August 29, 2010 Diet Blog

Still plodding along the path to a smaller body. I didn't weigh in officially this month because I went on the Royal Caribbean book tour Cruise and was not behaved well at all. I controlled it- or tried to but it was so difficult. It seems like cruises have more food than anywhere else on the planet. Still I'm not unhappy with the outcome and I will weigh in officially on September 5th and post the results.
I'm quite proud of myself for something that happened yesterday and thought that it would be a good subject to talk with you guys about because I cannot believe that it's STILL happening to me, even now, when dieting has become a habit; a vendetta if you know what I mean. The subject is "sabotage" and I'll explain what happened first.
I went out to celebrate my BFF's nieces birthday at a restaurant called P.F. Chang's. They serve oriental food and a pear mojito to die for, if that's your thing. Though it may have been mine in another life, I opted for diet coke. Several appetizers were ordered; pan fried this, fried that, noodle whatever; you get the idea. I opted for the company of people I like and the diet coke. My not having those things should not hinder any one's good time or eating habits in anyway- especially because I had full intention of sharing the bill just the same.
My Bff, who has been with me throughout the diet process and watched me struggle for years was actually insistent, REPEATEDLY that I try this, that, and the other. At first I joked because as the designated driver I refused to drink, then I said things like "I may as well just apply it here" and patted my rump. I mentioned the upcoming Hawaiian trip that I would like to be at my best for...none of it deterred her. Finally, in a jolly voice with a smile on my face I glared at her in a way that she is very familiar with I'm sure, given the length of our friendship, and I told her pointedly that she should be supportive- especially now when the end is in sight at about 18 pounds away. I reminded her that I've struggled for too long to let that pan fried whatever come between me and what I dream of looking like on my next book cover.
It took several attempts before she actually got it- but I'm happy to report that she did get it. I'm still reeling from the fact that I had to re-convince her. I guess that means that I must be looking normal because I think that she honestly forgot or something.
Later, we went to the party store to get Thank you cards for gifts given at her oldest son's graduation. I had helped her write out the invites and I had said I would help her with this too. While we were in there she said that she absolutely was dying for a sweet and she purchased a chocolate candy bar. She ate a bite of it and said jokingly, "I'd offer you some but I need to be supportive." We laughed. She got it. That was her way of saying "oops, sorry about that." It blew over and all was well.
My point though is that the "sabotage" seems to die out for awhile when people figure out that you're serious but then it comes back as you get close enough to the goal to see it. It's within reach for me. 18 pounds is a spit in the bucket, so to speak, compared to what I've lost already. My cautionary warning for you guys: Watch for it. Prepare for it. I cannot believe that it happened after all of this time. For the record my BFF is naturally thin. It's a genetic code for a great metabolism. She can eat anything, drink anything, enjoy combinations of anything and never pays a consequence. She looks great in everything and can buy clothes from everywhere. I do not have that luxury. I never did. I still don't. My figure leaves a lot to be desired. I'm small on top and big on the bottom. I look better but believe me- she'd win a beauty contest where I'd be thrilled to sit in the back of the audience wearing black glasses.
I believe that being prepared for things that we know are going to occur has helped me a lot on this path. That's why I felt that it is imperative to share these things with you. It is part of being successful on this path to health and vitality that we obviously feel we must be on. Let me just add, that I'm glad to be on this path with you. It's nice to have company. It's nice to help and be helped by you.
I'll sign off here reminding us all that :You look as good as you can for today. Tomorrow you will look that much better. Do not let your perception of your body stand in the way of you having a good time. Stay positive...AND we're still in this together...I'm right here.
Take care of yourself...begin again if you need to...xo