Wow! This simple ad was my lightbulb moment

**aylasmommy** · 01-25-2003, 09:16 PM

I have always known that eating what I desire is good for me, (because otherwise i pig out trying to quench that craving) but deep down I still felt guilty sometimes...until I read this ad from YM (february issue)

It has a picture of a girl drinking a smoothie with this written:

"1:17pm
chicken caesar salad
seven grain roll
berry smoothie "

"Eat what you want- when you are hungry. Stop when you are full. And eat exactly what appeals to you. Do this instead of any diet, and you are unlikely to ever have a weight problem, let alone an eating disorder."

I just felt this load lift off my shoulders when I read that...I never knew that burden was there to begin with. It makes me feel like I CAN eat healthy and still eat what I want..and I CAN do this the rest of my life and that it will be EASY...Heck I think I'll be putting this on the door to my pantry to remind me of this

**scrappycat** · 01-26-2003, 10:55 AM

Heather,
Have you ever read the book "Why Women Need Chocolate"? It's a wonderful book. It talks about why we crave the things we crave. She explains how our hormones effect what we want to eat. In essence, she gives you permission to satisfy your cravings, within reason. After reading the book, I bought a large Hershey's bar, and broked it into the individual pieces and put it in the freezer. When I crave chocolate, I reach in a grab a piece. Since it's frozen, it melts slowly in my mouth, and the one piece really satisfies me. She explained that eating a little of what you want, when you want it, is much better than denying yourself for days, and then eating a whole package of cookies!

**CountryMom** · 01-26-2003, 11:03 AM

I am on a diet plan (WW) but I try very hard to follow that advice. I actually had food left on my plate several times this week! Very impowering to just be able to stop eating when you have had enough.

**aylasmommy** · 01-26-2003, 01:52 PM

That sounds like a great book Pam! I also like to freeze my candy bars...they not only last longer but to me taste better too

Christy, isn't it a great feeling

I had a hard time breaking the habit of finishing my plate because of how I was raised...but now I'll just put aside the leftovers and have it as a snack later so I'm still able to not feel bad about not eating it all

**mrscornbread** · 01-26-2003, 06:16 PM

Heather, I thought about you today and my dd and I went to look for a piar of shoes for her, next Friday is Winter Formal. We found a coldstone ice creamery. I had a coupon that my sister sent me for a free one. At first my mind said no, you have to watch everything you eat now, in order to be where you want to be. Then for a second I remembered this thread and ordered a small one with roasted almonds. Dd said "Mom its Sunday, a day of rest, rest and eat it" It was delicious. Tomorrow is a new day and I will still get there...