I wanted to share an encouraging event from this week. As stated previously, one of my food addictions from the recent months was the large strawberry or cherry limeades from Sonic. I had not had one since beginning my quest for better health and this item was by far one of my greater cravings. After a rough day earlier this week, I went and obtained said item. I was only able to get in about ten sips before determining that it did, indeed, taste terrible to me and I had no desire to drink it. I felt guilty throwing away the drink, but I think it was a break-through to realize that the sugary beverage no longer appealed to me and I believe that I will no longer suffer from that craving. Although it has been difficult for me to change the way I eat and drink, I am finding that it is getting easier.
On that note, I thought I'd share some of the ways I've been improving my eating and drinking habits. One is to drink more water. I strive to drink about five liters of water everyday. I often don't drink that much, but it is a goal I've made based on my weight and suggested intake. One way I've come to really enjoy my water is through the addition of a couple of drops of lemon essential oil. Rick and I are using Young Living Essential Oils and have come to love the products. I am not usually one to like lemon in my water, but I find that this addition of lemon oil is refreshing and appetizing to me.
For breakfast every day, I have been trying to include plenty of protein. Usually, I will have two egg whites and one egg scrambled with olive oil, chopped bell pepper or spinach, sprinkled with pepper and a little mozzarella cheese. Yum! For lunch I make a salad. It varies, but I love to use fresh cabbage. I may mix this with fresh spinach and/or romaine lettuce. I usually top it will some walnuts, feta cheese, craisins, maybe some apple or some chopped, cooked chicken. The chicken is baked with olive oil or cooked in the crockpot. My salad is dressed with low-fat balsamic vinaigrette. Where has this dressing been all my life?! My stomach is currently growling in anticipation.
I usually have an afternoon snack of fruit or some low-fat cottage cheese (watch portions!) and then eat dinner with the rest of the family. I try to be careful with portion sizes at dinner time but don't stress myself out too much. It's a process! Sometimes after dinner I will be craving sweetness. I have a container of protein ball mixture and eat a spoonful when I have such cravings. That will usually tide me over and keep me from seeking out a bag of chocolate chips to finish off.
Is my diet perfect? No. Am I learning new habits and healthier options? Yes. That's what matters. I still crave heavier options and even find myself longing for fast food at times. What a strange emotion of sadness I felt the other day when I saw someone else in a drive-thru line and wished it was me. How disappointing that I should feel that way! How proud I was that I didn't turn the car around. I still have a ways to go but I keep reminding myself that it will be hard. I will be hungry. It will take time to see and feel real results. But, it will be worth it. I have spent too much time in my life in the habit of wishing and dreaming to be fit and healthy and, for the first time in my life, I now see this instead as an obtainable goal. That keeps me going.
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