Before getting my life back began, and long before the " Mirror Moment," I tried it all.
I'm talking diets, friends. There are so many, and everybody swears there's is the best and the right way. Some measure every calorie and every carb. While others choose to go vegan, some choose the Paleo path. We all see the TV ads, pre-made meals and a plan to go with it. I even remember when they had a product you could sprinkle on your banana split and make it healthier. Yes! That's what I said; there really was a product out there and people bought it.
Now, when I say I tried everything, maybe I lied a tad, because I didn't try that one. LOL.
But over the years, I did try diets and fads. It would last a while; I would be good and follow the instructions. I'd replace my lunch, drink the shake in a can, count every carb and sugar intake. I held off on my condiments and or replaced them with mustard. I followed the orders, and I remember the weight would start to come off. But deep down, I didn't believe in the diet. And, you know the story; eventually, I'd get bored.
I would crave pasta or a hot dog, but these things were forbidden. Forget that chocolate milk that you love, Dan, don't even think about putting any peanut butter on that whole wheat toast, that's a no no.
For a while, I would do the routines and then a day would come, when negative overcame the day or my tummy was extra empty, and I would break down and rebel. I would hit a drive thru or head to the grocery store and pick up some Oreos and Chocolate Milk. I would indulge in the wonderful tastes and love coming from my favorite foods, then suddenly the latest diet was over!
I know many reading this can relate. I just couldn't adjust to those diets. They weren't for me. And that was Ok.
I knew, the only way I could win the battle was to find what did work for me. I am a honest fella and I like to be realistic. I knew that it was unrealistic to think I'd never eat a burger or Pizza again. Of course, I also couldn't lose weight and get healthy if that was all I consumed. So, I had to learn about balance. I had to understand that my body needs more water, more greens and reds in my diet. I had to also experiment and discover that because a food is healthy, doesn't mean it can't taste wonderful.
Through my journey, I learned to appreciate broccoli and asparagus. I love red and green peppers. I love a big fresh salad loaded with spinach and chunks of roasted chicken. But the best part was when I understood that when I do eat healthy foods, I also make room to enjoy a juicy burger or share some pizza with my TL. I can still have a sip of chocolate milk every night before bed.
Now with all of that being said, if you do have a diet plan that works for you, that's awesome! Yeah, I said awesome. Don't get used to it.
But, If that protein in a can helps you and your good with it, keep going and follow your plan. What works for one person may not work for another. For me it was best to keep it simple. But the key word is BALANCE. I hated counting calories, and I refused to keep track of every bite I put in my mouth. That just didn't work for me. I'm a simple guy who likes to live freely.
I knew, if I had a bowl of ice cream today, I shouldn't have more tomorrow. It's really that simple, just the way I liked it.
When I have that burger, I'm going to put on my Heinz Catsup and slice of cheese, and maybe even bacon. When I want a burger, I want it the way I love it, fat and messy. And I know that I can't do that all the time. I know that I need to consume all the healthy salads, lean meats, tons of H2O and all those tasty colors that come out of the garden and off the tree.
Bottom line: find what works for you! Whatever the plan is that helps you, makes you feel comfortable and healthy; go for it.
It took me a long time to understand Dan Hawthorne. Even longer to understand food and how it works. So take your time. Find YOUR balance!
It's pretty simple, just the way I like it....PEACE
Dan
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