Saturday, August 20, 2016

August 20th, 2016 Flexible Enough

August 20th, 2016 Flexible Enough

Yesterday morning (Friday), I had a location broadcast from a new chicken franchise located inside a convenience store. As soon as I walked in, I couldn't help being reminded of all the convenience store hot food deli cases I've raided over the years. And there I was, in a situation where I was being paid to be there for three hours straight, constantly describing the incredible quality and value of this new fried chicken counter.

My awareness level required me to have a plan. I decided when it was time to eat, I'd buy some cheese, almonds, and fruit. Within the first sixty seconds, I was being offered samples. "Uh, no thank you." 

Keep in mind, the person offering me the sample is from the corporate office of this new fast food chicken place and he knows I'm there to be on-air, telling anyone and everyone how wonderful this new product tastes--and I'm saying, "Uh, no thank you" to a sample. I was on the air three minutes later describing everything.

The guy from corporate offered, "let me know when you're ready to eat, and I'll fix you up." So now what?

Could I be flexible enough within my plan to eat something out of this hot food case? 

I decided, if I changed my plan to try some of this food, I had to have precise information--not only from MyFitnessPal, I also wanted a few questions answered about ingredients used. I was able to find MFP entries for each thing. Good deal. I then approached the corporate guy with refined sugar questions. I asked about each thing and he assured me it was refined sugar-free. He even double checked in the kitchen, just to be certain.

Okay then, I can do this. I properly logged the fried fish, the mac and cheese and the green beans--added some watermelon and cantaloupe--and I was set.

Had it not been for the MFP entries and my questions being answered and even double checked, I would have stayed with the original plan. Being flexible doesn't mean I sacrifice the boundaries I honor each day. If I can find a way to make it fit within my plan--then okay, I can be flexible enough to try something I don't normally or wouldn't normally eat.

I make the elements of my plan that important. Because if I don't, even once, it could be the beginning of something horrible.

I am a compulsive overeater/food addict. I was before and I still am, the only difference is, today, I'm in successful recovery. I've been in this turnaround from relapse/regain for nearly 2.5 years--losing the regain weight plus another twenty-five to twenty-eight pounds and I've maintained this healthy body weight for quite awhile. But none of that success matters. I'm still capable of relapse/regain if I don't embrace my life plan each and every day.

Embracing this life plan isn't a chore. It's not a hassle. It's not a burden. It isn't any of these things because I've developed a plan that works very well--specifically for me. My likes, dislikes--personality, schedule--all of these things contribute to the plan I can sustain, long-term.

I slept a solid eight hours last night and today was amazing. I prepared some wonderful meals, I enjoyed a great workout early afternoon, I stayed connected with support, I exceeded my water goal, I maintained the integrity of my calorie budget and I remained abstinent from refined sugar.

I'm ready for another great day tomorrow!

Continuous Accountability Live-Tweet Stream:


































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
at

2 comments:

  1. dupsterAugust 21, 2016 at 8:17 AM

    I have to say Sean, your homemade supper looks better than the chicken lunch. That must have been agony, having to describe that food over and over to the listeners. Sometimes if anyone just mentions a food I love (and should never eat), I develop a craving for it. Ahh, the joy of food addiction! Job well done Sean, you are the "master of your domain!"

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  2. Cathy CallowayAugust 21, 2016 at 8:45 AM

    Your dinner looks delicious. I wish the day would come for me that I could be in a position like you were at that opening and be as strong as you were. I know I would've caved. You're doing a tremendous job!

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