I’m at a point in this no sugar / no flour experiment that the results have become very noticeable to people. This is strange to me because I tend to be my biggest critic. Sure I can see the difference on the scale, with over 40lbs lost in less than four months and even feel the difference around my waistline, having dropped around 10 inches in my pant sizes. But in the end, I still find myself having a hard time accepting positive comments from others.
I’m sure one factor is that we see ourselves more than anyone else, so a change in appearance isn’t as drastic as when someone sees you after a month. Adding to this issue is that we see “more” of ourselves than anyone else, which is a good thing for others. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to check out every nook and cranny of my 6’6 frame.
When I think about how far I’ve come in this time, it hits me how fortunate I’ve been to have a supportive spouse and family. While it isn’t necessary to have someone right there with you to make this experiment work, I have benefitted from Stephanie’s amazing cooking skills. I work nights and only have a short time to go home for dinner, but each night there is something without sugar or flour sitting on the table. I’m even fortunate that the kids haven’t acted like we are trying to kill them with all the healthier meals, likely because they are so tasty.
Now Stephanie has benefitted from this experiment also and has shown amazing results. Of course, she doesn’t see it on herself, much like I don’t see on myself, but we both can see the results of each other. This gives us both the opportunity to reaffirm each other consistently, which is always nice for a relationship.
If you are in a place where you want to make a change in your health, and there is a slim chance that others in your household or close circle of friends are ready to make a change also, even if it’s just to support you, then ask them to try the experiment with you. Work out a meal plan together and share the cooking responsibilities if you can. Have a back up plan in place, just in case one of you is running behind, which can lead to “just grabbing something quick” and that rarely ends well.
It’s funny to me that when I started this in March, it was a stretch to think I could survive the month. After two weeks, I realized that I could go a month without sugar and flower. After a month, it didn’t take much to talk myself into signing on for a second one. Here I am, halfway through my fourth month and it doesn’t phase me to think about stretching this “short” experiment to six months. In the back of my mind, I have to wonder if a full year is possible. Sure I can say that it would be really tough during the holidays with all the sweets and traditions of eating terribly, but you could say the same thing about Summer time with its picnics and barbeques.
I just keep going back to the main thing I’ve learned through this experience. It gets easier. Unlike other things I’ve tried in the past, where you felt like you were giving things up and going without, going without sugar and flour gets easier the longer you go. Sure, you’re likely reading this paragraph and thinking I’m full of crap, but I challenge you to prove me wrong. You don’t know how your mind and body will function after giving these things up for a prolonged period of time, so any argument you can give me isn’t based in fact.
I want you to feel the sensation of buying a pair of pants that are a bit too tight this week, then having them fit more comfortably next week, then feeling loose the third week, and finally feel like you need to wear a belt the fourth. While at the same time, you continue to eat great food, stay full, and go about your normal day. Give it shot and see what happens.
John
I’m sure one factor is that we see ourselves more than anyone else, so a change in appearance isn’t as drastic as when someone sees you after a month. Adding to this issue is that we see “more” of ourselves than anyone else, which is a good thing for others. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to check out every nook and cranny of my 6’6 frame.
When I think about how far I’ve come in this time, it hits me how fortunate I’ve been to have a supportive spouse and family. While it isn’t necessary to have someone right there with you to make this experiment work, I have benefitted from Stephanie’s amazing cooking skills. I work nights and only have a short time to go home for dinner, but each night there is something without sugar or flour sitting on the table. I’m even fortunate that the kids haven’t acted like we are trying to kill them with all the healthier meals, likely because they are so tasty.
Now Stephanie has benefitted from this experiment also and has shown amazing results. Of course, she doesn’t see it on herself, much like I don’t see on myself, but we both can see the results of each other. This gives us both the opportunity to reaffirm each other consistently, which is always nice for a relationship.
If you are in a place where you want to make a change in your health, and there is a slim chance that others in your household or close circle of friends are ready to make a change also, even if it’s just to support you, then ask them to try the experiment with you. Work out a meal plan together and share the cooking responsibilities if you can. Have a back up plan in place, just in case one of you is running behind, which can lead to “just grabbing something quick” and that rarely ends well.
It’s funny to me that when I started this in March, it was a stretch to think I could survive the month. After two weeks, I realized that I could go a month without sugar and flower. After a month, it didn’t take much to talk myself into signing on for a second one. Here I am, halfway through my fourth month and it doesn’t phase me to think about stretching this “short” experiment to six months. In the back of my mind, I have to wonder if a full year is possible. Sure I can say that it would be really tough during the holidays with all the sweets and traditions of eating terribly, but you could say the same thing about Summer time with its picnics and barbeques.
I just keep going back to the main thing I’ve learned through this experience. It gets easier. Unlike other things I’ve tried in the past, where you felt like you were giving things up and going without, going without sugar and flour gets easier the longer you go. Sure, you’re likely reading this paragraph and thinking I’m full of crap, but I challenge you to prove me wrong. You don’t know how your mind and body will function after giving these things up for a prolonged period of time, so any argument you can give me isn’t based in fact.
I want you to feel the sensation of buying a pair of pants that are a bit too tight this week, then having them fit more comfortably next week, then feeling loose the third week, and finally feel like you need to wear a belt the fourth. While at the same time, you continue to eat great food, stay full, and go about your normal day. Give it shot and see what happens.
John