Have been doing some soul-searching to try to understand WHY maintenance is so challenging for me- when I like the food and am in a groove. I think that my mind (or emotions) are trying to get the better of me, but I still hold firmly to the motivations that got me to embrace this way of eating this year. Also, hold firmly to the fact that I don't want to erase 9 months of progress. So there...
![Very Happy :-D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Am on hyper alert as I have McD'd before with great results - but then fallen into the "vegan" processed food trap. This time is a bit different in that I've stuck to mainly minimally processed, MWL compliant foods and have journaled most of my journey. (But, I am now "allowing" myself to eat CRAP - mainly at work, stuff that is sitting an arm's reach away from me)... This new bad SNACK monster habit seems to have opened Pandora's Box. (Advice - Don't do it even once!! )
I always intended to keep on with eating in maintenance as I did to lose, but have struggled with SNACK monster trap. (have allowed myself to do so...)
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
I'm done feeling sorry for myself (the pity party was small and not a good look)... We all have our own unique challenges - and I think the best way for me to overcome them for myself is to draw a red line around CRAP and to be prepared with MWL compliant food.
In my effort to kick the behind of the SNACK monster, this weekend, I have batch cooked / prepared the following items.
Chili (delicious!):
Cans of beans -black, kidney, garbanzo
Can of corn
Crushed tomatoes
Diced tomatoes
Chili peppers
2 huge bell peppers
1 huge red onion
Chili powder, cumin, cayenne
Veg broth
Garlic
Cook on low in slow cooker. Eat over potatoes or rice.
For tomorrow, I have cut veggies - ready to throw in slow cooker in the AM.
4 huge Russet potatoes - chopped
Bag of carrots - chopped
Huge red onion - chopped
2 boxed mushrooms - chopped
Crushed tomatoes
Diced tomatoes
Italian spices
Garlic
Veg broth
Have also cut melons and crudites. Have made a no fat hummus - to eat with the veggies. Have plenty of potatoes / rice / quinoa to take to work in case hungry (to make a better choice).
I will be looking to kick the behind of the SNACK MONSTER. No to pretzels (or any other CRAP). Period. Hard stop. Prepare. Be in control instead of being controlled.
(Corny!) Re-visiting song that gets me in mood to do the right thing:
"Like a small boat
On the ocean
Sending big waves
Into motion
Like how a single word
Can make a heart open
I might only have one match
But I can make an explosion...
This is my fight song
Take back my life song
Prove I'm alright song
My power's turned on
Starting right now I'll be strong
I'll play my fight song
And I don't really care if nobody else believes
'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me...." - Rachel Platten
Quote of the Day:
" When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." - Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Wishing all McD'ers well!
Cheers,
Stephanie