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Hoorah! I did it. That’s it. Perhaps no one cares about this beside me. This IS my goal, my journey, my experience. It’s been cathartic publicly sharing my ups, my downs, my raw feelings, and the whole thing. It feels a little weird but I’m glad I did it, and I’m proud of myself for being honest about the difficulties, the challenges, and the feelings associated with making this change.
Well, South Beach Diet – Phase 1, you didn’t destroy me as I feared. You didn’t make a liar out me when I said I was giving up sugar and caffeine and carbohydrates and alcohol (this was not a forever promise, just to be clear). You weren’t impossible. Yes, I was weary. Yes, I had to make a lot of changes mentally, emotionally, and physically. Yes, I cried. Yes, self-doubt crept into my mind and into my house a few times. Yes, I struggled and paced and searched my house the first few days for morsels of my secret chocolate stashes (yes, there were many). But guess what, there weren’t any because I knew I couldn’t be trusted 15 days ago. Today, I walk and live among those able to enjoy chocolate, sugary-things, and I stand tall, confident in my ability to handle those temptations. I do not want it anymore. I do not need it anymore. I do not crave it like I did 15 days ago. I’ve changed, and that makes me sing with exhilaration. I did it. Yes!
Yesterday, I went shopping for the 3rd time while on the South Beach Diet – Phase 1, and I was unfazed by all the aisles of no-no’s. I even ventured down my former favorite aisle and listened to my body. Not one moment did I feel weak or out of control. Believe me, I really listened and tuned into my emotional self. Nope, it was quiet and happy and fulfilled. That was a huge milestone for me. In the cereal aisle, I was quietly reading labels. Can you guess, I was shopping alone which, in fact, is a luxury. While standing mid-aisle, reading and comparing labels, a family passed me talking loudly about their cereal options which quickly caught my attention. Their children were a little bit older than my own little sweet peas. Their conversation went like this:
Mom to children – “Hey guys, so do you want Fruit Loops or Chocolate Crisps?”
Children – “We want both!”
Dad to family – “What about Cheerios?”
Mom to family – “No, not those. I want cereal they can eat without milk.”
Me to myself – “What? Why can’t they eat Cheerios without milk?”
Mom to family – “Let’s just get these (Fruit Loops).”
Me to myself – “Not the best option.”
Let’s be clear, I know this is none of my business; however, in that moment I felt a little sad for these children. Their parents were not the thinnest but they were hardly obese. The children were excited about the cereal, and I understood how they felt although I wish I didn’t. Their parents made a choice for them, and it glaringly reminded me that I am in charge of what my children eat now with the hope that it will influence their decisions as they grow and mature. It’s such a brief time that we all have to help our children learn about food, food choices, and what this all means relating to overall health and well-being. I know how hard it is to slay the sugary beast. I grew up loving, enjoying and craving sugary treats. It’s such a battle.
Anyways, 15 days in and I’m feeling strong and pleased with my progress. My plan is to continue on Phase 1 for another week or so before transitioning to Phase 2. I know Phase 1 is strict but I’m doing well. The recipes are good. My meal planning is fairly easy. Bottom line: I’ve lost some weight. I feel really, really good. My measurements have decreased. My clothes fit much, much better. I am no longer reliant on caffeine or sugar to get me through the day. To me, this is an accomplishment to be proud of; therefore, I am. My journey continues as there is nothing in my way.
Congrats! You are so amazing to give up caffeine (I am in awe) and you met your goal! Wahooo!
Kimberly @ Red Shutters recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: The Best Part of Christmas
Thank you, Kimberly! I am still holding strong. I still salivate when I smell a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Haven’t given into the urge yet but noticing how lovely it smells.
Thanks Kimberly! I hardly think about coffee anymore until I smell its deliciousness. I appreciate your comments and congratulations. I’m still working hard at it every single day.
Way to go! Keep up the good work!
Dollops of Diane recently posted…A New Room for the Boys!
Thank you, Diane. Still feeling good and holding my course.
Proud of you!
Way to go, Nikki! I appreciated your comments on how we as parents CAN influence our children, but the window is small, so we need to take that responsibility now and not push it off to next week or next month. Most of all though, I’m just glad that you feel good!
Congrats, Nik! I love that you are also modeling the “emotional tune-in” for your kids–we won’t always be able to prevent them from having their own food hang-ups, but they’ll remember the choices you made and watch the way you make those choices, which can only be a good thing! Woo-hoo and on to stage 2, right? What can you/will you add back in?
Yay! Yay! Yay! Can you feel me doing the happy dance for you. BTW, I totally new you would do this even when you were doubting yourself. So proud of you and congrats!
Go Nikki! That is awesome.