I spent 10 very long, very wet hours in the car today. While the end justified the means, and I am now the proud mommy of a new puppy, it was not the best day health wise. After committing to think more about the foods I put into my body yesterday, I comitted the all time health no-no today... Fast food.
In the past, this occurrence would have begun a downward spiral that ended one of two ways: either a writeoff as a failed diet attempt or an all out binge session which might have included but not been limited to 2-3 large fries, a milkshake, and an ungodly number of cheeseburgers. Needless to say, I now realize that both of these options are entirely unhealthy. Not only do they perpetuate a defeatist attitude, but they also enforce the idea of perfectiom no matter what; an idea I needed to learn to live without.
Today, as I downed my oh so delicious chic-fil-a hash browns, i realized something. It is pointless to give up on a goal just because of one minor slip up. Yes, I didn't get a chance to run before getting in the car at 6:45 this morning, and no, I probably shouldn't have order a chicken biscuit, but I did and I will live. And most importantly, i can still rachmmy long term goals. Thus, with my hind site at 20x20, I've decided to examine fast food tonight and find some healthy lifestyle choices on the dreaded drive through menu. By doing this, I am not saying that I am forever giving up my fast food cravings. I am simply allowing myself to indulge in them every once in a while, while making more health concious choices on a regular basis.
Today I visited not only chic-fil-a, but also Taco Bell, and at both of these fine establishments, I indulged in some of my favorite fast food creations. At chic-fil-a, I had their famous chicken biscuit, hash browns, and an orange juice. Now, while this meal was not the healthiest of choices with its higher fat and sugar content, it was what I wanted. And in result, what I ordered. One of the key things I learned while overcoming my eating disorder is to give your body what it wants and not to feel guilty for wanting it in the first place. It's better in the long run to give your body that piece of chocolate cake than to withhold these items and indulge in them during a binge only to feel guilty later. Thus, I had my favorite fast food breakfast meal. However, there are healthier choices that my hindsight helped me to locate for next time. For instance, I could replace the hash browns with a fruit cup, or the orange juice with a diet lemonade to save on sugar. I could get the hash browns with oatmeal instead of the biscuit, or have their egg biscuit which cuts out the fried aspect. There are all kinds of ways to be more health concious while stil enjoying the foods that dieters often consider "forbidden." After all, it doesn't matter how healthy a food is; if you don't like the taste, you probably won't eat it.
Today was a turning point for me in my recovery. I was able to eat food that I once deemed "bad" without feeling guilty. I wasn't able to get in my workout today, but I know that I will work hard tomorrow. When adopting a healthy lifestyle the most important thing is not being "skinny" but being happy with who you become in the end. I now realize that I can still be happy with who I become even if there are a few hash browns sprinkled into the mix every now and then.
First, I want to see a picture of the puppy! Second, I think that is something everyone should remember...to not deprive yourself because you will eventually give in, and when you do it is usually worse than if you had just eaten the single piece of cake. I am enjoying your thoughts on all this because trust me I have been there and felt the same way.
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