The Anti Diet -Interesting thought

Today I read an article called the Anti Diet.  It has some interesting thoughts, as in stop already with the fad diets, the pills, the miracle cure.  Exercising like a lunatic to be able to eat a bite of chocolate.   Of course the author explains it much more eloquently than I do, but her point of view is to change herself, her mindset and by gosh do it the healthy natural way.  I love this idea of being anti diet.  I have tried every and I mean every miracle diet out there, and I am still on the heavy side.  I can feel it too.  I know for 11 months now I have talked about losing weight and what my goals were.  Well no more, now it is time for action.  And I am taking a stand with the anti diet.  I need to reconfigure my mindset.  I need to figure out my emotions, and my mental state.  I need to not fall into the trap of every miracle out there, and just. do. it.  I can do it... I have before.  And the way I did it before was not by denying myself, or cutting out carbs, or eating just protein, or the grapefruit diet.  I did it by measuring my portions, watching my calories, cutting back on junk and indulging myself as a treat. 

I teach or I hope to teach Baby Max, that food is for energy, and that we eat healthy to sustain energy and feel good.  That dessert is a treat to be had on special occasions, not every day.  I need to find that inner wonder myself and keep treats as just what they were meant to be a treat.  Not an every day occurance. 

So I decided to take a step back, and my husband made a deal with me.  He would take me shopping at Christmas if I lose 15 lbs.  I joined a maintain don't gain challenge at work today and got a starting weight.  Yesterday I ate healthy, watched my portions, and would you know it, I lost a pound this morning.  I stayed with the healthy eating today, signed up for SparkPeople to count calories, and read motivating articles.  And today and yesterday I ran again.  for the first time in a long time.  My headache is seem to be gone, and I am not nearly as tired.  So again, food for fuel.  What a notion???  It is working... I also drank water today. 

I haven't been to the local mini mart in two days now.  I have saved at least $10.  I am going to the grocery store tonight, and I am menu planning again.  Tonights dinner is going to be a roast chicken, some potatoes for the hubby, and green beans with some bread.  Very simple, but only about 350 calories. 

I usually do good through the week and blow it on the weekend.  Not this time.  I have a plan for the weekend, and if I do indulge, it will be just a treat. 

The Day After Halloween

It is the day after Halloween and Baby Max was wound up like a drum last night.  He had so much candy, so much to do, and so much fun.  I never liked Halloween, it was a dumb holiday to me.  It was about too much money and people making me do things that I didn't want to do.  I never stopped to observe the wonder of the child, and the excitement that surrounds the holiday.  With Baby Max, I have gotten to take a step back and do a redo. 

I got to experience Halloween with my son, through a 2 year olds eyes. 

His excitement was contagious. 

His politeness reminded me to be kind to others on this wonderful day. 

He ate to much candy!!

And we enjoyed every minute of it.  He is growing up so fast, and to be able to see his wonderment and joy last night has made my day.  My baby had a great time, even if he didn't fully comprehend the concept.  He thanked every person, he said hello to other people on the street, he made people smile.  And if I remember in the raising of a child, to keep it simple. 

Just remind yourselves as we go into this super busy time of year, take a moment to step back and rediscover the magic of the Holiday Season as seen through your child's eyes.  It will take you back in time.  Believe in Santa for a moment, believe in the power of being grateful at Thanksgiving and most of all, let your child experience the ghouls and goblins, and candy on Halloween. 

5 Minute Friday - Grace (With Lisa Jo)

Grace - the word brings up all kinds of images in my mind.  And it almost makes me think of perfection.  I am not sure what Grace really is, but I have to try really hard to make it not so that it is perfect.  So in my mind, I see grace as something to strive for, something that is more of a feeling than something tangible.  Something that will bring me peace, and a more spiritual awareness.  Grace is something to aspire too.  I actually had to look up the definition of grace before I started writing this, and two of my favorite definitions are:  a virtue coming from God, and 2. disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency.  Having grace, and striving for grace is a reminder to be kind, and that God has given us all grace. 

Be kind to those around you today.  You never know who might just need a smile and a "your doing a great job" reminder. 

(Stop)