Discipline

To promise not to do a thing is the surest way in the world to make a body want to go and do that very thing.  ~Mark Twain, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, 1876
 

The biggest change that needs to happen with me is a change in thinking rather than in my waistline.  I can change my thinking TODAY, right now, instantly.  The fit of my jeans, however will have to wait a while.  

I've found myself saying lately that, "One cookie won't hurt."  But will it help?  Um, not only no, but hell no.  There is a quote that has been attributed to Churchill: Discipline is just choosing between what you want NOW, and what you want MOST.  There have been several times when I've wanted things now and should have remembered what I want most.  This morning I definitely wanted more sleep now, but then thought about what I wanted most.  My health.  (All right, all right.  And my jeans.)

It's very simplistic that thinking asking one simple question at the right times can change a person, but it can.  Before I make a meal, grab a handful of chips, veg on the couch or continue to eat for no reason,  I will ask myself, "Is this going to help me reach my goal?"  Hopefully that will lead to more yeses than nos!

I discovered a free online calorie counter and food journal.  It definitely helps.  If you have to write it down, somehow it's more official.  Works well for me anyway!  I encourage you to check it out.

Also - I recently checked out a book from the library.  It's fantastic and I love it.  The No Fad Diet.  After all, this is a quest for health.  I'll be referencing that book a lot!  If you've got access to a library or amazon.com, I highly recommend this book.

I will be spending this evening starting a database with healthy meals (especially ones that can be made in bulk because I look the fix and freeze method of cooking - but that's a whole nother blog topic.)  I'll have a link to some the database I create.  Also - I'd like to see how to create a forum where folks can ask questions and maybe get some answers.

But now, it's time to go be Mommy.  The kids have finished breakfast and are ready to be entertained.  And yes, that burns calories too!