No junk food, progress so far January 21, 2013

Going with out junk food has been easier than I expected. No chips or fries hasn’t been an issue at all. No m&ms from the office assistant’s bowl has been unexpectedly easy. I think going totally cold turkey has been easier for me than moderation. I find it less difficult to avoid all candy than trying to have just one or two small pieces. (good dark chocolate is an exception). I have had dessert, which included a single serving of chocolate cake and ice cream, but shared three ways mind you.

I have also had pizza, but my single (large) slice included fresh tomatoes and generous spinach. Is pizza junk food? I am a vegetarian, so it never includes high fat sausage or pepperoni. Also, we almost always go to our local pizzeria that specializes in thin New York style crust. Hmm…

I did make one slip up – a peppermint candy after a restaurant meal, a very garlicky meal, so totally warranted. I grabbed it and popped it in my mouth and didn’t think about it violating my rules until a few days later. Oops!

I don’t think I have lost any weight, yet, with this little experiment, which would not be an unwelcome side effect. However, I find that I look more to whole foods and foods of quality for a treat. Home roasted pecans, homemade whole grain and bean power bars, fruit, and avocados. That can’t be a bad outcome.

Still about half way to go. Healthy muffins will be baked today instead of eating Luna bars!

No junk food – week 1 January 7, 2013

Warning, you may disagree with my definition of junk food. My current list of unacceptable items and fully acknowledged inconsistent exceptions:
Unacceptable
French Fries, onion rings, anything breaded and deep fried
Potato chips, corn chips, including baked and “whole” grain (really, face it, they are all a refined carb overload)
Candy
Store bought cookies

Exceptions
chocolate – expensive, fancy dark in small quantities – dark chocolate is a health food, right? See – scientific evidence!
homemade cookies (in moderation) – how can I turn my back on lovingly handmade cookies made with real food like butter and pecans?
dessert from La Baguette – to call these cakes, pastries, and mousses junk food is a travesty (besides they are a infrequent indulgence. And by infrequent I mean no more than once a week)
ice cream – it is made from milk which means protein and calcium, practically making it a wholesome food. I don’t normally eat ice cream, but I love it. So, I add it to my list of exceptions in case the rare occasion arises

Temptations this week
– M&Ms on admin assistants’ desks – Why do they do this? Some days I find myself obsessing about that bowl of cheap chocolate all day. After the third trip down the hall to “ask a question” about my travel claim or use of the corporate credit card, I wonder if they roll their eyes at my excuses as I grab yet another handful of candy. Going cold turkey like this is probably the best way to kick the habit.
– Cookies at recent trail run – I love Nutter Butters and these are an tasty form of portable energy while running, but I made my own energy bars!

Starting Big January 6, 2013

8. No junk food for a whole month

Why not start this year long experience with something big? I originally thought I would strategically plan what month to choose not to have junk food.
Not in February, that Valentine’s Day – don’t want to miss out on the heart shaped cookies and pink m&ms.
Not in March, that is my daughter’s birthday – cake, ice cream, and all the birthday goodness.
Not in April, Easter – peanut butter eggs, jelly beans, etc…
Then I realized how my life is full of junk food, year round, every day and even every time of day. Who is the evil coworker who leaves the dozen doughnuts at the coffee maker in the morning? Why are there three types of cake offered at my afternoon staff meeting? What delusional parent thinks those horrible Walmart iced cookies are a good snack and gives the extra to kids to take home for later?

So, I am just jumping in NOW – no junk food from 6 January to 6 February. Starting sooner, rather than later, I hope to permanently moderate my junk food consumption.

Just say no!