Days 14-18
The Good- I have made it past the half way point. One major triumph this weekend was that I went to the movies and didn’t even think twice nor did I feel deprived of my favorite movie theater treat. For years now I never go to the movies without a box of milk duds, Popcorn and a soda. The combo of the three is always the best. However, this time I was seated for the movie before I even thought about it. I think I enjoyed the movie a little more without it. Just because I was able to stay focused. It was a huge win for me!
The Bad- Despite a successful night at the movies, I had a rough Monday. I was really feeling stressed and a bit overwhelmed and over loaded. I just have a lot going on right now in all the various aspects of my life and it all came together at once on what was a crazy Monday. Even writing about all of these emotions stirs up anxiety. When I feel like this, the urge to take solace in chocolate is great. I found myself snacking on things that are not sugary, but still not desirable. I almost think that calorie wise I would have been better off just having a bar of dark chocolate to nibble on throughout the day. I have read that sugar does change the chemistry in your brain and can make you feel happy for a short period of time. However the down side to this is that often one will experience a crash, which can lead to mood swings and further cravings. In conclusion, sugar is not a good self medication. I have heard that exercise induces the same chemical changes. It can reduce and even alleviate stress. I think that perhaps I need more exercise.
The Ugly- Well the bad Monday ended in Chinese Takeout. I was couscous of what I ordered. I know that Chinese food can contain a lot of sugar. I enjoyed the company of my family and we enjoyed take out over a few laughs and good conversation. This really helped my mood. At the end of our dinner we all read each other our fortunes and ate our fortune cookies. After I ate my cookie, my 9 year old, hoping to eat my cookie for me asked if I ate mine. I said yes and he informed me that there is sugar in the cookies. No way! But he showed me the wrapper and sure enough…Sugar the 5th ingredient! The ugly truth is that I messed up and didn’t even know it! The whole day was spent craving chocolate and I did not give in, but a fortune cookie. That is just not fair. Well I am playing the ignorant card. In my book it doesn’t stop me from finishing. Next time I will check labels better.