Don't get me wrong: I know that 10 pounds is a lot of weight to lose over a seven day period. I know that I won't lose 10 pounds this week (regardless of the holidays - more on that later). And I know that eventually I will hit a plateau and I will need to really up the ante on exercising. But despite that reality, I am really glad that I am one week in and feeling good.
So what's improved? My outlook, most of all. I was not feeling super optimistic about the HMR program last week. I felt like it was going to make me resent food and turn me into one of "those" people who are always worried about calories. I was worried that the food was going to be terrible, that I was going to be sick of drinking three shakes a day, and that I was going to constantly think about what I wasn't eating. But here's the deal: the meals HMR provides are actually, on the whole, pretty delicious! Some of them require some Frank's Hot Sauce (this is nothing new for me when it comes to any type of food, though), but most of them are pretty delightful right out of the microwave. Overall, I am feeling really positive.
I've also noticed some other really interesting changes after just one week. In particular, my sleep patterns have really changed for the better. After the first few days, I started really sleeping well. I haven't been waking up five times in one night anymore and I am not waking up exhausted. Again, I know it's only been a week, but having a little instant gratification goes a long way.
However, that isn't to say it's all rainbows and unicorns. I am craving pizza and cheese like nobody's business. I would do just about anything for a burger. I want ice cream SO BAD. I went and saw Episode VII yesterday and never wanted popcorn more. But that's the addiction. I used to eat those things when I got stressed or when I got bored or when I deemed it a "special occasion." It's a tough habit to break, and those cravings aren't going to go away any time soon.
But (and this is a big but), I had the opportunity to cheat this week. I traveled for work and one of my colleagues took me to a burger joint that had upwards of 30 different kinds of burgers, six different flavors of fries, and all the milkshakes. But do you know what I got? A cranberry orange salad with no dressing. Now, that may not seem like a big deal, but this happened just a week into a new diet and I made a choice that I would have never made before when faced with so many other options. Nobody was looking. My colleague didn't know I was on this diet. I could have gotten that burger and huge plate of fries with a side of milk shake and nobody would have ever known the difference. But I promised myself I was going to beat this thing and that I was going to be honest with myself. It was really hard, but I didn't take that bait. So I say that's a win.
However, I know what's coming this week: Christmas. I had these intentions of not indulging at all during any of the three celebrations we will be attending. Instead, I'm going to challenge myself to not deprive myself, but to only take a sensible portion. The holidays will be something I have to face after this diet is over and I would rather try understanding when my body has had enough and start learning self control this year rather than next year when I am fresh off the diet.
So, wish me luck and send some good vibes this week! I'm gonna need it. Onward!
To the journey.
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