Choice and Convenience

I have gained some weight. (now is the time to insert your gasp that I would put this in my blog) I know that some weight gain is expected as we get older. That weight gain happens as our metabolism slows down. But in my head I can't rectify this. I ran a half marathon in December and am getting ready to run another one...I should not be gaining the weight that I have. (true I found out I was adding too much powder in my protein shakes but still) I know the difference between muscle weight gain and fat gain. Sadly it is the latter that I am now carrying around with me. I could justify some of this by owning the fact that I am now in my late twenty's and not 18 anymore...but I don't want to justify it. I see what I put in my mouth. What things I allow to delight my pallet and it is time for me to grow up.

America is all about choices and convenience with food. Walk into a store or drive down a busy commercial street if you don't think I'm correct. We know what we want and we want to choose...and want it fast and easy. So as I walk through the grocery store I glance at my cart and see that most of what I have grabbed is convenient snack food. You know what I'm talking about, the corn chips to eat with salsa...that's healthy, right? and how about the granola or fruit bars? What about the Wheat Thin crackers? The hard truth is that my body doesn't need snacks it needs food. It needs to be fed not placated. I'm tired of allowing my stomach and sometimes my mouth decide what I need to eat. I have gained weight because I watch it go in and hope for the best.

So today I made a salad for lunch (after my 3 mile work out). I cut up the lettuce, cucumbers, apples, and avocado. I threw in some sliced turkey lunch meat, feta cheese, and carefully added some salad dressing. I then made a plate of cucumbers, carrots, and humus. For some flair I threw on some dried cranberries...and it was good. I can't say I always like cold meals (especially right now with being cold all the time) but it was exactly what my body needed. I didn't feel tired this afternoon or drowsy and my body feels good. So I am giving up bad choices and unhealthy convenience for the sake of my health. Because it does matter to me how I look...and true maybe other's can't tell I've gained weight (please don't feel the need to tell me if you did notice). But I want to make the convenient choice of living healthy for a long time. So good bye love affair with pieces of chocolate number 3 or 4...because I want to add to my life but not in the weight department. ;)

Wish me luck...I know this won't be easy!