Personal Prose Post

Any dieter has to deal with the biggest bugaboo — deprivation. One can’t diet while at the same time eating the same way as before, hence the need to deprive oneself of something one really wants. In my case, chocolate and other carbs. But what’s the point, if you don’t have the self-control to succeed on the diet? Might as well just continue eating as before and feel smug that you haven’t failed at anything recently.

OK, I’ve deprived myself of some things. But I’ve been overeating the things that are allowed, and feeling full all the time. This came about mostly because I heard a woman at the class talk about how she had done this class before and was hungry all the time. I resolved not to be hungry, so I’ve chowed down on steamed veggies, coleslaw, Asian vegetable soup, and so on. Believe me, it’s been plenty to eat, actually more than I ate before I started to diet. Last night I was so full that I felt like I’d just eaten Thanksgiving dinner — had to waddle to the couch and lie down for the evening. Not what I had in mind.

Yes, I’ve lost a pound since this started, but today I’m having to deal straightforwardly with the idea of deprivation. It’s why most people don’t succeed on diets, because they can’t stand the feeling of deprivation. So I decided to eat more reasonable portions today. And, guess what, a little hunger actually feels better than being stuffed. Onward!

Posted in Writing | No Comments » | January 9th, 2010