As a disclaimer, this post is going to have tons of quotes from PUSH by Chalene Johnson.
As I read this chapter, titled the same as this post, my mind was BLOWN. It's not that I didn't already know the difference, but having someone spell it out and basically say everything I feel was LIBERATING!
On a side note, I want you all to know that I realize I can get very personal with some of these posts. But it's because I'm a real person and I know that other people experience the same or similar things that I do and want you all to know that you're not alone. It's not always easy for me to talk about but if I can help anyone, or even find other people who can help me with advice or encouragement, it's all worth it to me.
I go on diets all the time. They suck. They're restrictive, I become obsessed with food and eating and all joy from food is gone.
"Dieters go through life labeling food as either 'good' or 'bad' and can't find a balance...Food is a constant preoccupation and a never-ending battle that causes hormonal imbalance, stress, and an obsession with weight. Diet is king, the scale rules the empire, and food is the enemy."
How sad. God put us here and he gave us delicious food to enjoy, not fear or hate. I used to almost be jealous of people who committed to quit smoking. For them, the addiction was as simple as going cold turkey. Cut it out and be done (I know that's vastly oversimplified for those of you smoke) but I can't just "quit" food.
"Having a diet fuels careful eating. Careful eaters know when they've had enough and when they can afford to have a little extra." They know their numbers (Calories in vs. Calories out, fat, protein and carb percentage, etc) and "it's a habit, not an obsession."
Having a diet allows food to be a pleasure. Here's the thing that really slapped me in the face. Dieters' food choices are always in flux, each month a different food or type of food is the enemy. "When a chronic dieter is not in 'diet' mode, however, all bets are off. Even the foods that they themselves have labeled bad become fair play." This of course leads to self-depreciation, depression, and usually binge eating. The diet has failed once again. You feel like you lack control.
This has been me for too long. I know it far too well and it's not the way I want to live. I'm deciding right here and right now that from today forward, I will HAVE A DIET, not be ON A DIET. I know that being on a diet doesn't work long term but having a diet that consists of whole foods first, being conscious of my numbers and indulging in an occasional treat is ok!
Chalene offers hope and I want to extend it to you. "We are talking about changing your thinking...it is easier for people to first change their habits, and then the new thinking follows as a natural progression. It's a series of habits. Change is possible. It starts with your decision to learn more and change your habits."
I'm on the road. I'm taking a nutrition class that teaches the dirty details about nutrition. I'm going to read Tosca Reno's book on clean eating and day by day, I will change my behaviors until they become habits. I welcome your support and accountability if you want to give it. I also welcome anyone that wants to join me in my quest for live healthier by habit and stop obsessing about food and enjoy it instead!
