Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Mind VS Body

While at lunch last Monday, one of the ladies asked if anyone had heard of the Paleo Diet. She went on to explain that this diet is a wheat-free, starch-free, gluten-free, dairy-free and legume-free diet. Joyce's daughter's MIL has been on it for a couple of years and has found alot of success. It's also know as the Caveman diet or hunt and gather diet. Lots of protein, vegetables and fruits, along with some nuts but none of the things first mentioned.

You can see how restrictive it is. I'm thinking that if you have enough discipline that you can stick to this diet, why can't you just use that discipline and eat normally but moderately. Many say it's better for the body to eat clean or healthy and the body will crave the "good foods".

I applaud the people that can stick to that type of regimen but I don't think what my body wants is the problem, it's what is in my head.

There are some things that I haven't had in eight days. Candy, hot bread or rolls (the only bread I have is in a sandwich), potato chips, donuts. Why ... because they are items I gave up for lent. It's been tough, especially the potato chips because on two occasions over the weekend, I've had them sitting in front of me when I've ordered a sandwich. I stood in front of the vending machine yesterday in a moment of weakness but was avoiding the candy and chips at all costs. The breadsticks Gary ordered the other night were calling to me but there was no way I was going to touch them. I don't know why but I didn't just give up just one thing for Lent, I gave up several but I'm okay with that. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make for Jesus who make such a huge sacrifice for me. If I give in, it would definitely sadden my heart.

So if I can do that for six weeks, why can't my brain cooperate with an occasional restriction to put me in a better position on weigh-in day? I'm beginning to think it's all in the way it's perceived. Am I thinking it's a permanent deprivation concept instead of a temporary one? Never having something is permanent but doing without something occasionally cannot be considered being deprived. We've got to change the message, at least I do.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

All the bloggers that I read that have been on Paleo all end up straying from it and gaining weight back.

That's why Weight Watchers has been the only program that has worked for me. I will not cut foods I love from my diet. That's my personal choice. Being on weight watchers allows me to plan to have the occasional high calorie/fat food. Occasionally. And when I plan for that by saving points or extra exercise that food tastes so good, because it was part of my plan.

Weight watchers also taught me how to eat. I learned about food. I learned that "eating salads" is not dieting. Ordering salads from the menu can get you in so much trouble. Most salads/dressings START at 800 calories. Just yesterday I got a side salad that had a tiny bit of cheese, a few croutons, and vinaigrette dressing and it was 5 points!

mensa said...

I feel the same way. I need a plan with no restrictions. Moderation being key but you have to educate yourself on what moderation entails. I agree that salads aren't all that diet friendly but I'm trying to put the side salad in place of the fries at about the same point count. Sounds like you're having a good week. Upbeat and all!