For me, taking inventory of everything I ate - counting every calorie (and realizing my daily input was well over 3,000) and counting fat grams (discovering that almost 50% of my calories were from fat) opened my eyes to where I needed to make changes. I needed to cut calories - dramatically - and eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; and omit deep fried foods (a recognized addiction for me) altogether. I love the meals I cook from my favorite cooking magazines and do not feel deprived in any way. In fact, I cringe when I remember all the grease I used to dump into my body. But I do allow myself one naughty pleasure: Starbucks....
Anyone who has been to Starbucks with me for breakfast knows that I order the same thing every time I go - a grande non-fat chai tea latte, and, depending on the season, either a pumpkin scone or a slice of the very berry or cinnamon reduced-fat coffee cake. When I know I am going to have a particularly low-fat lunch and dinner, I might even order a cinnamon scone. Yes, I am aware of the fat content of Starbucks' scones and "reduced-fat" coffee cakes, but I do not believe in deprivation and, frankly, they are yummy! They are not deep fried, so I am not succumbing to my old addiction. But they are a nice treat to have on occasion and, especially after reaching and maintaining our goal, we all deserve a nice treat now and then.
There....It's out. Now you know my dirty, little secret. Why, you may ask, am I confessing it to you? Well, it's because I realize that it's precisely because I allow myself my chai and scones every now and then that I have been able to keep the weight I lost off. My forays into Starbucks keep me from getting into a rut and/or being frustrated. I hope something in my confession resonates with you - I felt I had to get it out there. Until next time, "happy" and healthy eating....
No comments:
Post a Comment