I couldn’t rightly tell you if I’m the absolute best person to be talking about this, or the absolute worst.
An argument could be made either way. But here I am, talking anyway.
I was asking folks about what’s on their mind on Facebook Several said they needed help restarting.
For some time now, I’ve been flirting with getting back on track but deep down, I haven’t really wanted it much. You feel me here?
I get tired. I have difficult and stressful going on. Chocolate makes me feel better, right there, in the moment. The kind of chocolate that comes in a box with a little girl’s picture is cheap, readily available and requires zero kitchen witchery or dirty dishes. It’s an easily obtainable comfort. Who wants to abandon an easy coping strategy?
I haven’t. Not really.
But I DO genuinely want to be healthy. I know that when you feed your body well, you feel better, and any stress is easier to manage. I know I’m getting older. I’m a one of those “crossroads moments.” I can become a healthier old person or a sicker old person. The choice is mine.
People count on me. Taking care of myself matters. So here I am, working on me. Not demanding perfection. Not demanding I be some sort of example or holier-than-thou health nut guru. Just better.
And once again I’ll drop my favorite truth bomb: it’s a whole lot more about what’s goin’ on in the head than anything else. Once you dial your attitude in, you’ve got it made. This will no doubt look different for different people.
Restarting and Bridges?
The concept of “bridging” is what I’m leaning into most now. I’m always looking for ways to make things easier. A bridge from where I am to where I am going, to make the way easier.
Some of them are pretty simple. I’ve gone back to using my special Low Carb Coffee Creamer, for example.
I mostly crave sweets; I’ve been looking for bridges for that particular issue, since it’s my biggest one.
Some folks argue that you’re better off without low carb sweets, and they may be right…for them.
For me? I wouldn’t stick to this way of eating without that option. I have had a “thing” for sweets all of my life and I have no expectation it will change. It’s not about denial. It’s about shifting, getting from “bad idea” to “this works for me” land. As always, your milage may vary.
My absolute favorite from high carb days was those Golden Graham cereal Smores Bars. I could inhale an entire pan in a couple of days, grabbing off a hunk some each time I wandered even remotely near the kitchen. And I’d wander “near the kitchen” a lot. I brake for chocolate.
I didn’t think it was possible to recreate these low carb. But I was wrong. I started out with this recipe from Carolyn @ All Day I Dream About Food.
My first attempt came out pretty good. Okay. Pretty darned good!
And delightfully messy, too. Har!
I’m still experimenting here. I discovered less chocolate than the recipe calls for is better. (Never thought I’d say that!) Too much chocolate makes it hard to cut or bite into.
I found out Keto Catalina Crunch cereal is great in these; much better than the Phat Crackers recommended. And the (absolutely amazing) ChocZero Mini Marshmallows are perfect. They could pass for normal marshmallows! But I’m not loving the prices for all the specialty munchies.
Put it all together with the sugar free chocolate, I’m investing way more than I’d prefer for treats. So I am going to experiment with making the cereal and marshmallows myself and see how it goes. One thing at a time.
I tried a couple other treats, too. Banana Walnut Muffins using DJ’s Sweet Baking Mix (from MAKING ENDS MEAT) and a No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait from I Breathe, I’m Hungry. Both were imperfect in one way or another, but both turned out pretty good anyway.
That’s kind of how my self-image is running right now. Imperfect in one way or another, but hopefully, pretty good anyway. You, too?
These are some of my active bridges. And more meal prep as my leg gets stronger and my stamina increases. For now, it’s just making enough dinner to last a couple of days when I can. Baby steps! As long as we’re going in the right direction, eh?
Aside: I use those silicone cupcake liners pictured ALL. THE. TIME. As you may have noticed. Amazon basics, baby! Recommended.
“Restarting Reminders” Video Series
I’ve started a (very) informal video series on Facebook for Restarting Reminders. WARNING: This isn’t a polished, high production value thing! This is more like “having coffee with me on my back deck” kind of experience, okay? But I’m hoping the content is good enough the missing bells and whistles won’t matter. Also, please don’t ask me why there are so many Episode 7’s. I have no clue!
I hope you find something there helpful to you. [And if you don’t do Facebook, please reply to let me know and I’ll post them on a video site, too.]
None of us are perfect. We don’t need to be. Expecting “perfection” ultimately gives out a 100% failure rate. All we need to be is moving in the right direction. Bridging from where we are to where we want to be. Loving ourselves enough to be kind to our bodies, our minds, and our spirits.
Be well out there! That means being as happy as you can, too. As always, I’m rooting for you!!
