photo credit: madlyinlovewithlife via photopin cc
As many of you know, I’ve been working steadily on getting the sugar-monster off my shoulders and getting myself back into shape. Now it’s Day 22 (on the South Beach Diet), and I’m feeling great and doing so much better than anticipated. I’ve already completed 3 weeks on the strictest part of the South Beach Diet, and I began Phase 2 today. I continue to feel encouraged, empowered, and proud of myself. Three weeks, whoo hooo {can you believe it?}. Equipped with these new and practiced tools and strategies, I went about my day as usual. It was Saturday, so I did what I always do on Saturday mornings; I went to an early morning spin class. I came home. I stretched. I ate properly. I showered. We all got ready for the day which included a quick browsing trip to IKEA in search of some new office furniture and organizational ideas.
My husband and I knew before heading out that we were taking a risk going to IKEA on a Saturday with our kids. Our equation goes a little something like this: young children + IKEA on a Saturday = {insert any concerning thoughts here}. For us, we were planning for meltdowns, tantrums, frustration of not wanting to either stay in the stroller or walk with us in an orderly and calm way; however, we were mostly concerned with the craziness associated with the “I want this or that!” syndrome. We both agreed that if any of this happened, we would pack up and leave immediately. We had a plan and a whole bunch of bribery {I mean, books, toys, food, games, etc.} in our diaper bag to distract them.
We arrived to IKEA early, early and the parking lot was already filled with way too many cars. Sighing, we pushed forward with our plan. Everyone was feeling energized and happy, so we went entered the big IKEA box.
photo credit: slimmer_jimmer via photopin cc
We walked around. Little He in the stroller, and Little She walking. We were fine. Searching for the area we wanted, Little She found these free plastic tape-measures, pencils and paper. She wanted to shop. Okay, here we go. To our surprise, she walked around with us; measuring almost everything she passed asking us for the item number. We had so much fun giving her numbers at random and she quickly tried to write the numbers down. She was basically just scribbling but it was hilarious how meticulous she was about repeating the numbers back to us. She was correct almost every single time. People around us were smiling and laughing at us because she was often off to the side measuring her “must haves” and then asking for the item number. It was too funny.
IKEA in-and-of-itself was a wonderful place for my children to explore, to measure, and to learn about numbers. We even found a few items we liked and are currently working on a plan for our space. It wasn’t until we were getting ready to leave that it all fell apart.
Approaching the elevators which will bring us towards the exit, I could smell various food items as we were walking past the café. I was starting to get hungry but nothing too troublesome. Downstairs we went. Heading this way and that way towards the exit, I halt, frozen in the moment. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath in. I must have turned white, glassy eyed. Little She excitedly asked, “what’s wrong, Mommy!” Rick turned quickly to look at me. Patiently, he said “are you okay?” I took a moment not wanting to speak. Inhaling again, deeply. “Do you smell that?” I asked. What? I said more urgently, “do you smell that?” My husband laughed. The cinnamon buns? “Yes-yes-yes” I say. I am emotionally overcome and distraught with the deliciousness of those darn cinnamon buns. I WANT ONE! Seriously. I wanted one, two, three, four. Yup, I would have taken down man, woman or child if one had passed me by. I cannot explain what actually happen but I had a visceral reaction to the smell of the cinnamon bun. I could feel the sugar on my tongue. I could taste it without actually tasting it. Is this crazy? Has this ever happened to you?
I needed to get the heck out of there immediately before I succumbed to the smell of those {stuttering} sugary, cinnamon, sweet-tasting buns. Rick could see the panic on my face. He knew restraints might be needed. We rapidly exited IKEA through doors taking us to the covered parking lot. Ah, the sweet, sugary smells of those cinnamon buns were immediately crushed by the stench of exhaust from a nearby dieseling car. The mixture of the two scents in my nose was confusing and therefore the sugar demons dissipated without further incident. No cinnamon buns, husbands, children or bystanders were hurt by my thoughts or actions.
Thank goodness for the almonds I had stuffed in my pockets. Once safely in the car, I took a deep, cleansing breath and realized I cannot go to IKEA by myself anytime soon.
photo credit: Thomas Hawk via photopin cc
Cinnamon rolls. Meatballs. Linens. Uber cool furniture. Ikea is a mine field. You are a strong woman to have walked out with any of the above.
Hi, and thank you for visiting Days With Us. I know, can you believe I actually left the store without buying or trying anything. That day the cinnamon rolls were first and foremost on my mind. Haaa! Thanks for commenting, Lisa.
Wow, I give you lots of credit for not buying any! Dieting is not easy, it requires A LOT of self control. Good luck!
Sharon Green recently posted…Good Motor Skills Promotes Good Social, Psychological & Intellectual Skills
Thank you, Sharon! I appreciate your visit to Days With Us. Yes, my experience with the South Beach Diet has shown me just how much self control I actually have, and it’s getting easier and easier to make healthier decision for myself and our family.
It’s the aroma of freshly brewed coffee from their cafe that draws me there ever time! I can never resist their meatballs!!!
Hi! Stopping by from Mom Bloggers Club. Great blog!
Have a nice day!
Hi Veronica, and thank you for visiting Days With Us. Your comment is appreciated. Oh my, oh my: do I love the smell of freshly brewed coffee. I still miss drinking it but I am sleeping so much better without it. Thanks again for reading my blog, and I’m glad you liked it.
How cute of your daughter measuring and taking down the numbers! I LOVE IKEA but I agree it can be so hectic!! Good job and good luck on your reduced sugar diet! It is hard, but once you are off it – you almost never even crave it anymore (well, except for the occasional cinnamon bun.) lol
lea@runningfordummies recently posted…Are You a Real Runner?
Visiting from the Honest Voices linkup. I really enjoyed this…I started something akin to the Paleo diet about 3 weeks ago so I’m with you on the sugar. Like you, I feel like I don’t really miss it that much until the smell of a freshly baked treat wafts towards me and then…oh! I can actually taste it. Good luck! You can do it!
Thank you for visiting Days With Us! Good luck to you, too. Do you like the Paleo Diet? I have one of their cook books but haven’t used it yet. Any recipes you recommend? Let’s see where the next three weeks bring us in our journey. Let’s stay in touch.
Oh, that is just MEAN of Ikea! I admire your willpower – I could not have done it!
So cute how your daughter was measuring everything. I think my kids would be into that, too. Great idea!
JD Bailey @ Honest Mom recently posted…How being a mom is like being on a soap opera
It was MEAN of them. Haaa! Thank you. I’ve been working very, very hard at getting the sugar monster out of my life. Also, the whole measuring thing was really cool to witness. She was all business-like in her measuring and writing down. I wish I got of picture of her in action. Next time. Thanks for visiting my blog and for commenting. Much appreciated.
This is also why i can’t go to the mall – because Cinnabon. I ate 4 of the extra large ones with extra icing, and i wanted more. I can’t handle the pressure.
sue diamond-phillips recently posted…When You’re Married And A Mommy And Then You Have To Have Sex. That.
They are addicting little buggers, huh? I realize I haven’t been to the mall in a while so this is good to remember. I appreciate your comments. Thank you.
Have to say… you are TOTALLY rubbing off on me. Because of your inspirational actions and words, I too have been constantly thinking about ways I can reduce my sugar intake and have been slowly making better and better food choices. You’d be so proud – last night, while at a meeting, everyone was offered a piece of warm pie a la mode – I was the only one who turned it down (even though everyone was exclaiming how delicious). It did feel good to exert my will over that craving and I have you to thank for that – you are truly making me want to do better! I’m really proud of you for what you are doing for yourself AND for inspiring others! Go you!
Thank you, Seema! Your words brought about tears. I cannot tell you how appreciative I am to you and Jodi for supporting me and making me stronger. Our little team has brought my fitness to a new level. I am excited for what’s ahead. I am also very, very proud of you for making great choices for yourself. It’s difficult to say “no, thank you” when others are enjoying something you are choosing not to eat. Hooray for you!
I can’t lose weight on phase 2. I am not sure why, but I wish you continued success!
Thank you, Susie. We’ll see how I do with Phase 2. I started feeling like I needed a change so figured that was a cue to move onto the next phase. I’ll keep you posted on how this is working for me in a few more days. Thanks for your continued support.
Yes the smell of the cinnamon buns when you get to the checkouts is almost impossible to resist. Great job!
Hi Bobbie. Thanks for confirming that the smell of those cinnamon buns “is impossible to resist.” It’s good to know I am not crazy. I appreciate your comment. Thank you.
My stomach just turned thinking of diesel fuel and cinnamon. Hold strong!
Thanks Emily. Yup, it’s not a great combination. Thanks for all your support.
The first time my husband and I did phase 1 of the South Beach Diet, we had communion on Sunday of the last few days and I will never forget how delicious that morsel of bread was after depriving myself for two weeks. Phase 2 is much easier.
Haaa! I love it, Susie. I swear, it was the best smell. I’m still thinking about it.