My name is Justin and I am a treat-o-holic. I love treats...cookies, ice cream, brownies, rice crispy treats...it doesn’t really matter, I love them all. When a bag of mini candy bars is open up at home, I just can’t eat one...or two...or even three...I must eat until they are gone. I think it is genetic...or at least I try to convince myself that it is in order lessen the guilt after one of my binges.
As most of you know, in the early days of this deployment, I established my “no treat tracker” to help keep me motivated in my attempt to kick the treat overeating habit. It has never been a very successful measure. I have gone off treats for a few days here or for a few days there. However, I have never mounted a really successful treat free streak.
Several months ago I decided I didn’t really care about kicking the habit. After all, with my consistent, nearly daily exercise routine, my weight was lower than it had been in years and I felt great. I decided to partake of the “forbidden fruit” freely and not even feel guilty about it. So for thirty-six days straight I ate treats...and boy did I eat them. I ate dessert at breakfast. I ate dessert for lunch. And of course, I ate dessert for dinner. Dinner was my favorite because I would usually eat a bowl of ice cream and wash it down with one or two, very tasty, 250 calorie apiece, Otis Spunkmeyer cookies. It was probably the happiest time of my deployment.
So what happened, you ask? Why am I bringing up the no treat tracker now? Well, a few weeks ago I decided that I should re-check my cholesterol. It had been borderline high for several years and I was due for getting it checked again. I felt pretty confident that it would be good given the previously mentioned exercise routine and weight loss. So I went over to the ANA hospital and had them draw my blood. To my shock and horror, the cholesterol was still high. It had improved some. However, it was still high enough that I knew drastic measures were needed. I had two choices. I could either start myself on medication or else I could cut out the treats from my otherwise pretty healthy diet. It took several days to decide. Honestly, at several points in the decision making process I almost went for the easy route and decided to start the medication. However, ultimately I knew, if I ever wanted to look my high cholesterol patients in the eye again with a clear conscience, I needed to do the right thing and cut back on the treats.
So here I am 12 days later. The withdrawal has subsided some. I am not quite as shaky as I was a few days ago. My irritable mood has improved a little. I am surviving. I still get cravings, especially as I walk past the long table full of cookies, cakes and other delicious goodies that are set up for every meal. I miss my ice cream. However, for at least 12 days I can say I have beat the habit. I am a treat addict rehab success story.
Man, I can’t wait for my relapse!
5 comments:
I think it makes it harder when it's out there, staring you in the face. It' so much easier when you can control what goes into your own home than having a smorgasboard provided for you each time you go to dine. Way to go, Justin! Keep it up.
Hey, this is a story of magnitude! Go Justin!
To our favorite grandson, Captain Moroni (oops), Justin. We just had the privilege of examining your new diet dialogue. We think it's terrific. it is hereditary as you can see by the new post on your mom and dad's blog. We, too, love cookies, cakes, ice cream and strawberry yogurt. We, too, try to restrict ourselves to no more than 4 cookies each, a small bowl of yogurt, and large bowl of ice cream. And sometimes we try and eat something healthy also! The program seems to be working because we've been together for 61 years without argument or contention. Nothing but peace, liberty and freedom for all. Hallelujah! The serious side is that we love you, Justin. We think of you often. Pray for you constantly and admire you with all of our heart.
Love you lots...even as we do cookies. .
Grandpa and Grandma Jones
P.S. We are looking with great expectations for seeing you in April. Stay healthy, well and happy.
I'm so guilty that I can't comment . . . I'm starting tomorrow! I love you.
Love, Mom
It is genetic - I didn't know that it was even possible to fight against it. :)
Actually, I have a appointment to get my cholesterol checked this Friday. I'm pretty sure they are going to put me on medication for life. I think anyone with the last name of Jones should probably follow your example... Congratulations on 12 good days.
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