Monday, June 15, 2009
(Client: Claire) Breaking Habits
Today has been harder than I thought it would be: my first normal workday without the emotional retreat or excuse of food. It’s amazing to look at all the ways food impacts my life, other than nutrition. So today, every time I was hungry, I ate something yummy from the fridge. Normally, “quittin’ time” would be when I look around, starving, then find something unhealthy to eat, and then crash from the overload of calories, carbs, whatever. But Dominique stressed not depriving myself, so I decided to eat good stuff until full. I just had some cucumber salad, which was much more satisfying than I thought it would be. Then I was still snacky, so I grabbed a handful of almonds. I’m not feeling ravenous anymore! So now I have an opportunity to make non-panicky decisions about dinner. There’s salmon in the fridge, which isn’t really on the diet, but I’m not going to let it go to waste. I’ll steam some asparagus to go with it. And I see a sugar craving on the horizon, but I have some all-natural fruit strips if that happens.
No, this isn't the first time I've had to struggle through a day of a new diet, but it's much easier knowing hat I can talk to Dominique about why and how the plan doesn't work for me. And knowing that she will let me be honest and forgive me!
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It is normal to feel a little lost at the beginning. After all, this is only the 4th day on your new path.
ReplyDeleteFirst, you have to give yourself credit for your persistence, motivation, and the ability to stay positive. There are people who wouldn't even go as far as changing what they eat for breakfast. So give yourself a tap in the back.
Second, don't worry about the sugar cravings, you are still not getting all the nutrients you need, once your body has all the vitamins and minerals it needs, the sugar cravings will go away. Don't use will power, it will only strengthen those cravings. Try to eat 60%+ chocolate such as Green and Black, snack on dates, watermelon, cantaloupe, a mango, or grapes. These are very sweet and will give you the sugar satisfaction while providing plenty of nourishment.
Try to eat every 3 hours. But if you are hungry, don't drive yourself crazy waiting for the next meal. Remember, tomatoes and cucumbers digest very quickly, it is normal to feel hungry an hour after eating them. Try to eat them with some bread or put small cubes of tofu in the bowl, you can also add some cooked pasta (now we have a pasta salad). These ingredients will slow down the digestion and will keep full longer.
Tomorrow will be much easier and the cravings should be gone by the end of the week.
Try this for dinner:
Toss squash, zuchini, bell peppers and red onions with kosher salt and olive oil. Roast in oven at 400. make a sandwich with French baguette, a slice of tofu and the roasted veggies, sprinkle with balsamic vinegar.
It takes about 25 minutes to prepare.
Enjoy!