December 10th, 2016 I Have A History

December 10th, 2016 I Have A History

It was midday, in the middle of two back to back location broadcasts. I had a great breakfast--big and filling, on plan--but making it until 4pm might be a challenge. No problem, because my first broadcast was at a grocery store. I could grab something, so I did. A banana, string cheese and a water. I looked for almonds and didn't find any single serve packages. I asked the manager--and he went on a search. He didn't find any single serving packages, but he did bring back a canister of almonds and handed them to me, complimentary. Oooh... he didn't know, this is one of the things I know about me--I can't do nuts in bulk. I graciously accepted the gift. Then quickly regifted the almonds to a colleague on my way to the next broadcast. He knew why I was handing him a canister of almonds in the parking lot of the grocery store. At my next broadcast, he brought me a 42g package of almonds. Perfect. All was well.

Learning things about myself--specifically what I can handle and what I can't was/continues to be an important part of developing my food plan. I have a list of things I don't keep in my apartment--because I have a history.

I don't keep cartons of cottage cheese. I don't do large block cheeses. I don't keep sugar-free versions of my trigger foods, like ice cream--even in single serve packages--nope, can't do it. And I don't keep mixed nuts, peanuts or almonds in containers larger than single servings. I just don't--they're too calorie dense and again, history is a powerful reminder. I've eaten an entire carton--check that, I've eaten many entire cartons of cottage cheese in my past. I've consumed an entire pound of block sharp cheddar in one sitting on more than one occasion. I've bought boxes of sugar-free ice cream low calorie "treats," and finished the entire box in less than 24 hours. And I've consumed entire cans of mixed nuts, peanuts or almonds at points along the way, in my history. 

I don't do that anymore. The food plan that works for me requires certain boundaries based on my history and experience. Keeping these things out of my apartment contributes to the peace and calm of my continued weight loss maintenance plan.

This photo was snapped today at my second broadcast. The broadcast was from a frozen custard and steakburger restaurant. It was a birthday celebration for them--and they were passing around free custard cake. I must have said "No, thank you" seven times. And the offers of free food- "You eat yet? Let me know when you're ready and what you want. Did you get a slice of cake?" 

Uh, No thank you. What's interesting about the above photo is the restaurant in the background--The Chinese Express #3 (Number 1 and 2--I have no idea where those are located--we just have #3) played a significant role during my relapse/regain period. Anyway-- a lot of little and big reminders today of why I do what I do and what I value dearly each day.

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I exceeded my daily water goal. I stayed well connected with great support. And I completed a great workout tonight at the gym.

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