I have experienced, listened and thought about how people lose weight. Calorie counting, keeping track of points, wearing devices to count how many calories are being burned...going without, doing without and just being without. And within all this hard work...a lot of failure. Who can keep up with all the can't, can't, can't.
I believe that living an interesting life means that you can try your friend's new cookie recipe without telling your friend that she is "evil" for making such a luscious cookie. How sad is that! Someone gives in pure generosity and it is met with "OH, you are SO evil." What about...enjoying this generous cookie and then adding 15 minutes to your next walk? No big deal. You have honored your friend, taste buds and waist all in just 15 minutes.
There are 530 calories in a Baskin Robbins two scoop hot fudge sundae. For me that is the equivalent of running about 3 miles. Forty-five minutes of cardio and I can sit back and really enjoy a hot fudge sundae with no regrets. This is what taking responsibility is all about. "I want this and that, so I need to do that to get it."
I want to enjoy ice cream and my friends' cooking, and, have a better body shape, therefore, I will work-out so that I can have both.
While losing my first 80 pounds, I enjoyed cheeseburgers and hot fudge sundaes, an occasional drink, pizza and salads with bleu cheese dressing. I did not not go without. I simply budgeted my caloric intake and expenditure.
While it may seem like "work"...it paid off. I lost the weight without ever feeling like I was denying myself yummy food. I was able to eat a dinner at a friend's house without making them feel guilty for making macaroni and cheese. I could go out to eat without stressing over food choices. I would share a plate of nachos with a friend.
Being a warrior is about taking absolute responsibility.
Thank your friend for the yummy cookie, enjoy the cookie, and then take a walk.
Simple.
That's what a warrior would do.
