As I continue on my weight loss journey I realize more and more that the process and act of losing weight has less to do with food and what I’m eating and more to do with what’s going on in my life and what’s eating at me. When my life is out of control so is my eating.
When I don’t get my proper sleep and rest I look for food to anesthetize me.
When I’m stressed out and overworked I look for food to calm me down and chill me out.
When I’m sluggish and have no energy I look for food to pump me up and give me a boost.
When I’m bored or lack focus I look to food to entertain me.
When I’m overwhelmed and overworked I look to food to distract me.
The problem here is that the purpose of food is not to anesthetize, calm, pump, boost, entertain or distract. I’ve been using food to do something for me that it was not designed or purposed to do.
As I shared recently, this year has been rough for me. I’ve been challenged physically, mentally and emotionally. My physical issues and being overworked and overwhelmed at work have led to other issues, such as:
- Low to no energy
- Lack of enthusiasm for anything
- Eating out of habit (the habit of fast food) and feeling miserable afterwards
- Being stressed out
- No focus – scattered and all over the place
- Just plain miserable
Although these things have been my reality deep down inside I’ve wanted to change my situation. I’ve wanted to get out of my rut, but I just felt stuck. I’m not the type of person who can stay in a state of misery for long. I’m just not wired that way. I’m constantly aware that my situation will not change unless I make some changes. So that’s what I’m on a mission to do! I’m taking it one day at a time, and you know what? It’s working!
I’m starting to feel better. I’m more optimistic about my journey. I’m consciously aware of what I’m eating and how it makes me feel. I’m happy with the direction the scale is moving, and I’m purposeful in planning my meals each day so that they are healthy, tasty and satisfying.
Although I am tracking my eating in MyFitness Pal (you can follow me at 21Strickee), I’m not “counting calories” or “counting points” or counting anything! I’m simply making wiser food choices and eating the proper portion sizes. I’m not obsessing about any of it and because this approach takes the pressure off of me, I am enjoying it!
I am not interested in any quick fix gimmicks. I’m keenly aware that this is something I will have to do for the rest of my life. My goal is not only to lose the weight BUT to keep it off. My new approach is not only sustainable but it’s also enjoyable for me and that is a winning combination!