I am not exaggerating: I have basically no self-control. I over-indulge in sweets; I call people too frequently; I never say no to seconds; there isn’t a sale I can resist. If I were one of the kids in that marshmallow study, you bet I would have stuffed my face full of that sugary goodness. Delayed gratification ain’t my thing.
This lack of restraint has generally worked out OK for me. I’m a fully functioning adult…who did well in school…has a few degrees under her belt…had a nice little run as a teacher and by all accounts am professional, reliable, and good at what I do. Yes, I’ve made mistakes and sometimes my impulsive nature was at least partially to blame, but not holding back has not prevented me from being blessed with a lot of amazing-ness.
The thing is, this lack of self-control is not helping me in the ‘getting-in-shape’ department. And it’s getting on my nerves. I wish I didn’t care that I am carrying around an extra 10 pounds from this pregnancy and 16 pounds from the previous one. But I do. I know that I do because I know exactly how much extra weight I’m carrying — to the pound. It annoys me because I have more clothes that don’t fit me than clothes that do. It drives me crazy that even though I like to shop, I hate buying clothes right now because it seems soooo wasteful (or so permanent — what if I’m this size forever?).
I want it gone…sooner than later, please. Yet despite how much I want to be in shape in my head, I’m stuck when it comes to making it happen. I’m basically hungry all the time (thank you, breastfeeding & sleep-deprivation) and I have not found a good rhythm to get organized with healthy snacks. It is no easy feat to lose 26 pounds — not when you eat macaroons like the local patisserie will close without your business. Not when you can’t imagine when to squeeze in exercise between baby cuddles and toddler tantrums. So, I’m just going to put it out there…for all to see. Maybe that’ll motivate me enough to start getting my act together.
TWENTY SIX POUNDS. Starting NOW.
Eat less junk. Move more often. Simple, no?
This post really rang true to me. I too am having so much trouble in the self-restraint area. The sweets. The shopping. I think it’s an outlet for me- not a healthy one, obviously- as a stay-at-home momma. Sometimes a sugary treat and browsing the sales on the internet are such joys when I am feeling a bit isolated with 3 boys under the age of 5!
Hang in there, kindred spirit. We will make it!
Thanks, Lauren!