Saying No When you Mean Yes

My husband and I went to the Cardinal's Game today and had the good fortune to sit in a suite. I won tickets through the company I work for and was blessed to go with several co-workers. Boy-oh-boy is it fancy in the suite. The best thing about it is all the free food. Hot dogs, nachos, wings, chicken strips and all you can drink alcohol and soda. Alas, no veggies. My husband caught me snacking on a few strips of celery and said, "Margaret, I think that's the garnish." I chuckled. "Well, it's edible, isn't it?

I remember my "carefree" days when 'all you can eat' crud was fantastic. Now I look at nachos and feel a gurgle in my tummy--and not the good kind. But I have to admit, it all looks and smells so good. And while I'm enjoying the conversation of good company I start to snack and nibble and pretty soon I'm carried away. On popcorn that is. This is the one thing I allow myself to gobble unrestrained. No soda, or hotdogs(sacrilege at a ballgame, I know) and definitely no alcohol. Sounds like a lot of fun, doesn't it?

But here's my point, I can go to a ballgame, be surrounded by food and not pig out. It is easier today than it was even a year ago. I used to cringe at the savory temptation. It actually was painful to turn down free food. But I had to ask myself the question, "How many calories are in that hot dog?" and "Is it really worth it?" And while in certain circumstances I will indulge, today was not one of them. At home I have armed myself with an arsenal of goodies that are a fraction of the calories and won't make me feel like crap after I eat them. I just have to wait until I get there to dig in.

I feel like many heavy people look at me and think "I can't do what she does." But it's not complicated. It all starts with saying no when you mean yes. It's that "easy." When someone offers you ice cream, say, "No, thank you" even if you really want it. And sure, you may hate the feeling of denying your sweet tooth in the moment, but if you continue to make healthy choices, you will achieve your goals. It feels fundamentally wrong to deny myself when my fat is screaming to be enhanced. But my fat is a liar! And my will to lose weight/maintain weight is so much stronger. As anyone who knows me can attest, I am not perfect. But I am trying to stay healthy and I refuse to give in to all of my cravings.

I had a blast at the ballgame and I left fully satisfied. I was able to visit with my friends and enjoy a few treats. Most of all, I'm proud of myself because today I made good choices. And that, my friends, is so much more powerful than a belly full of game food.