Hi and welcome to the next instalment in my series of "Magda's Musings." Again this one is very dear to me and I'll explain why. I'm sure many of you will understand.
Over the course of my life I have followed a squillion diets ranging from the sound and sensible to the ridiculous and dangerous. Sometimes I did just wing it on my own but there were many times when I was guided by a program (eg Weight Watchers / various trainers / diet consultants etc). Along the way I learnt a lot about what works, what doesnt, what suits me and what doesnt. What I hadnt mastered though was applying my knowledge consistently in order to lose my excess weight and keep it off. That was my biggest challenge and one that I'm still working on.
However I'm approaching it differently this time. I have decided to take ownership of my eating choices and decisions. From now on (well last year actually) I decide what I'm going to eat or not eat. I'm no longer participating in any set diet plan where I'm limited to x, y or z and a,b and c are definitely off limits. I'm not reporting in to anybody for praise or a telling off because I was "good" or I was "bad." I am what I am and I'll accept responsibility for it.
I have committed to trusting myself to get this eating thing right. I'm setting my own unwritten rules, or rather a set of guidelines that I'm happy to live with. It boils down to me working out whats best for me and what I'm happy to live with. So my plan has to allow for wine on the weekends, a daily skim cappuccino and the flexibility to eat out regularly and enjoy the food rather than stressing about whether it fits into the plan that so and so has prescribed for me.
So in effect, I'm taking all that I've learnt from a range of people and situations and making it my own, or trusting myself first. Finally I acknowledge that others can be a great help and support and some people will need that but I'm convinced there is no magical diet plan that so and so has that is the answer for me.
What are your thoughts? Is this a liberating way to eat or is it fraught with danger because it doesnt have clearly defined limits and boundaries?
Next instalment: FORGIVE. LET GO. AND LOOK FORWARD.
I call it "common sense". Sometimes it's hard to let go, but it's worth it!
ReplyDeleteI honestly think that the best nutrition plans are those that evolve over time, after you've tried numerous approaches and figured out what works.
ReplyDeleteWhich, as Liz says, should usually have been common sense in the first place.
I am loving your installments Magda. I think different seems to work for all............and depending on what stage of your objectives you are at.
ReplyDeleteI'm still trying to figure the balance I'm most happy with. I can really happily live without sugar but do know if I'm to keep my 'go with the flow' nature I know this is not quite possible, (but is nearly possible). When on track my biggest daily struggle is not having a wine, (or beer) I have made some new restrictions on this regarding amount consumed at once and frequency. For me now breaching my alcohol objectives or allowing consumption of sugary confectionary, pastry laden or deep fried food non socially or at work I have penalties!
But if too much sugar gets into my system.........I feel addicted, wanna retaste and try everything and really struggle to get back on track but can go weeks easily without. So I have set standards on to me what is acceptable and what isn't! It works if our bosses impose on us. So I have do do what I set myself as it's in my best interest all round!
ReplyDeleteLiz, you are so right yet sometimes we just cant see the forest for the trees.
ReplyDeleteAnd thats where I'm getting to Kek after decades of trying everything under the sun. Its been a great learning process but now its time to put that knowledge to good use.
Pip, we are very alike as I also struggle with many of the same challenges that you do. I think the key to living happily with our rules or restrictions is that we own our decisions and realise we make them for our wellbeing - not because so and so said so. This has been pivotal for me and quite liberating. Wishing you well in your short and long term goals.
Cheers guys
Magda