Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Ah, Choices

On Monday, I was stressed. I've been worried about my parents. Mom and I met in Lansing to start planning her financial future, and on the way, I ordered a non-healthy value meal from McDonald's, including a large Coke (my absolute favorite!).



I arrived in town about half an hour early, so I stopped at a gas station for a coffee. But I didn't buy a coffee--no, I bought a large cappuccino, a bag of M&Ms, and a very-berry Starburst.

Considering I'm trying to firm up to fit into my summer clothes, these were poor choices. However, when I'm emotionally fragile, I turn to sugar.

I ate half the Starbursts, drank most of the coffee, and let the M&Ms live to see another day. They're in my purse as we speak.

The meeting went well--thank goodness--and I ate a light dinner that night. Yesterday I went grocery shopping, and stocked up on fruits, vegetables, yogurt, cheese, and other healthy snacks. While I contemplated buying a lemon, I asked myself, "Are you getting healthy?" The answer was "yes." Slices of lemon in sparkling water help me bypass soda. So I threw the lemon in my cart.

None of these choices are exciting, but we all read magazine articles encouraging us to not let a set-back keep us from our health goals. I have a LOT of setbacks! But I try to not get down on myself. I usually make better choices the next day. If I can do it, anyone can!

Do you struggle with eating healthy, exercising, or another area of your life? How do you bounce from a bad choice?

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

18 comments:

  1. Don't dwell on the bad choices. Don't beat yourself up. Get back on track and move on. I found an app called My Fitness Pal. It's a calorie counter. You keep track of what you're eating (huge database of foods), log in exercise, and weight. I do much better when I record my stats. And I can see my progress.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've heard of that app, CJ! I need to get a smartphone. :) I do better when I chart my progress too. Good luck and thanks for sharing!

      Delete
    2. You can also access My Fitness Pal online.

      Delete
  2. Oh yes, that Coke:) I do all right with the eating but make 101 excuses on the exercising. I'm hitting more than missing these days, but seeing as I was at 0 days per week, that's pretty easy to say! Working on it...:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan, we have a valid excuse. Winter. Never-ending, soul-sucking, can't-go-outside winter. :)

      Delete
  3. Oh my gosh, this is a little funny b/c it's cold outside this morning & in the cold I have a tendency to go nutty w/ carbs. So I had breakfast & then second breakfast this morning and it isn't even 9 yet!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm on my way for second breakfast too! Cheers! :)

      Delete
  4. Don't beat yourself up! It's the situation and the anxiety that comes with it making you choose the junk food. I do that too. When I'm stressed, frustrated or anxious I choose the candy, the soda, the bacon cheeseburger. Just wipe the slate clean and move on. And be kind to yourself - I know you're going through a tough time. ((((hugs))))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amen! That's exactly what I'm doing. Thanks for the encouragement!

      Delete
  5. You just described my life for the last several weeks. Daily choices have been hard--mostly because of stress. I've been doing good with the exercising but eating healthy is more difficult. I just need to keep the kitchen stocked with healthier foods, I think, and take it one meal at a time :) Don't stress yourself about it too much, Jill! You're a motivated person and one day is small compared to an entire week, or month, of healthy decisions. Sending hugs your way!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Cindy, and I'm sorry you're so stressed now too. I forced myself to exercise for 20 minutes yesterday, so that's something, right? :)

      Delete
  6. Dwelling on past failure only sets us up for future failure. You did the right thing! Back on track and not looking back. You can do it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh, your whole comment should be a motivational quote on my bulletin board! Thanks, Donna!

      Delete
  7. Great advice ... just make different choices tomorrow. And know that splurging from time to time won't hurt. Oh, that McDonald's coke and salty fries!

    The way I keep from splurging too much is ... I don't buy them for the house. If I buy cookies or ice cream and bring it home ... I will eat it. Grin!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. McDonald's Coke will ALWAYS be in my life. It's too good!! That's smart about not buying the junk food. Good tip!

      Delete
  8. Great advice. Trying to do the same thing right now. Yesterday wasn't too good for eating. Had a break down and bought some jujubes, but today will be much better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sometimes you just need some candy! I hear you!!

      Delete
  9. I actually allow myself to make not so healthy choices when I have to be out. I have found it helps me to eat very healthy at home even under stress. I work hard to not allow not so healthy choices into the house very often, that is especially helpful when stress comes in to play.

    ReplyDelete

I love to hear from you!