I Deserve to Say "No!"

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

21 Sep 2009 10:29 AM

First, let me start off by saying that I had a really great workout on Saturday. I was able to run farther than I ever had before without stopping due to lack of oxygen, muscle strength or energy. I felt like I could have kept going all day. Of course, having learned my lesson well from my recent bout with a torn and inflamed meniscus in my knee, I made sure not to push it too much.

On Sunday my husband and I had a church function that started very early and lasted for five hours. I was nervous about leaving the kids that long for the first time, and the morning routine was pure chaos. We got out the door just barely on time, and of course I skipped breakfast.

Fortunately, there were some light refreshments waiting at church. Of course, it was too much to ask for healthy food, but I was prepared to make due. There was fruit, but it was covered in thick syrup. Muffins might have been okay, but they were prepackaged and probably full of sugar, fat and sodium. Ultimately, I choose a half of a raw (not toasted bagel) and some cream cheese, and a cup of coffee.

Halfway through eating my half of a bagel I realized that it was just awful. The cream cheese was a little sour tasting. I also realized that I did not have to eat it at all. I had the power to say no (I wouldn't starve to death even if I were a little hungry), and frankly I deserved more than something that tasted bad. Plus, my husband had thoughtfully filled our water bottles and brought them along, and the water was both refreshing and filling.

Hours later, we stopped for a break, and there was more opportunity for snacking. This time, someone had brought out tiny containers of Activia yogurt. To me, yogurt is yogurt, so that was my choice. It took the edge off of my hunger and helped me last until we got home.

I also learned this week that incorporating a few nuts into your diet on a daily basis can help reduce the amount of belly fat, so I'm trying to remember to do this.

You can read more blog posts by Mary Ann Romans here!

Related Articles:

Major Accomplishments

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Weight Loss

Overcoming Weight Loss Obstacles

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger