Today I said something I've never said before:"No Mum, I don't want any Yorkshire puddings.". Of course, that was an outright lie. I wanted Yorkshire puddings - my fave British flour-based comfort food - so badly that I was trembling when I said no! I just had to remind myself that I've been saying "oh, a little of this food won't hurt." an awful lot lately. When we have repetitive breakdowns in willpower, the behavior becomes a habit. When a good diet becomes watered down by multiple dietary indiscretions, it's not a good diet anymore, is it?
Food impulses can be strong and carry hidden emotional attachments. I wanted Yorkshire puddings because it's my comfort food, not because I was actually hungry. Before eating a food you might regret later, remember to ask yourself if you need it, or if you just want it. I try to think about how I'm going to feel right after I eat the last bite. Usually that's enough to slowly put the dessert menu down and immediately ask for the check, before the cravings come back.
For anyone that has goals of weight loss or improved body composition (reduced body fat, increased lean muscle mass) it's important to remember how your diet affects the amount of fat you carry. It is very possible to be a strong, well-conditioned fat guy because you train religiously at the gym and then follow it up with pizza on the way home. Exercise alone is not enough! Simply put, you can't outrun a cheeseburger.
I'm far from a dietitian, but I am very successful at setting up a sustainable lifestyle versus a diet that won't last. My next posts are going to deal with staying consistent and setting yourself up for success. Stayed tuned and thank you for tuning in today.
GB
