I think it's time.
I'm not really feeling fat. I'm not really feeling cranky.
I'm just becoming more and more aware of the effects my eating habits have on my body, my mood, and (for the next 2 months + however long I breastfeed) my boys.
I've been playing around with the idea of doing this again. It's kind of pointless to only do it for a year, though. I've already proven to myself that no treats for a year is very possible. Last time, I learned that my body absolutely loves when I don't eat treats. I sleep better, I have clearer skin, I freak out at Cam less often. Wins all around.
I told a friend of mine that I was going to do it again as soon as the boys were born, because I'm having a hard enough time keeping up with calories, so I just need to keep eating everything right now, but really? That's lame. These boys don't need empty calories and high fructose corn syrup. They need real, good, food.
So, I'm starting now.
No more cakes, cookies, brownies, soda, candy, etc.
And it's not just for a year. It's for good. To make the lifestyle change realistic though, I know I'll need "free days" to pick ONE treat. To avoid me justifying extra "free days" (like, HEY! Today is National Sock Day. Let's celebrate!) I've made a list. Every year, I can pick ONE treat on the following days:
- January 2nd - Our Anniversary
- Valentine's Day
- The Boys' Birthday
- Easter Sunday
- 4th of July
- My Birthday
- Cam's Birthday
- The Last Day of School (this will eventually be in June, once our boys are in school. For now, it is to celebrate the end of the chiropractic school trimesters that end in May and September.)
- Halloween
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve/Day
- New Year's Eve
This gives me roughly 1 treat a month. Do I HAVE to eat a treat? no. I can totally see myself not wanting one after I get going. But I also love celebrating holidays, and to me celebration almost always involves food.
Going off treats the first time made me realize just how much access to junk I have. Multiple times per week there are just plates of brownies and cookies and everything else for the taking. Church activities are the worst for this. Making the decision that I wouldn't have any before hand made it so easy to avoid it in the moment. And I loved it. It hasn't even been a year, but I miss it. (I'm sure that sounds strange to some of you, but don't knock it 'til you try it!) I also think that by having this list made, it will make me really think about what I want to indulge in that day.
Like the day the boys are born? You better believe I'm having an irish cream cocoa bean from the cafe where my sister works. And I really look forward to it!
Also, if I really REALLY just can't handle the no sweets situation, anything from here is on the good list.
And if any of you are ready to join me, I welcome you with open arms. I feel like this is a very happy medium for me, but maybe with some tweaks (or not) it will fit for you too. I can't wait for the benefits to start kicking in again!
Bring on the deep sleep, non-crazy dreams, patience, and clear skin!
LAME!!!! Eat whatever you want!!! This is the only time you get a good excuse! Hahaha you look fabulous!
ReplyDeletehunny I think you have to wait till after pregnancy for deep sleep! It's a hormone your body produces more of when ur prego so that's just joys of pregnancy. And then you have two screaming boys! Aaaah!. But i've been off of the majority of treats too! Not by choice but bc of my celiacs and it really made me feel all around good too! Go us! Love ya sweet bun!
ReplyDeleteI don't eat white sugar or high fructose corn sugar anymore either! I lost a lot of weight & I've been feeling great! I do a free day once a week but I've been thinking about going to a once a month sort of deal....we'll see. Best of luck to you!
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking that today after I had a bag of sour jelly belly's (my favorite). I don't handle sweets very well. I want to join you on your no sweets except for special occasions kick. I will have to decide what days of the year will be good for me but I am with you all the way.
ReplyDeleteIt is truly amazing how many sweets are out there and I don't understand why every church activity has to have crap served afterwards. (Sorry didn't mean to say crap on your blog but its out there now). Anyway after eating my jelly belly's my mind is a big pile of mush and I hate it.
Thanks for helping me know I will not be alone.
Oh yes Chocolate Covered Katie is the best!
ReplyDeleteI hope you make it! I admire your courage.
I'm right there with you. I love my sweets but love how much more energy I have when I skip them. When I try to find a balance, I end up justifying some sort of treat everyday. I like your idea of one planned treat per month. I think I'll give it try.
ReplyDeleteI am with you! Actually, I'm starting for a month... we will see how this goes. I know I feel sooo much better without all this junk in my system. :) I'm impressed though, I could never do that while pregnant. YOU ARE WONDER WOMAN!
ReplyDeleteSo I'd really love more details on your no sugar rules. You have oatmeal - no sugar or is honey "safe"? How do fruits and juices fit in? I've been thinking along this line and just wondered how "sugar" is defined for people that it has worked for?
ReplyDeleteI just started reading your blog and I got a little hooked :). I love the way you write and all your creative ideas. I am totally in! No Sweets for me. I know I will be flying solo because there is no way Chase is jumping on this train so I might need this blog for some support :)
ReplyDelete