We went out to dinner tonight with friends. Nice evening, nothing super special, just a regular ol' evening between some busy thirtysomethings who don't often get to see each other.
It was a restaurant we know well -- a modernized version of a French bistro. The b/f and I have our routine down pat here.
He orders the filet mignon that comes with frites (delicious and crispy). I get the seared tuna salad with artichoke hearts and other good veggies. And a side of onion rings.
When the food comes, I give him the onion rings. Those are his.
He takes my bread plate and puts a little bit less than half the frites on it. Those are mine.
Sometimes I'll filch an onion ring too, if I really want it.
This way I get *some* of the fried sides, but am automatically portion-controlled.
If I want frites and an onion ring, then I have no bread, no appetizer and no dessert. That's the deal.
Two years ago....well, this wouldn't even have occurred to me. One year ago, I would have done it, but gritting my teeth and consciously fighting to make the "right" choices for myself.
I never would have believed this at the beginning of my journey, but practicing good habits does get easier. Portion control can be automatic.
It's true that tonight wasn't a supremely low calorie dinner, but it's a dinner that kept me from overeating, feeling deprived, or somehow "punished" by the genetic Gods who don't want me to be able to enjoy yummy food.
Maybe I blog a bit too much about these kinds of moments -- I am kind of quick to pat myself on the back! But if you are anything like me, you'll know what a joy it is to be confronted by food and feel at peace.
When it happens, it's so magical I'm like a kid at Disney Land.
Now, if I could just hang on to these habits on Monday afternoons, when I seem destined to raid the Whole Food vegan cake section. Something about being home and relaxed on that day makes a binge hard to avoid.
Got to the gym yesterday, the feet held up great. BUT..today, had to do more walking than I wanted. The feet did NOT hold up. Both are twingy, with nerves popping all over the place.
But the good news is the pain and irritation was less than it was two weeks ago. Tomorrow I will stay off them as much as possible.
Thanks to everyone who visited my blog! Nice to see your digital faces!
How can this be possible
3 years ago
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Wow. I'm impressed. You don't feel deprived because you came up with a solution. Good for you. Vee at http://veegettinghealthy.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI think you should blog about those moments. Those are what are important to you. Some people don't understand what a victory that is (I do).
ReplyDeleteI think it does get easier over time with the habits. One thing that is harder to deal with is that when you do decide to indulge - getting rid of guilt feelings that can be associated with that, even if you have given yourself permission.
LOVED your comment on finding castle populated by Bronte heros - I'm just not sure that they'd have appreciated me in a too-big old, grey anorak. I did have natty violet wellies on though! Mostly hidden under the snow of course...
ReplyDeleteYum to chips and onion rings! Yay for admirable self-control. Boo to painful feet.
Px
Nice to "see" your digital persona, as well!
ReplyDeleteHave fun this week..... rest your feet a bit, maybe!
WAY TO GO on the self control. Sorry that your foot is sore today. sigh. I feel your pain. (more than you know - GRRR neuroma!!)
ReplyDeleteHey, great idea with the fries, only I can't ever stop eating fries, especially ones that are covered in salt, I know, I know hello heart attack right?
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, both my husband and I hate onions, yet we love onion rings! Guess that goes to show anything deep fat fried can be good!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great weekend!