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I didn't understand cheat days until now. I didn't think anything about what I'd do when I wanted treats. I think I took it for granted that I could have hot chocolate while I did my weekly after action review (AAR) and planning.
It's tradition, you see, to make something relaxing and different to take my mind out of the game to reflect. Sometimes it would be a delicious mixed drink, sometimes hot chocolate, sometimes a drink, sometimes a snack. Sometimes both.
This week I had to stop short to think about it. I looked at what I had had earlier in the day, calculated the calories in my options, and made a decision based on that.
Next time, I think I'll be a bit smarter and think of healthier options. Maybe a new flavour of tea? That's calorie free. Maybe eat smarter during the day in order to make room for a small slice of cake?
There are a lot of ways I can do this without a full on cheat day. I may eat more than the normal ~1600 calories during Saturday, but that's (technically) OK since my RDI is 2200.
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This incident has taught me something about the way I was eating and how I got into this condition in the first place.
I wasn't thinking. I wasn't counting. I made excuse for treats.
Yes, eating should be enjoyable. You should be able to give yourself treats from time to time to enjoy life. But a full slice of cake after dinner just because dessert?
I have a tea time habit of tea and a treat. Tea and a square of chocolate. Tea and a biscuit. Tea and a piece of homemade jam coffee cake. Tea and.... whatever.
Is it necessary? Yes and No. I'm usually very hungry at 1530 with a few hours left before dinner. Something small is needed to hold my blood sugar level and not send me into an overeating spiral later. But, I could have something more healthy like tea and carrot slices.
Now that I see this about myself, my next health goal is to find healthy alternatives at tea time to the sweet, carb-laden treats. Next week I will replace the coffee cake/biscuit/whatever with vegetables and/or a bit of fruit.
With this adjustment the treat that I make while I do the AAR will be truly a treat. And hopefully I'll enjoy it a lot more.
Diet Calendar Entry for 07 January 2017:
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1725 kcal
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Fat: 67.42g | Prot: 76.31g | Carb: 195.75g.
Breakfast: Fruit, Bacon, English Muffin, Kroger Eggs (Large), Coffee (Brewed From Grounds), Kirkland Signature Manchego Cheese. Lunch: Sea Queen Imitation Crab Meat, Sargento Colby Jack Cheese Sticks, Zone Perfect Classic Nutrition Bar - Fudge Graham. Dinner: Guerrero Flour Burrito De Harina Tortillas (Grande Size), Pepperoncini Chicken. Snacks/Other: Clementines, Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Squares, 7-Eleven Mini Marshmallows, Nestle Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix, Coffee Cake. more...
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