We all know that dieting is simply a matter of (1) eating right, (2) exercising, and (3) staying on course. It’s as easy as 1-2-3. So if it’s so simple why is it so difficult and frustrating? The answer is because we cannot seem to control our behavior. We say we want to eat right and then succumb to the first piece of chocolate that passes by. We say we want to exercise but never find the time to get away from the couch or the computer. We say we want to stay on course, but honestly how can you diet during Christmas? On your birthday? When guests are coming over? When you are invited to a party? Etc., etc., etc. We know what to do, but we find it difficult to follow-through. I think we are being undone by our own psychology. So I intend to use psychology to fight psychology.
Have you noticed that I haven’t been talking a lot about snacks? That’s because the only snacks I allow myself is fresh fruit (peaches and apples), unsweetened applesauce, or sugar-free Jello. I have avoided low-fat, low-cal ice cream; diet cookies and cakes; and sugar-free candy. The reason is that it is easier for me to stop cold turkey than it is to control myself. I am an addict. I used to think that I was a sugar addict. Now I realize that I am also a sweetness addict. Using these diet snacks changes nothing for me. I may be taking in a few less calories but my eating pattern is remaining the same. I admit that I have cheated. I already confessed about the peanut butter on a rice cake. I’ve also had a few chocolate covered cranberries (exquisite!) that my daughter brought back from Nantucket. But I think it is better for me to cheat and know that I strayed than to regularly eat a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich each night and think that I am making progress.
What do you do about the urge to snack?
Sunday evening. A movie and dinner with a friend. Where to this time? My friend Phyllis and I usually eat at a little Italian restaurant after we see a movie together. The food is delicious but I have no idea how many calories I am consuming. So tonight we decided to go to Carrabba’s where I had a house salad with vinaigrette on the side and an appetizer order of crab cakes.
Italian food is delicious but it is often high in calories, fat and salt. When you can’t be perfect maybe it is ok to just make the best choice that is available to you. The appetizer crab cakes were very filling and at $10 a bargain as well. At 340 calories it is one of the least fattening things on the menu. But watch out for the sauce; it is loaded with cream.
- Carraba’s crab cakes
The 20 pound struggle 