Shoutin’ from the Rooftop

I have mentioned any times that I love the website by Spark People. I think there is a ton of great information on that website. I have signed up for their email newsletters for some time. There are emails that catch my attention. I received an email from Spark People two days ago. The subject line immediately caught my attention. I stopped dead in my tracks. “Is your Diet Making You Fat?”

First, I have never considered my new way of life a diet. This is the way I have to live the rest of my life. For the most part, I have not felt deprived. I am very happy with the results that I have received from my new lifestyle with Weight Watchers.

Nevertheless, the subject still drew me in. I had to read the article Is Your Diet Making You Fat? There were some parts that I totally agreed with and could see in myself. There were other parts that don’t apply to me at all. I don’t binge drink for instance.

But the one point that Liz Noelcke made that sounds too much like me still. This is something that I have been working on and will continue to work on. (Hence my run yesterday).

“…you fail on the weekends.
You strive to eat well and hit the gym throughout the week, but once you leave work on Friday evening, all bets are off. Weekends should definitely be used for unwinding and relaxing, but be careful not to go overboard and cancel out all of the hard work you put in during the week. One weekend of overeating, over-drinking, and under-exercising can easily undo the healthy diet and exercise program you followed for five days, stalling your progress towards your goals.

Instead, view weekends as a chance to do the things that you enjoy and spend quality time with your family and friends. “Weekends” should not be synonymous with calorie splurges or alcohol binges. Use your free time constructively: plan your menu for the upcoming week, design a new workout routine, take your time grocery shopping, and read your favorite health magazine. Try cooking up a big batch of healthy meals on Sunday that you can eat without much fuss during the week.”

Like I said, I don’t relate to the alcohol binges & over-drinking but the calorie splurges so describe me. I don’t know why it is so deeply ingrained in me that the weekend is for “treating” myself to extra food and special treats. It is like it is a reward for surviving the week.

This article is just a reminder that I need to continue to work on my weekends. I am happy that I made another small step with my run yesterday. Today I am sore and am letting my body recover. There will be some sort of physical activity in my future tomorrow.

Tags: calories, splurges, weekends

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