power over food, rather than continuing to let food define my actions, even if it is to the other extreme from my past practice of eating too much during the Christmas Holiday.

Did everybody else allow some indulgence in their routine, or am I the weinie of this group?



7 comments:

  1. That's what the skinny folk do Shane. They enjoy treats at Christmas, but get back into healthy eating routines. Obese people allow enjoying those treats to steer their course permanently. We're doing this thing my friend - we're living like the skinny folk!!!!

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  2. Hey Shane, it sounds like your decision to eat more on the holiday was okay. You were able to enjoy some foods that maybe you don't have all the time and you controlled the days you did this. You were able to stop yourself the next day and get back on track with food and exercise. This seems very healthy as far as mind decisions go. Good for you! Glad to hear you enjoyed the holidays and now have the walking shoes you wanted.

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  3. Indulgences- YES- but mindfully so! I had a little of my homemade toffee, sliver of homemade raspberry cheesecake and some mashed potatoes- oh, a couple glasses of wine. I totally avoided pizza and Sees candy my sister had ordered. New Years Eve I will be babysitting the grands so no big meal or much junk there (probably Dominos pasta bowls and sushi for them) and thankfully we usually forgo a New Years Day dinner. My kids are still here but they are not foodies and could care less what is served to them. You did great,Shane, and so awesome about your walking.

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  4. I did the same as you, Shane. Normal breakfast, then a little of whatever I like at Christmas, even sweets, then back to my plan. I have actually lost a little weight this week. So I guess it worked. I'm glad you got some good walking/running shoes. They are the most important element of your workout uniform. Bad shoes = injury. I'm sure you look very cool in that leather jacket!

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  5. I did eat more than usual, but I'll tell you I can't eat as much as I used to. Sunday I ate a bit more and I just felt like crap. Two days of eating crap and I feel like crap. So yesterday I was back on track and I'm proud of myself for doing my thing and getting back to healthy eating. I have not been exercising except the cleaning and cooking I did for the last 4 days and I am pooped. But, I plan to get back to it this week. Good for you on the 5K. You'll do great.

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  6. ..to go pyscho and eat two pieces of lettuce... hahahaha !!!!

    I ate on a smaller plate. I did have a few indulgences. Bite sized, since there were more than just one. I also had the advantage that I cooked everything.

    Like you, the next day (Sunday for me) I was back at the gym. I'm still feeling my upper arms and shoulders. What was I thinking when I was superman lifting on the shoulder press?! Lol!;-)

    Sounds like some awesome Christmas gifts and an enjoyable day as well! I'd like that Wii game. Good luck on the run!!

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  7. I love this post. I think that allowing ourselves to eat "normal" is what we all have to do on this journey, holidays or not. And just like you wrote, when we do, hope right back on the regular eating plan and of course exercise. Allowing ourselves these treats or whatevers is a way that we learn to manage our eating for when we are off our plan. So, good fro you Shane!

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