Did you have a game plan coming into this storm? I’m not talking about an emergency plan here, or maybe I am. I certainly hope and pray we’ve all prepared ourselves and have taken every safety precaution available. But what I am referring to is a plan to help you stay on track with your eating and weight loss goals, which can so easily become derailed during such a stressful time as this.
You know it’s funny, as I sit here thinking about all of the news reports leading up to the approach of Hurricane Sandy, on how to safeguard ourselves against the storm, it occurred to me that along with those plans we should have had a plan in place for how to safeguard ourselves from losing control with our eating during the storm.
I’m guessing many hurricane shopping lists looked something like this:
- Flashlight & Batteries
- Water
- Candles
- Milk
- Eggs
- Bread
- Potato chips
- Ice cream
- Cookies
- Cake
- Popcorn
- Candy
You get the picture. I would venture to say that not too many people are concerned with healthy eating while riding out this storm. In fact, the exact opposite is probably true. But why? Why is it that by default we tend to hanker down and chow down when the weather forces us to go on lock down? We do have other options to consider, other than eating to keep busy and occupied.
When I realized that I would be shut in for an extended period of time, I too headed out to stock up for “the winter”. But I knew that a combination of being held hostage at home, with the weather outside being frightful, and my nervous energy being heightened, would be the perfect combination to eat myself into unconsciousness. So I devised a plan that would help me to weather the storm without losing control, and still be able to hold my head up high when the storm was over
Place Yourself in a Safe Environment
You can’t eat it if you don’t bring it into the house. When I went to the market yesterday, I stocked up just like everyone else, but I did so with vegetables, healthy snacks and fruit. I was determined not to let “Sandy” send me into the danger zone.
Snack in a Responsible Manner
We all snack. It’s the American way, especially during inclement weather. Plan your snacking times. Eat them between meals, not as a substitute for your meals. Eat the proper portion sizes. In fact pre-measure everything out so that you will not find yourself digging into the bag all day and before you know it you’ve eaten it all up.
Healthy Snack Options Can Be Just As Satisfying
A “snack” could be a boiled egg and some sliced apples….and is just as satisfying because it won’t leave you feeling hungry an hour later. Change how you look at “traditional” snacking. A snack is just another meal, just smaller. When you look at it like that you are more inclined to reach for “real” food as opposed to junk food.
Get Busy Doing Something Other Than Eating and Watching the Weather Reports
If you’re like many of us, you got an unplanned day off from work. This is the perfect time to get some things done around the house. Or perhaps you’d feel better about going into chill mode. That’s okay too. Throw your feet up and read a book or watch some DVD’s. Just be sure to do so without reaching into a bag every 10 seconds. The point here is to find something else for your hands to do and your mind to think about.
When the storm passes (and it will), you’ll be glad (and so will I) that you didn’t cause destruction to your temple. You rode out the storm, stayed the course and will be able to smile at the end of the week when the scale rewards you for your diligence.
Your Turn To Share
Did you have an emergency plan for the storm? If so, what was it? If not, what are your plans moving forward?
Keisha says
I had absolutely NO plan for the hurricane because I expected it to die out way before it reached PA. I was wrong. So, when I did shop, my list looked like the above list (including blow pops and Oreos). I was bad. Which was why I needed to see this great post! Thanks Stacey!
Stacey Strickler says
Keisha I too was hoping it would die before it reached us. But I have to admit I was a little salty that I didn’t “stock up” on some goodies. However after the initial craving wore off and I started typing this post I was glad I exercised some discipline. Don’t look at it as being bad. It’s only one day or period of time…we can get right back on track and handle our business. Trust me I need to take my own advice
Chris says
That’s why we’re fat in America! When we’re stuck in the house on during a storm, we don’t play games, or spend extra time with the Lord or plan positive changes in our lives. We eat!
Stacey Strickler says
Chris I totally agree with you. The alternatives to eating, which you listed would do us so much better. I think I’ll do a follow up post on this theme: Consider The Alternatives…Thanks Chris!!!!