Day 4: Diets Never Work

I was walking out of my office for lunch when a co-worker asked if I would like to join them at lunch. They were going to the Indian buffet next door.

I would have ruined my diet for an entire week if I went there. They serve this amazing bread with oil olive and herbs. Next up comes the rice and heavy sauces...not to mention these deep fried balls of goodness I love from there..no clue what they really are...but I had no problem dumping them on my plate.

"No - that's okay!" I said. "Thanks for the invite, but I am on a diet."

"Diet?" another co-worker said. "That's lame! What diet are on?"

"Basically - lets just say I've been eating a lot of grilled chicken..." I joked trying not to explain all of the details.

"Diets never work," another co-worker said back to me.

I was walking out and I turned around and said, "I know, right? Especially if you go back to your old ways when you are done."

I should have thanked him for being my blog topic inspiration at that moment. I walked down the stairs - writing my blog in my head. I drove home - still writing my blog in my head. That's the disease of a writer - you are constantly creating stories in your own head.

So I'd like to say I agree to some extent. There are some diets out there that completely suck, especially the diets that say you shouldn't eat vegetables or fruits. Get real...and please don't get me started on slim fast. It's just quick solution for weight loss and the moment you stop drinking the shakes, you gain all your weight back.

I also can't stand the diets that say you can eat bacon, mayo, ranch, cheese, etc- but no carbs. So clog your arteries ... you will die from a heart attack instead of from diabetes.

There has to be a healthy medium. A well-balanced diet. A diet that allows you to make a life style change, which is exactly what I am doing. The biggest benefit from this diet is that I am training myself to make healthier decisions.

Each day - I am learning to say no to the Indian buffet.

I am learning to enjoy grilled chicken instead of a juicy cheeseburger with bacon and mayo (omg, that still sounds amazing though...but nothing tastes as good as skinny feels -- thanks for that quote Corey)

I am learning to enjoy the way my body feels - after eating a healthy meal.

I am learning to say no to sugary margaritas that always upset my stomach in the past.

I am learning that food is nothing more than fuel for my body and I shouldn't ever use cheap fuel! (Thanks Sonia for the awesome analogy!!)

At the end of the day- establishing those habits is critical for someone like me. Because best of all: I am learning to control my food intake ...instead of letting my food intake control me.

Day 4 Eating:

• scrambled egg beaters with mushrooms, peppers and onions
• 1 orange
• 1 cup of coffee
• 1 cup of green tea
• 1 cup plain, non-fat yogurt with berries and 6 pecans
• 8 carrots with hummus
• Grilled chicken, tofu, zucchini, squash and mushrooms in a soy & oyster sauce
• 12 mixed nuts
• tomatoes stuffed with corn, bacon and goat cheese
• grilled fish and 2 scallops

Exercise:

• 3 mile run / walk
• 100 abs
• 50 squats

So maybe diets don't work. But lifestyle changes sure do work. I'm going to keep my head up and I really can't wait to see myself in 13 more days. And more 20 more days after that! =)

Much love,
Ashley