Good morning HealthyWage challengers!
When I used to gain extra pounds around my waist (yes, guys, that’s where is goes after 40!) and decided it was time to lose weight, I’d to go into “lock-down” mode, I liked to call it. No chips. No ice-cream. No mayo. No cake. No fun. No fun. No fun! Salads only, dry toast—and definitely no French fries!!!
Total depravation…ugh! What fun is that??
I still gain extra pounds sometimes. But now, over time, I’ve found ways to change my lifestyle and still have joy with my eating.
Here’s one of the things that helps me keep my weight where I want it:
I still won’t ever keep things like chips, chocolate, cookies, and ice cream IN THE HOUSE, because I will gobble them all up if they are at arm’s length. Instead, when I want to treat myself with dessert, I make myself go out and get it!
It works for me.
It seems like more of a treat if I have to leave the house for it. I make it an event.
Oh, man, do I love chocolate ice cream with almonds on it, and extra crispy fries! And my biggest weakness is warm fruit pie, preferably peach pie. I will go to a restaurant or place where I know it’s good and sit down and enjoy it.
I just can’t keep that stuff in my house!!
What I do have in the house is apples, pears, delicious juices, carrots, nuts, and yummy low-fat yogurt (strawberry/banana is my very favorite).
Oh, and there’s a catch (you knew this was coming)…
Here’s the deal:
I have to exercise!!!
Yep, if I’m gonna go out and treat myself to a desert, I have to be running or going to the gym regularly.
I know, nothing comes for free (but you already knew that). Sorry. But not keeping high-fat, sugary snack foods in the house really works for me. It does.
Getting fit feels great. You can feel great too.
Have a great week everybody!
-Jon
Jon Witherspoon is a contributor and editor of the HealthyWage Blog. He’s the former entertainment editor at Parade Magazine. He loves getting outdoors, running, hiking and staying fit. He loves water-skiing, sky-diving and hound dogs.
