So for the past three weeks, I've been putting forth my very best effort to eat well. By eating well, I mean eating clean, non-processed foods in balance (eating protein, carbs and fat at every meal or snack.)
The idea behind this is primarily about feeling satiated and freeing oneself from those intense cravings that often derail us in our quest to be healthier. Oh, and it's also about generalized girth reduction, too.
On Tuesday, I took the kids to see the final Harry Potter film. I had never seen a single Potter film on the big screen, and after completing the last book, I was really excited to have that movie-going experience.
So what does Hogwarts have to do with my muffin top?
Because I don't want to be the person who never has a single not-so-good-for-you treat, I decided in the moment that yes, I will have that Blue Raspberry ICEE and some buttered popcorn. And okay, maybe just a few bites of the candy Cole smuggled into the theater.
Long story short: the movie was amazing, and then I proceeded to eat like crap for the rest of the day. After that initial hit of sugar and carbs, all I could think about was where I was going to score my next bump. I actually fell asleep on the couch at 8:45 p.m. because I swear to you, I felt drugged.
I couldn't figure out at first why I'd fallen asleep so early, and why I felt so awful once I woke up to head upstairs to my bed. But then I realized: when I eat crap, I feel like crap.
I realize this is essentially common sense, but for some reason it really hit home to me that eating well affects so much more of me than my belly size.
Have any of you ever had one of those realizations? That feeling of being drugged and then wondering, "Where did this come from?" and then looking at that box of Cheez-It's and thinking, "Ohhh, so that's what happened?"
By all means, do tell.
{vicki} says
I’ve never made that connection—duh!
But now that you’ve mentioned it—Yeah I feel like crap when I eat crap-
My goal today: Be more mindful of what I’m eating and how it affects the way I feel.
Thanks Cathy!
deb says
Yes! Just last night, I had room for a couple of tiny chocolate chip cookies and a glass of skim milk. After I was done, I spent the rest of the night trying NOT to eat the rest of the box. It was like my brain kept telling me, “go ahead, you haven’t splurged all week, you have the points…go on, do it, DO IT!” I didn’t do it, but MAN that stuff is killer!
jennie says
making the connection now…i put secrets to a healthy metabolism on my kindle per your recommendation and i’m really enjoying it. thanks cathy.
Patricia says
Yes.
More times than I care to admit.
My struggle is with stopping before I start.
I can rationalize just about anything when it comes to food.
Not a good character trait.
I’ve realized that for me, it has to stop before I start.
Meaning, I really am addicted to sugar and should not have any.
A small amount of sugar can send me on a binge for days.
I don’t even want to think about the hours I’ve spent talking myself OUT of eating something, only to eat it. What is that all about? I’ve read dozens and dozens of books, attended seminars, done Bible studies, etc. ~ all in the name of ending my life long struggle with food. I lost 40 pounds 3 years ago and kept it off for about 6 months. Then it started creeping back and by July of this year I’d gained 30 back.
I’ve been moving more and eating healthier and it’s starting to come off. It’s all about choices and when I make good choices I get good results. (Feel better, look better, the weight goes down.) And when I make bad choices, well, we all know what happens!
I so appreciate your honesty and sharing your journey. You give me hope!
Caroll B says
So true! When I found out I was diabetic a few years ago, I quit carbs and sugar cold turkey. I mean… I ate nothing but salad, meat and cheese. It was crazy. Months later I decided I “deserved” a treat and had a Moolatte at DQ. Talk about STUPID!!! I felt lethargic, unable to put two words together and utterly idiotic for the next several hours. Was it worth it? NO! Just made me want a Moolatte every time I drove past a DQ!
Audrey says
Hi Cathy!
On my weight loss and health journey, although it involves lots of exercise and running, I have come to realize that what I eat is the most important aspect. I have read several sources that say that 80-85% of weight loss is related to your diet and not exercise. Now that I eat really well, I can totally realize how I feel like crap when I eat crap, and it makes me crave more and it’s a downward spiral. I know you are not a big meat eater, but the paleo diet really works for me, I recommend The Paleo Diet by Loren Cordain, it’s a worthwhile read. It’s amazing how good I feel and it makes me feel bad to think of all the years of my life when I felt like crap due to the way I ate and how much the wrong foods affected my mood and behavior, and ultimately my relationships with people. I will be paleo for the rest of my life because it works so well, I feel great, I have energy for exercise and I’ve lost the weight and kept it off.
Cyn says
Yes!!! I know I’ve mentioned here before that I have a chronic illness (Crohn’s Disease). I was diagnosed at 21 and now I’m 45. For many years, I ate thoughtlessly, both good and bad, not realizing that I paid a price for all the processed, trans-fatty foods. It’s been about 7 years since I’ve started eating thoughtfully and healthfully. The difference is remarkable. I rarely suffer with my disease now and I believe the greatest factor is my diet.
I don’t have all the answers and I continue to refine my food choices, but I am grateful that I found a way to honor this one body I have in the best way I know. I’m so glad you keep writing about your journey and your discoveries. It feeds me in a healthy way too!
Vickie says
At my age (58 for the second time) I’m too old to gain this weight back so I’m trying to lose it slowly and in a way that I can live with for the rest of my life. So far I’ve lost 40 pounds, which is about 1/3 of what I need/want to lose. I let myself have a 15-20 carb treat every afternoon. More than that- yes, I feel like crap.
Good luck to us all! Strangely enough I’m finding weight loss fairly easy at this stage of my life- but I’m paranoid about keeping it off!
Laura says
You mean like when I read somewhere that caffeine consumed can stay in your body for up to ten hours and I realized that drinking Mountain Dew in the afternoon was what was keeping me up, physically tired but mentally wired, too late into the evening, which caused me to either oversleep or feel like crap every morning so that I had to prop myself up with caffeine. . . repeat cycle for years? 🙂
Imene says
I am usually pretty good until the 4 p.m munchies and it all goes downhill from there.
And you are so right, eating crap makes you feel like crap
Marsaille says
I read the funniest quote from a friend who owns a personal training only gym here in Ohio… “Your stomach isn’t a waste(waist) basket.” Love it! Been my mantra this week. Although, I would never throw Nutella away… that is my trouble.
susan says
Yep. Many more times than I would like to admit. I have been dealing with the sugar monkey on my back for a while now. Weight creeping up ever so slightly, craving sugar/carbs and feeling unhappy about it all and wondering when and how I could make the mindless eating go away. I finally decided Monday night at my Weight Watchers meeting that I would stop. I had been eating okay all day so I made the switch from old plan to the new points plus plan. I started tracking – including all the foods I ate that day. I have been tracking since my meeting and feel more in control and since I am making healthier choices I am feeling a bit better. It is only 3 days since the switch and I plan to keep it up in spite of some challenges in the next few days. Tho I have a bit of a plan to help with that and that is something I have never really done before.
Good luck to you! Thanks for all of your posts. They help
Cheri says
My problem is I haven’t really made the connection yet. And I wish I would. I know sugar and refined carbs are basically poison… but I’m totally addicted. Planning to work on that once the girls are back in school.
Sue in Grapevine says
I hear you! When I eat “white stuff” – sugar, pasta, potatoes, rice, tortillas,bread, etc – I feel sluggish, sleepy & very shortly after I eat it; ravenous again! For the last 2 months, I have been mostly avoiding all those things & I feel much more lively. I haven’t lost much, but I haven’t gained any & I love ditching that afternoon “What can I eat NOW?” feeling.
Rachel Briggs says
I hate to admit it, but I eat like crap all the time. Probably why I feel like crap all the time. Probably why I have no energy to play with the kids, why I have no motivation to get out of bed or be creative, or why my clothes are starting to feel tighter. I know better, I really do. But you just need a reminder every once in awhile. So thanks Cathy, I think I’ll not have that extra two cans of coke but water instead and have that salad for lunch I used to love last year.
cathy says
Its kind of a self fulfilling prophecy of sugary goodness.
Sent from my iPhone
Melissa says
Okay. Well, this explains yesterday. On Wednesday I made a cake for the new neighbors. It wouldn’t come out of the bundt pan — split apart upon exit. So, I left it on the plate for everyone to eat. Needless to say, I consumed most of it and paid the price ALL DAY yesterday. Oh lord! I really wish there were bells and whistles attached to every BAD thing so that right before you put it into your mouth, a really loud “WARNING, WARNING, WARNING” would go off and you would drop it and step away from the food. In the alternative, I’m going back to writing everything down. I find that if I make myself write it down, I won’t eat the bad stuff because I don’t want to write that bad stuff down.
Triplemare says
You know, I just started to blithely reply with a “Ayup, I sure do.”
But, the words got away from me. Like they do.*
At any rate – yes, I do totally grok that feeling of “Why on earth do I feel so crappOooooooohhh. ~insert bad food/habit here~ just wiped the floor with me.” I don’t know if that is a sucktastic moment or a fantabulous one. Being able to point directly at your symptom=cause is kind of both.
Thank you for a great post, Ms. Z. Your writing always gives me a lift. 🙂
* – ((I took the rambly bits and put them somewhere else.))
Susan says
my trainer said to me you can feel only as good as the food you put in your mouth. I didn’t beleive that I would start to really look forward to eating brown rice, green beans and chicken for lunch instead of some fast food crap. It has taken me a while, I don’t always listen to her(trainer) and once in a while I fall off the wagon but i think the important thing to remind ourselves is we are not perfect. Its isn’t easy and as we have seen here over the months…We are not ALONE!! Thanks cathy for being so honest and putting it all out there.
TImeless Creations says
When I eat healthy, good foods I have more energy & have a great day…When I eat crap, I crash on the couch even though I’ve had a solid nights sleep
cathy says
I downloaded this book to my iPad. Planning to read it soon.
cathy says
Keep up the hard work!!
cathy says
Patricia, I would recommend listening to the Dishing Up Nutrition podcast, free from iTunes. I am learning so much good stuff from this show.
Sent from my iPhone
Julie Gilbert says
I usually have that “moment” in the afternoon after eating clean for about a week. All of a sudden its 2:00 pm, I have accomplished 1,000 things since I got up and now I’m looking for more to do and I’m EXCITED about it. I really think our food system is contributing to widespread depression. Until I started eating cleanly I was depressed (not clinically)-just not able to engage in the relationships and joy around me. Now I really see how happy, ELATED really, we can be. I love the way I feel when I have been eating clean, but somehow I still fall off the wagon now and again. I just get back on and wait for the “moment” again. I’m just so glad that I have figured this out and I thank you Kathy for using your platform to spread this message to whomever might be listening and looking for a better, more joyful way.
cathy says
Dont feel badly about the addiction. Your brain is wired to want more. Thats how it works. Hang in there. Itll click at some point, but its never easy.
Vicki A says
Completely makes sense! Cheese-its Party Mix is my weakness!! I need some serious help with motivation!! 🙂
Allison Clem says
Oh, Cathy, I just want to tell you that I love your weight & wellness stories on your blog. I actually look forward to the days where you address it. It’s much appreciated, and weight & wellness is such a HUGE part of my life as well. I have really enjoyed reading about your journey, and I love your honesty. I have always tried your tips and suggestions. Your Sesame Noodle Salad was one of my favorite dishes. That is, before I took your advice and started listening to “Dishing Up Nutrition.” I had been “clean eating” for at least 2 years, but this summer started training for a 1000 m swim. I felt like b/c I was working out so much, I could sneak in sugar here and there, plus I was craving it. So, I’d have a donut or a chocolate dipped ice cream cone. Well, my scale never budged, and I felt like bloated crap. Then, before a road trip, I thought, “I should download some of those podcasts Cathy suggested to listen to in the car.” I am so glad I did. I picked out some like “Nutrition for Peak Performance” and one about stress, and one about the food-mood connection. Anyways, I’m hooked! I feel like I have been missing fat my whole life. I have been doing this now for a little over 3 weeks, and I have lost 6 lbs.!!! And, I feel terrific. I live in West Virginia, but ordered some of their whey protein powder, magnesium glycinate, crave control, and omege-3 supplements. They offer free shipping, and they are all really high-quality products. I am actually saving my pennies to get either a single nutritional counseling appointment or one for the whole family via telephone. I just want to say a big thank you to you. You keep me motivated, and I love reading about your ups and downs-because everyone has them. I am strongly considering starting to document my relationship with food, weight, and wellness, too, because it’s such a big part of my life. So, thanks!
debbie McIntyre says
I learned, but only after gaining a ton. Great post today.
Rachel says
My infant son was diagnosed with extensive food allergies. Because I was nursing, I had to eliminate all junk AND dairy, gluten, soy, barley, etc from my diet. I lost all the baby weight and then some and I felt better. I’m no longer nursing, and I am back on gluten/dairy but I no longer eat processed food. My other son isn’t as pleased with the diet and he still eats granola bars, but I see him searching for that next HIT of sugar/junk all the time!
Kristen says
It does seem like common sense, yet I know I only made the connection recently and still my mind tries to disconnect the way my body feels with whatever I just put into it. Yesterday I had Frosted Flakes for breakfast, and when I was done I didn’t feel hungry but I felt EMPTY inside, if that makes sense. And I was getting all mad at myself and my body, but then I realized that my body hadn’t asked for the Frosted Flakes, my MIND had, and if I had eaten toast or oatmeal instead, I would probably feel more grounded and satisfied inside.
As far as the drugged feeling, I had the same experienc with caffeine. I could never understand when people said that caffeine gave them a boost or made them feel alert. I could drink it at 11pm and still go to bed fine, and I’d been doing that for like 8 years straight…as long as I could remember. I never went a day without soda. A day without soda was not a good day. Then I didn’t drink it for one whole week, and I realized that the reason I didn’t think the caffeine had been affecting me was because I had been CONSTANTLY amped up on it. So there was no extra effect, it had just become how I thought my body felt. And sure I had been able to fall asleep when I was drinking it, but the kind of sleep I got when I stopped drinking it was so lovely that it became my man motivation for staying off it. And I know sugar and “crap” foods in general do the same kind of thing. But I usually don’t realize their effect until I’ve eaten life-sustaining foods exclusively for awhile. Here’s to not feeling drugged! 🙂
katie squires says
I’ve been trying to eat like you, thanks to you (wink) and have been doing well and feeling even better…then this weekend…my sister’s wedding happens…wine…lots of dessert…oh it was so good….Sunday rolls in…hungover (ooops) and I just kept packing in the food…eating past the point of full, eating when not hungry, eating eating eating…then someone said something…the wedding all though amazing and happy…was emotional…and I think those emotions spilled over Sunday when I opened the food gate..Boy did I feel tired and crappy Sunday. Thank-heavens for Mondays and fresh starts. LOL
Courtney Walsh says
I’ve had the same realization…and also noticed that when you “have just one treat” you always want more. i really think junk food is meant to drug you, to keep you addicted and coming back for more. I’ve been off sugar and all carbs for about 40 days now. My stomaches are completely gone. It can’t be a coincidence.
Still…I went to a movie last night and wanted the junk. The popcorn. I didn’t have it, but man, I wanted it. It’s so weird too because my husband can walk right by it.
I just finished a book called “Made to Crave” that explains a lot of what I think has been going on with me. It was really eye opening…
Trina says
That salad in your pick looks amazingly good! Could you share the recipe…please!! 🙂
Mara says
I know the connection but sometimes I still fall for it. I know that eating a bunch of candy at night makes it that much harder to get up for my run the next morning. And it also makes me want to eat more and more and more. Tuesday at work I was super late eating lunch (3pm) and ended up eating crap (my own fault). Then yesterday I continued the downward slide. Today is a new day and i’m trying to pull myself up that darn slide. It’s a day to day struggle for sure.
When i’m running alot or training for a race it’s so much easier to eat great. Because eating great = great training run.
cathy says
I definitely think getting back on is so key.
cathy says
Allison, this is so cool to read! I do think these nutritionists are onto something. Keep it up n
Sent from my iPhone
Maureen says
I wish I could say I have no idea of what you’re talking about but oh what a lie that would be! sometimes I felt/ok feel that I gave up alcohol, I never smoked, I gave up caffeine, I gave up saccharine/nutrasweet etc, I never drank sodas, and now I’m supposed to give up ‘natural’ sugar items like the Trader Joe’s 1lb milk chocolate bar? like a good bakery peach pie? like..Hershey’s Choc Moose Tracks ice cream? You know the “Oh I’ve been so good…” rationalization. Don’t we all!!
Well, I know that with white bread, and white starches, I get the – as dh calls it – loggy feeling. Dead in the water. With a certain amount of overindulgence it really is being drugged. The sodas and caffeine just keep you high. Up, down, up, down.
Evan as I write this, I realize I’m still saying “I gave up” as if it was a serious loss, one that entitles (!) me to do other crappy things to myself. I let go…and bit by bit, the price of holding on isn’t worth it. I now allow myself one white carb a day. After a week, I really don’t even want that one, and yet the other night…I thought …Well I’m ‘entitled’ to one! …and then heard myself. That night I passed. Today I had two corn torillas. Not really sure where they fit in but I’ll consider them ‘white’ for today. “Each day a new beginning.”
cathy says
Katie, I hear you. Im up at our family cabin this weekend and im really the only one worried about my chub. Its going to be a challenge.
cathy says
http://www.raleys.com/www/apps/recipes/recipe.jsp?recipeid=346238
Yum.
Dawn G says
Did you see this article already? Just saw it today. It’s great!
http://www.stumptuous.com/how-to-dump-sugar
Id like to give it a shot.
I’m soo with ya on the cheez-its. Man I love em. I think sweet stuff would be easier for me to give up than cheez-its!!
Christine H says
More times than I care to admit…..and I hear those motherly words I have spoken to my child so many times (non-food related items)”How many times do I have to tell you……?????”
Martha S. says
Funny that I see this now! I’ve been trying to eat better for about 10 days now and I’ve done well. Salad everyday with either grilled chicken, shrimp, or plain, etc etc with fat/protein/carb at every meal. I’m trying to eat smaller meals every 3 hours. But today at lunch after the hearty salad I caved. An almost-finished bag of tortilla chips was sitting there and I want to throw that bag away already, and my mom’s homemade salsa was sitting in the fridge… I went for it. I meant to eat a few chips. I think it was more than a few chips. I was supposed to work until 3 pm. I fell asleep at 1:20 – about an hour after that so-called lunch. And I woke up craving chocolate. Sigh.
It’s so true that when you have just a bit you only want more. The moral of the story is to never give in. But wait! That is so damn hard!!!
It is now time for my next meal and what should I have now? I only want a sandwich. And maybe some chips. I might as well finish that soda in the fridge and then not buy any more…. UGH!!!!
Thanks for always posting such blunt honesty about your quest for overall wellness. I think you rock.
cathy says
Its just not easy. Amen.
Sent from my iPhone
Stacy/CA says
I have found, the last three years, that the nicer I am to my body–eating right, exercising regularly–the nicer it expects me to be. In other words, the more I exercise and stick to a good eating plan, the harder I fall when I stray from it, and the worse I feel. Alcohol really, really kicks my butt now, and I have much stronger reactions to caffeine and sugar. Missing a day or two of exercise can cause a drop in energy or all-around listless feeling, but not to the same extent. I am sure age plays a role in this, too, but I think mostly it is my body preferring the healthy lifestyle, and doing its best to remind me whenever it can.
Diana says
Until I tried to start eating healthier, I never realized I was an emotional eater. If I get stressed bring me the treats! I was doing so great for a couple of months then it was my birthday, then we went on vacation, etc…. I totally know what you mean, once you start with the junk you totally just keep eating it. I am back again on the healthier eating, with one day a week off. On that day I eat what ever I want. It is all a mind game though, I should just say no thank you brownie, I don’t need your gooey Deliciousness, but…..
Melissa K says
Yes, I know what you mean. I usually start my day with some whole grain toast and almond butter. We were camping a while back, and I decided to have a bowl of the Corn Pops my DH was eating, what the heck, we are camping. About a half hour later I was ready to kill someone, I had a vicious headache, stomach ache, and a generally fowl outlook on life. I guess my body didn’t like the 24g of sugar for breakfast, go figure!!!
Stephanie says
Yes I KNOW that this makes perfect sense…but yet, it hasn’t “clicked” for me yet. I hate feeling like crap and then I tell myself “well stop eating crap then!” but sometimes it just doesn’t click. I have the exercise part down and for the first time in my life (i’m 38) I’m loving it but I just can’t seem to get the eating part right now. Not sure what is going to make it click at this point, but I sure hope it does soon!
Candy says
Yup! and I am doing better…only having a few chips, a small amount of popcorn…limiting my share of the steak, avoiding potatoes,…I can’t go cold turkey just yet…but hoping to get more salads in my life.
Maureen says
since going low carb, a candy bar gives me a hangover as bad as a night of one too many glasses of wine….only right away and without the buzz…..
Pilbara Pink says
I get the connection now – but it has taken years and I even lost a stack of weight (well over 100lbs) before it really got embedded in me. I totally recommend adding the book The End of Overeating by David Kessler to the reading list of anyone interested in why we keep doing this. It bought together a lot of other things I have read recently. It sounds extreme but the only way, for me, to stay away from the awful, drugged, depressed feeling is to stay away from the sugar and processed carbs. Initially it is hard but you know it REALLY does get easier. I don’t have to think about whether or not to eat something, I just don’t. The desire reduces and the benefits increase. I have more time to think about and do other things when I am not mentally wrestling with will I/ won’t I. I NEVER eat at the movies .. in fact I don’t eat unless it is at a planned time and place. I hear people muttering crazy, obsessive etc etc. I will take that because my pants have never been so comfortable or my mind so clear. I sleep wonderfully, I think clearly and move freely. I don’t go to bed at night mad with myself and promising myself I will do better tomorrow only to wake up tired and repeat the same awful cycle. I am sorry if I sound like a crazy fanatic but I just wish everyone could feel this good after feeling so bad for so long.
Jamie Danford says
Okay, sort of had the same experience, but not. We went to see The Help, I stuffed 800 pounds of popcorn and sugar babies down my gullet after staying off the sugar and processed stuff for a week. It made me SO sick! I felt like I was gonna barf halfway thru the movie. NOT a good idea, and I definitely learned a lesson. 😉
Denise says
Ah, but crap like chocolate, ice cream, and cheese always taste so good. I’ve found an answer to the chocolate in Nutella, and am looking for ice milk again. Low fat cheese is an option, but it doesn’t taste very good to me.
Shana says
What irritates me is that I have those realizations and then 2 weeks later I have to learn it all again! What’s up with that??
Love ya Cathy!
Lisa Lee says
I too came to this realization recently too…duh, right? I’m on a constant battle to lose and maintain as well. A few weeks ago I watched the documentary Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead and I recommend everyone watch it. The day after watching it I went and bought a juicer so inspired by the stories in the doc! They call it a reboot and it’s working…I’m getting a major amount of fruits and vegs in daily, way above what I’ve ever eaten before and it’s helping me make better choices when I actually eat because I realize I feel better when I stick to clean eating. I downloaded the podcasts you recommended and look forward to listening. Best wishes to all of us! 🙂
Beth says
Love, love, love this (and all your weight related) post(s)! Eat crap = feel like crap…its so obvious, but I really never made a conscious connection. Thank you. Gonna get up and get my poop in a group! Enjoy your vacation!
Liza says
Yes….
I was whining today about how my 3mile run felt like crap last night…then got over my diet amnesia and realized I have eaten nothing but junk for three days straight. Duh!
Ugh…why can’t it just be EASY???? lol
Sally says
You’re right on, Cathy. I have been on a food revolution this year. I didn’t realize how much I had changed my diet until we went on vacation this year and after three days of nothing but fast food, I was physically ill and craving something green- leafy green not gummy green :).
cathy says
Thats the maddening part. Even tonight, at our family cabin, the peanut mms came out and guess who couldnt just say no?
Sent from my iPhone
cathy says
You know, I have that book and I have yet to read it. Might have to move it to the top of my list.
dawn says
I just did this yesterday for my birthday. Got donuts for me and the kids in the morning (this is a very rare treat) then cookies while watching a movie then 2 pieces of my bday cake with ice cream. By the time I went to bed my body felt awful and my stomach hurt. This was just too much for me to take in one day, not use to eating sweets. Today I will only have 1 bday cake and that’s it for the sweets. My weakness at movie theater is a box of raisinets, I can eat the whole box myself then feel like crap about an hour later. What I do know is only take enough money to pay for the movies and my kids sneak in one of their candy’s from home if they want and that’s it. If I don’t have the money I can’t buy anything unhealthy. Maybe that can work for you too.
Phyllis says
The whole losing weight, being healthy is hard if you’re trying to get there. I started WW the end of Jan and am down 53 lbs. I’ve been walking/running and have entered a 5K in Sept with my 22 year old daughter. It’s timed, so I’m working hard to get my time down. But I do love me some sugar, and have discovered if I eat too much (even if it’s within my points) I feel like crap. My family is enjoying the new, not so sugar moody mom, even if it means fruit for dessert unless it’s a special occasion.
Jackie says
Yes, I have felt the connection. On vacation (for some reason) I tend to each much healthier since all the fruit is already chopped, the salad is already made (yes..I’m a lazy ass) and I don’t wanted to look all bloated out there in a bikini. I do this for 10 tens, including a lot of swimming, sunning & relaxing. I feel totally energized. Then I get home, have junk… whatever it may be and my stomach feels like a rock, I feel exhausted and all tuckered out. Yes… there is a definite connection. Now i need to get my lazy butt in gear and start eating healthy… darnit! Thanks!
Kay Gregory-Clark says
Why did you write this TODAY, the day I’m planning to bake a peach pie for dinner! And the day after I had a DQ Blizzard. And the day before, McDonald’s quarter pounder with cheese & fries. Now, this was an unusual week because I live too far from junk food franchises to have this much, but my errands piled up & I ventured forth. Could this be why I had to go to bed early 2 nights & yesterday (after the Blizzard) I HAD to take a nap before fixing dinner? Oh yes, I know the truth. I also saw it on my scale this morning. I’m still going to bake that pie because I bought all those peaches yesterday, but I swear—after it’s gone, no more sugar. Does it count if I use Stevia instead of sugar in the pie 🙂
Jackie says
I meant 10 days… not 10 tens. That is what happens when two kids playing Donky Kong on the Wii are screaming at each other in the background. 😉
cathy says
Kay, you know I wrote this post but yet last night while playing dominoes at our cabin, the junk food was a flowing. Sigh. Oh well. Todays a new day.
Sent from my iPhone
StefaniM says
Geez! Thanks for the reminder. It’s simple but it’s true. Here’s to eating better today;)
tara pakosta says
YES! this weekend I ate TERRIBLE and I literally felt tired, sluggish, lazy, fat and MAD and angry and you name it…horrible!!!!!!
tara
Patricia Rodriguez says
Cathy, would you mind sharing a few examples of meals that make you feel good?
Thank you!
P
Julie says
I call them food hangovers – they suck!
Probably the best comment I’ve ever read was from a reformed vegetarian (can’t remember her name)
who said yeah I still overeat the difference was before when I ate an entire pan of brownies, I felt like crap AND I still wanted more. Now I’ll eat a whole bag of apples and not feel so bad and do too much dammage. Will I want more apples ….not so much right now.
Sharon F. in CA says
Cathy – you are so right…I also subscribe to the notion that I can make a fresh start at any hour. When I catch myself going down the slippery slope, I down a large glass of water and take a breath and then plan out my next meal, so that I am not eating without thinking. Its super hard when all the junk is so easy to access and the good stuff takes time to prep. I thank you for the simple reminder that eating good makes you feel good and that old adage nothing feels as good as well, eating good. I know that the weight will come off because I really listening to what my body wants rather than what my head keeps chanting (insert sugar here). Nutrition is key. And then you feel like movin’!! Keep it up everyone…we can do this.
mereteveian says
Yes, but so much more after I started to eat better. Yesterday when at the store, I discovered I craved fruits rather than candy, – we’ve bought sweets only on Saturday for the last month. That was a really strange feeling.
Loved the last Potter movie, by the way. We made it an all nighter, watching part one of the last part, then moving on to the second part, on the night of the premiere.
Jan C. says
I’ve had that realization a few times, Cathy. I mean, I drink caffeine and I get a headache. The dumbass part of it is that I just keep drinking caffeine anyway! What I want to know is, why do I keep sabotaging myself?
Alison says
Yep. I’m there right now, and I made the connection a long time ago. Yet I still do it, and still kick myself each and every time. Apparently I’m supposed to be an intelligent human being – try telling my muffin top and can’t-be-satisfied cravings that………
Jocelyn says
It took me a while to make the connection, but I noticed after eating Allens Snakes (lots of them) I felt sick in the stomach and had killer headaches about an hour later duh! sugar overload will do that to a girl 🙁
Beth R says
Yes , yesterday as a matter of fact. I caught myself falling asleep watching utube, jeez I was wiped out, felt drugged then realized I had milk duds for dinner and 4 diet cokes for breakfast & lunch !
This summer I have gotten myself HOOKED, and I mean hooked on milk duds….Seriously? Wha?
I don’t even know how it happened, well I lied yes I do know how it happened.
My fiance had the nerve to have a heart attack at 46 yrs old. Thank God he survived, but we removed all crappy food from his house.I no longer nibble on milk duds on only on saturday night when we watch crappy t.v.
They now live at my house and instead of eating them only on saturday….I can eat them whenever I want.
The dogs never tell anyone. But I think they have noticed that I have gained 5 lbs in 3 months.
I need an intervention, someone call A&E on me !
cathy says
Oh man, so happy to hear your fiance is okay. But I know, its a slippery slope into the land of Milk Duds.
Hang in there!