Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Why am I still struggling with my weight?!

I lived as a vegetarian for a few months last year. I loved it!! Of course there were pros and cons, but overall, it was one of the best things I ever did for myself. I finally caved one day and ate meat again because it was placed in front of me (someone was sick or something and a neighbor had brought over a meal) and I was stressed out and it was convenient to eat it.

After that day I thought, "well maybe I'll just eat meat every now and then" or "only lean meats" or "no red meat" or "only fish". I kept flip flopping about how I wanted to live until finally I just got sick of thinking about it and just went back to how I've always eaten. If it looks good, tastes good, sounds good, just eat it.

And that is why I now weigh more than I did at the beginning of last year. (Only by a few pounds, but does it matter? More is more!)

I know one thing is fact. For me, being healthy means I have to make very conscious and intentional decisions about what I eat and how I move. Yes, exercise is a big part of it, too.
Both my exercise habits and eating habits go hand in hand and I have to actually TRY to be healthy. Shocker.

So, I've been thinking about this for, well, forever, and finally got up yesterday and made the conscious decision to make changes!! I desperately needed to go grocery shopping so I stocked up on healthy foods. Lots of whole grains, fruits, veggies, and lean dairy products. (No meat. I had some at home anyway, and I wasn't even sure if I was going to eat them anyway.)

Great start! The kids and I ate up the last of the "crap food" yesterday. There were a few oreos and chips left that I didn't want taunting me. Then I woke up this morning and had a healthy breakfast and a healthy snack. And I'm planning a healthy lunch as soon as I get Payson off to preschool. (They're having mac and cheese. Let's be honest, THEY aren't the ones who need to try so hard!)

So far I'm off to a good start. I'm even planning all vegetarian meals today. Not because I care so much, but because they're meals I have found I love and they are simple and healthy. I know I want to eat healthy. I'm ready to make that decision for myself. I'm ready to change my lifestyle (again) and do better. Be better.

I have read a lot of literature on health and nutrition. I have read from the scientific, spiritual, and ethical perspectives. I'm no pro, but I think I'm educated enough to make good, healthy decisions. But I'm having a hard time making ONE decision.

Meat? Or vegetarian?

Ugh!! Because most, if not all of you, are meat eaters and always have been, you're answer to this question is probably simply found. Yes, I know I can eat less meat, or only lean meats. Blah blah blah. And that would be a great choice! But would it be the best choice for ME??

You see, I've done that. And I've done the vegetarian thing. I really felt MY best not eating meat (although I still ate eggs and dairy). I ate super healthy alternatives all the time. I explored different types of foods and found so many new things I loved. Cooking whole meals was faster because I never had to thaw or wait for the meat to cook through! I learned all kinds of new things about beans! They are such a great source of protein and I found so many great recipes that I loved with beans as the main ingredient.

The only cons? Well, sometimes the drive through is convenient! And the only real drive through options that I have here as a vegetarian are bean burritos or veggie subs. And you really do have to plan and prepare meals a little. Chopping and cleaning veggies can take some time and buying pre-chopped veggies is too expensive. And there are certain foods that I love that I wouldn't eat as a vegetarian. Like my dad's tri-tip. YUM! And other meaty meals that are super delicious.

Anyway, I think just typing this up has reminded me that I loved the lifestyle. It felt good. So I need to do it again. So until I consciously decide otherwise, I guess I'm a vegetarian. Again. Thanks for listening to my rant!! I'd love to hear your suggestions, ideas, questions and opinions!!

7 comments:

Hilary said...

The grocery store is my downfall. I have to write a list and stick to it. No caving to good deals on tasty snacks. It's hard at the store, but makes life much easier at home. If I have oreos in the pantry, I can't trust myself to eat the apple instead. So I try really hard not to have the junk food in the first place (although I do treat myself sometimes :)

As for meat vs. vegetarian, I don't like to eat a lot of meat either, and hardly ever red meat. I personally need the nutrients from it though, so to eat less I just try to make sure the meat isn't the main course, but instead add some to a sauce or have a taco with mostly beans and veggies, but a little ground turkey in there. Good luck! I'm always getting off track and having to drag myself back on when it comes to what I eat. It's the hardest part of weight management for me.

Anonymous said...

I like meat. I LOVE meat. But, if being a vegetarian is what you want to do, good for you. There are ways to do it and not feel like you are missing out on the yummy goodness of my awesome and amazing roast :)

XO said...

It sounds like you know what's best for you. I'm sure your dad's tri-tip IS delicious, but there's nothing so wonderful as your own happiness.

Jane said...

I say good for you! Diet decisions are personal. We have started to cut down on our meat eating and trying to find vegetarian meals to implement 3 or 4 nights of the week. I would LOVE it if you would e-mail me some of your favorite vegetarian meals? angelamnaylor@gmail.com

Megan said...

Good for you for doing what makes you happy. I would also love some of your tastiest vegetarian recipes. And I will be posting more pictures of Harper (yes, she does look way different) soon! It's on my list. :)

Kathlen said...

I have a good pilates dvd. I am seeing some good results. Let me know if you want me to send you the info on the DVD.

Tiffany said...

this is a hard decision. good for you for sticking to the diet YOU feel best on. that's the key. that's why i have continued to eliminate sweets and treats from my diet. because i feel 100% better when i don't consume it. same for meat. i don't eat much of it... although after a week or two, my body tells me it needs some. i'm not sure if it's just like that in the winter or not... listen to your body and try not to listen to your mind and emotions when it comes to eating and food. and not having the food that makes you feel crappy in the house makes a HUGE difference.