Weekend Food Fail

Ok - so my first challenge. The weekend. How did it go? Not so well.

I didn't do too horribly. We were out and about getting some things done, so we went out to eat Mexican Saturday afternoon. We brought home a boxed pizza Saturday night, and I had a doughnut this morning. Ok, maybe I did do horribly.  A triple threat this weekend? Yikes.

The silver lining? The rest of the day has been pretty good.

You see, I am trying to figure out how not to let my emotions win. I have had a rough weekend dealing with some family issues and just the undue stress created by our schedules. It's not an excuse, but it is something I have discovered.

I realize that when David and I DO get time together, I tend to want to celebrate with food. I want to go out and eat or go get a snack to enjoy together. I use food to celebrate and I use it to cope. When I am in a situation with tempting foods, I lack a lot of self control when I am feeling upset , stressed, or even (newly discovered) insanely happy.

So, now that I have identified those feelings I need to figure out where to go with it. I read once that building willpower is like training any other muscle - it takes time. So now that I am discovering what triggers this, maybe I can start working that willpower muscle.

My meals are planned for the week, and I have done some pre-cooking and pre-chopping of meats and fruits and veggies. Count it down - 3...2....1 - here we go for the week!

I believe that we can do this together. Certainly I am not alone in these thoughts or feelings. Does anyone else share the same out there?

Beat Emotional Eating Challenge

Hi. My name is Heather and I am an emotional eater.

Yes, you heard it right. How many of you would say the same? I wonder how many others join me on this difficult struggle when picking up a candy bar or indulging in our favorite foods when upset becomes a knee jerk reaction? How many of us use food as a coping mechanism to escape the daily pressures of parenting, work issues, and just overall heartache and drama?

At first, I did not want to admit that I emotionally eat. I started watching my behaviors when I was upset. Mexican food and chocolate top the list of my "run-to's" every time. I was doing so good for so long, but a few situations and people set me off every now and then and sent me spiraling back into that pattern.

I let them win. I let food win. It hurts to say that.

I don't go on several day eating binges, but I dislike it when I do it for a day or two. Not only am I disappointed in myself, but I feel gross. I feel lethargic. I let the food win. I become weak.

For all of you who join me with this struggle, I am going to present a challenge to you. Every time you feel like picking up a food that will initially make you "feel good," don't eat it. Instead, write down the emotion and the food you want in a journal. Track it. Also, jot down your surroundings when this occurs. If you do eat it, still write down all of this information and also include how you feel.

I am going to start doing this, not only to identify the connection but also to allow myself to "think" before I eat. When I am purposeful before I put food in my mouth, hopefully it will all start to make sense.

The kicker? I am going to do it right here on this blog under a "Beat Emotional Eating" challenge. This isn't just for moms, but anyone who struggles with this same problem. Feel free to join me by commenting and inviting others to share right here on this blog.

Will you join me in sharing your struggles and successes? It won't be easy, but it will certainly be eye opening.

This is so difficult for me to admit, but I want to do it. I want change. Maybe there is a chance we can beat this weakness together. I believe.

Exercise - Theory vs. Application

I have been studying for my ACSM Group Exercise Instructor certification exam this summer. I have taken classes over the past few years, and feel like I have enough background knowledge to finally start getting really serious on my own. The goal? To be certified by the end of summer.

I already teach a group cycle class at the gym and exercise when I can, but I have noticed my workouts have decreased since having my little girl. Oh, and add the commute to my full time job. Oh....AND my fiance who I RARELY see due to our conflicting work schedules so I want to spend every minute home with him when we are together.  When is there time?

I laughed a little to myself this morning as I was reading my books and thinking about how I should go run. I can have all of the head knowledge in the world, but if I don't use it or apply it to inspire others - which is exactly what I want to do - then what is the point? I find my study materials interesting and hard to put down, but I gave myself a time limit to finish reading. After I type this blog, I will be lacing up my running shoes before work.

I believe we all make time for what we want to make time for. Moms are BUSY people, but we still have to take care of ourselves. Even if it is a few times a week, do something to keep your bodies moving. It is not an all or nothing deal. Your kiddos and your significant other will be fine for a half hour without you, and you will be better prepared for the day if you take that half hour for yourself.

The Journey

Patience. This is a word I have always struggled with. I am not incapable of being patient, I just get fired up about certain dreams and I want them to happen. Now. No waiting. Let's just make it happen!

Many times, my "go get 'em" attitude seems very unrealistic. I am the type of person who will do what it takes to get to where I need to be and sometimes I don't really stop to think things through or enjoy the view from where I am at during a specific point in time.

As a kid, I always wanted to be the best and I wanted it right away (who am I kidding - I am still this way). I remember my mom telling me that good things come to those who wait, but waiting....isn't that the painful part?

There are a few areas in my life right now that I have approached that yield sign: namely my career and finances. While neither situation is horrible or unbearable, I still want to be at my five year goal NOW. I have had to step back and realize that the lesson is in the journey. I am learning all of the things that I want in a career by learning what I don't want and I am also learning the value of budgeting and using cash instead of credit. If I look at this last year, I would say that I have done a 180 in both departments.

The ironic thing about all of this is that about three years ago, I was perfectly content with my career and finances but wanted a family. I finally have that. Soon I will be marrying a man who is perfect for me and we have two wonderful girls. I was patient. I let life happen and didn't rush where I was at that point in my life where we met. I learned something. So, given how blessed I am in those areas right now, I am willing to stop and enjoy the view where I am at. 

Perspective. It's amazing, isn't it?

Eat local. Be Healthy.

Yesterday, I went to the first Farmers' Market of the season in Leavenworth. What a wonderful turnout of vendors and people! I was excited to get some fresh strawberries, lettuce, and especially farm fresh eggs. I also bought some meat straight from the farm, and I could definitely tell the difference. It was a little pricier than what it sold for in the store, but well worth it.

As many know, I love to plan our family meals. I have experimented with different ways to make meals healthy, affordable, and easy. I think that it is really trendy right now to coupon and save money, but I don't agree that is always best for our health when it comes to meals. Have you seen all of the processed foods in the Sunday circulars? The dinner table is not the place to start making major cutbacks!

When it comes to our health and eating hormone free and pesticide free foods, I will pay a little more each time. The long term effects outweigh the short term satisfaction of saving money. With that said, it is still important to stay within a budget and within reason.

Developing a menu of healthy meals within budget is an art. After a few times through, you will know what works for you and your family.

I believe that feeding my family healthy foods without hormones or pesticides will pay off in the long run with better health and vitality. If you do the same, you are also supporting your local farmers directly (without the middle man!) There are many places to cut back in the budget, but the foods we put into our bodies and our children's bodies should not be one of them.

The New York Times even had something to say about it in the article below:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/06/boosting-health-with-local-food/

Thanks for reading!