[Mindful i Mouse] Consequence of Choice

[Guest guest]

Interesting conversation this morning with my husband. We were talking about how well we eat on the truck, how much easier it is to feel satisfied and eat less. We feel great, have more energy and our attitudes are positive. When we go home, it shifts into thinking about all the treats that we miss, treats that bring a feeling of having something special. A week before home-time we start talking about what goodie we will have. For husband, it is chocolates, licorice from Europe, it is fine wine with dinner. For me, it is French brandy or a good scotch. Mine starts single minded but soon moves into what to have with that brandy, like chocolate and marzipan. Our minds make these things take on a life of their own. We eat more on home-time. Is this really happiness? What is so appealing about all you can eat? In the conversation, I said I wanted to stop that gravy train. I love how I feel and I want to continue to always feel this way, not just when we are out on the road. I want to finish losing this next 75 or so pounds. These indulgences on home-time set me back every single time. I asked him why we put such high ratings on the very things that have consequences? As far as treats go, for me, there is no reason that prevents me from exploring low carb desserts. There are options that do not have consequences. For both of us, diabetes is a very real consequence. Obesity is a very real consequence. Feeling poorly is a very real consequence. I told him that it is time to stop thinking that treats have to be food. How self limiting that is! What if we chose a better wine instead? What if we took a walk in the park instead, something we cannot do while on the road. What if we honed a hobby skill or spent time researching an interest at the local library? Wouldn't that have an extended period of joy than food does? Food joy is so temporary, so elusive. It has consequences that prevent growth and a better life. All we need, we already have. We eat well, we eat low carb, we feel terrific, so why do we keep thinking that the high carb treats are worthy our our devotion? Why so we think that eating more food than we need is okay? We both felt that click of understanding. I think it was really a good thing for us to come to that point at the same time. I feel the need to make changes to how I view home-time, what I want in the long term goal. I feel a break through in all this. Thanks, little bowl. You make me far happier than all the crap I use to eat ever did. --

Posted By i Mouse to Mindful i Mouse at 1/11/2011 09:40:00 AM