Thursday, February 4, 2010

Resolution by Association

The beginning of this year has been a rough one for me. I don't really do New Year's resolutions...it seems I've always got something on my mind that I want to work on, or quit doing (be a better mom/wife, don't talk or text while driving, exercise more, etc), but if I announce it to the world in resolution form, it means other people check up on me and I feel ten times worse when I don't obey.

I have read several blogs where people resolve to no longer eat sugar, chocolate, or something similar. I didn't understand how that could make them happier people. And now I know from first hand experience...it doesn't.

No I didn't make a resolution to eat less sugar...whose blog do you think you're reading? My husband however, is trying to eat healthier, exercise, etc. And, before I start the whining, let me just say that he is doing an EXCELLENT job and I'm way proud and impressed at his determination, will power and commitment. On the other hand, our house is bare of all things sugary. It wasn't hard at first, because there were still some remnants of sugar around the house, but before long I had polished all of it off; old cookies, brownie mixes, even the old, freezer-burned strawberry ice cream that I usually hate (I don't like fruity ice cream) got devoured. I used it for a smoothie.

I feel pathetic admitting to the world just how bad my sugar addiction is. It's not like we have tons of treats around the house at all times...we don't. But if I wanted cookies, I made them...and we usually have a healthy supply of ice cream in the freezer. Like I said, I'm trying to make things easier on Steve, so I have been abstaining. When I put the kids down for the naps and things slow down, that's the worst time of the day and I just can't fight the craving of something sugary while I sit down to watch Gilmore Girls reruns. A few of the things that get me through the day are:

* 100 calorie snack packs from costco that have the cookies in them. Pretty much they taste like crunchy cardboard.
* Quaker mini rice cakes. Apple cinnamon and carmel corn are my favorites. It's like eating sugary air.
* Kettle Corn. This was the worst substitute...popcorn should only be slathered in butter.
* Brown Sugar Cinamon Pop Tarts. These are definitely the best...too bad they are gone too.
* I have chocolate chips and marshmallows in the cupboard, but so far I haven't had to go there...both of those things are so gross to me by themselves.

There have been a couple of redeeming moments this past month though. A couple weeks ago at church they were passing around a sign up sheet; the missionaries needed a few people to bring 2 dozen cookies for a missionary fireside. Of course I signed up...because I love to serve. I didn't even double the recipe (which is normally a crime in my book) so there wouldn't be cookies hanging around the house. So, Steve never even knew I made them, I got my fix...but those poor missionaries only got 18 cookies instead of 24. Oops.

Also, a trip to the park with friends and kids ended in an outing to yogurtland...the best serve yourself yogurt place anywhere. It is so. good.


I feel your pain buddy.

21 comments:

Lizzy said...

How can you live like that? I admire you. But seriously, how is it humanly possible to not eat junk all day? I think I'd go crazy. Or just get ornery. Or both.

Christi said...

I can't believe how good you are doing!!! At least you got Yogurtland. I have been trying too, but sometimes you just really want the ice cream.

Lizzie said...

Good for you Em. I'm having the baby today, so my excuses for eating whatever I want, whenever I want, are now over. Bummer.

Kara said...

I hate that guys have so much more will power. However, I believe if they were home all day with the kids, it would be a different story. When Chris is home, he's always looking through the cupboards for some treats and snacks. He'd be doing that all day like me if he was home too!

Lindsay said...

Hahaha that picture of Easton is hilarious. Good for you guys!

Alifinale said...

You are way nicer than I am. When Brian resolves to eat healthier I say good luck and continue with all my treat making and ice cream buying. How bout you just come over and help me with my addiction.

Sugarless existence is grumpy and not worth it. Go buy yourself some treats.

Carol and Bruce said...

Tell Easton not to worry, Grandpa will take him to Cold Stone. That picture is so cute!

I agree with you on the resolution thing, it never works for me. Kicking the sugar habit is so hard. I admire Steve! I was doing pretty well until the holidays and now I'm right back at it.

AMY AND MIKEY said...

OK, I think it is unrealistic to cut out treats 100%. And I don't think your crazy or weird for wanting them 24-7, I think the average woman wants treats all the time, and the ones who say otherwise either are lying, or psychotic, so don't beat yourself up for wanting treats all the time, i think it's normal.

Jill said...

I hear ya! Couldn't do it. I go crazy when I'm not sneaking a chocolate or five at naptime. Good luck and get it in when you can, I say. Personally, the choco chips and marshmallows really do it for me. That would totally be my loophole!

Cassey said...

Girl you need to get a secret stash going. Some cookies in an old formula can or something.

the splendid life of us... said...

This totally made me laugh (not at you ofcourse). I really hate when Bryce goes on a diet (and I mean diet, not "eating healthier") because our meals end up being restraunt style and everyone fends for themselves. And it totally drives me nuts. I also tried the no chocolate thing for a month. It was hard, because I am a snacker too, especially when I am bored and it was hard to find a substitute for chocolate, because I am not much for candy.
Maybe you could make it into a service project and make cookies to take to someone when ever you feel the need for some cookies.
Hang in there! LOVE YOU!!

Megan and Greg said...

Oh Em, I've been waiting for you to blog. That last comment/pic was so funny! Ok, Em. Buy a box of SOMETHING you love to eat and stash it somewhere, then you can eat it during Gilmore Girls and no one has to know. Good job of supporting Steve, that's hard.

Teresa, mom, Deitz, Aunt Dee Dee said...

I love the picture of Easton. How precious. I don't know why men have better discipline when it comes to "dieting" than women. I have been trying for, let's just say, my whole life.....and look where that got me. Go Steve, pass on any suggestions to help make it easier. I'm always willing to learn. Make sure Steve doesn't stay on his Healthy Eating too long, you might blow away if he does.

Congrats Steve on your success and congrats Em on your willpower.

*Stephanie Lance* said...

dannnnnnnng girl!!! Thats rough! Jenni and I have just been talking about how crazy people are to cut out sugar from your diet! I couldn't do it! But good for steve!! It takes a strong person to accomplish something like that! And good for you for supporting him! If Jarom were to do that, i would still eat treats! hahha I'm a horrible wife!! That picture of Easton is SOOOOO cute and FUNNY!!!

WASHINGTON SOUTHWORTHS said...

I think a big batch of chocolate chip cookies is due at your house! If I lived close, as in the same state, I would totally bring you some! :) We rarely have ice cream in the freezer, and even when we do I forget we have it, so that wouldn't be an issue - I do love frozen yogurt (from a shop, NOT a carton) though. LOVE that picture of Easton!! :D

Jenni said...

hahahahahahahahahahahaha! Emily, Michael and I are just DYING at that picture of Easton! Not only is he so adorable, but how is that picture so perfect! hahahaha I love it!

And are you crazy?!I mean, i'm all about being a supportive wife, but you have needs!!!! haha! I'm like, making michael eat treats with me so that I don't feel fat.

you go, girl. But seriously though, you need some treats. it's not in our blood to abstain.

Chad and Jessica said...

YEAH...someone else with a sugar addiction. Mine is SOOOOO bad right now....I have to eat something sugary or sweet every time I eat something salty. I snag handfuls of sugary cereal throughout the day telling myself that at least the cereals are fortified with vitamins....lol. You're doing great....and it will get better. Your body will start to get used to it..so you won't feel like you need it ALL the time...like me!

Lani said...
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Lani said...

Em you are a saint! Steve is getting pretty close too! I could NEVER go a a day without candy, chocolate or something sweet! Fast Sunday is the closest I get and after dinner watch out people I make a mad dash to the candy cupboard and then make up for the lost 24 hours of snacking. I'm a hopeless case ... Dave is so much better ... he is never tempted ... which is probably why Steve has so much willpower .. he gets it from his dad!

Kim said...

You are much stronger than I am! I can't go one day without a treat. I'll even drink a full glass of chocolate milk if I have to. And for someone who is somewhat lactose intolerant and gets stomach cramps after drinking a full glass of milk, that's saying something...

Margaret said...

That picture is hilarious!