I had a good day today. Although I probably nibbled on more post-Christmas goodies than I should have, I paid careful attention today to where, how and why I ate than I did to what I actually consumed. And I made some interesting observations. Tomorrow and onward, I will make myself eat all meals at the table. Breakfast for my hubby and I generally consists of not much more than coffee in front of the morning news on TV. Lunch (for me) is usually consumed at my desk. And frequently, as hubby gets home around 7:00pm, supper is once again eaten in front of the evening news. No more! Tomorrow, places will be set at the table and that’s where all meals will be eaten. And I’m pretty sure I’ll enjoy the conversation that accompanies a leisurely meal. Which brings me to my second observation–I eat too fast. Now that sounds really piggy, but honestly, one bite after another at my desk and poof…lunch is over and I hardly remember what I’ve eaten! I also took note of the mood and environment that surrounded my eating today. It didn’t take long to discover that whenever there’s a “lull in the activity”, out of sheer habit, I find myself gravitating toward the fridge. Not always for food, but for juice, a soft drink, etc. The fridge has that pull. I really need to work on that and start doing some exercise or something productive during those times. A lot of that probably comes from having quit smoking last April. 
That’s a good thing, of course, but I’ve been substituting food for cigarettes more than I realized. Those are just a few of the things I noted.
I need to drink more water!
It all makes sense when I step back and look at the big picture. I don’t have 50 pounds2go because I don’t know how or what to eat. I’ve done Weight Watchers (twice), NutriSystem, Slim Fast, Atkins, low-carb/high-carb/no-carb. I get it! So the reason the weight is STILL there has to be my eating habits. Change the habits…change the weight. Well, it sounds good in theory, at least. :winking:
7:05 am
One rule at my parents house (when I lived there) was meals at the table. Breakfast and dinner. Lunch was never an issue because we were either in school or didn’t really eat lunch. When I moved out, I started eating in front of the tv. It’s a bad habit. And not as satisfying.
Good start and great steps. I am going to do the same.
9:06 am
You’re exactly right, too! Good for you for really taking notice today and figuring it out. I quit smoking last summer, too, and promptly gained another 10 pounds. You’re going to do great with your changes, I just know it!
9:19 am
It’s good to realize the changes you need to make in your life. Once you do that and stick with them, you’re headed in the right direction.
10:05 am
Those are some AWESOME observations! And some really good ideas about meal times and down time at work. At our WW meeting today, someone reached lifetime, and she said that it is all up here and pointed to her head. Isn’t that the truth? We have to change what is in our head. If we find peace there first, then we will be a success.
10:24 am
Water, no smoking, and eating at the table. All a fabulous start. Maybe you can consult a nutritionist for some menu ideas?
10:27 am
Thanks so much to everyone who has taken the time to comment. I appreciate your encouragement!
7:02 am
All good goals. When we pay attention to what we are eating we realize we are full long before our brains knows…
So glad you quit smoking.
11:34 am
It really is about making a lifestyle change. You certainly don’t have to do things overnight, but once you start making progress you’ll realize just how easy it was.
Hang in there!