Go Blue!

First big test today: I went over to a friend's house to watch some basketball (Booyah Michigan!) and was nervous about how well I'd do. There was pizza, soft drinks, nachos, etc. Could I avoid eating the forbidden food? While there are foods that I enjoy, I don't think I've ever been a "foodie." I don't eat when I'm depressed (quite the opposite actually) and I don't eat because I love eating. Don't get me wrong ... I'm still really screwed up when it comes to food. My problem is that I'm lazy.

I'll eat what is fast and convenient. Fast food for lunches everyday? Sure, because it's easier than the alternatives. Eat a bag of chips in one sitting? Sure, because when you eat from the bag it's hard to stop. You get the idea ... So, what was the secret to success at my friend's house? I went prepared. I brought some chili and some fruit with me. I knew how much I was going to eat, and I stuck to the plan.

Now, my wife tells me that's she wired differently when it comes to food. It would have been much tougher for her to reject all those yummy foods. For her, the smarter choice would have been to avoid the party altogether. I don't advocate placing yourself in situations where the temptation is very likely to overwhelm you. For me the challenge wasn't to resist the urge to eat, but to resist the urge to just go with the flow. I won when I prepared ahead of time.

This isn't about diet. It's about a lifestyle and I can see that I can do what I need to do.