Sugar intake
Several years ago, I sat at my desk in South L.A. and pondered my dietary problems. Here's an update with some disappointing developments and new opportunities. My main three worries are: sugar, weight, and physical fitness.
Background
Growing up, I was a sweet-a-holic. I had gone from my youth (and soccer) to college (and ultimate) then atlanta (and ultimate) and finally L.A. (and for a period of time, no ultimate or other consistent sport) within a year. My activity level suffered, my ability to prepare high-quality meals dropped, and my sweet tooth persisted. I felt less healthy. But I still craved candy and dessert.
Now
I'm in pretty good shape physically. I participate in several workouts a week - sometimes for 3 or more hours at a time. My weight and waistline have dropped over the last year. But I still feel sluggish at times - often the day(s) after I have large or very sweet desserts.
Cravings
Brownies, cake, chocolate (milk and dark), cookies, custard, eclaires, ice cream, M&Ms -- and I could go on. Ice cream constitutes probably the worst of these because of the portion sizes I take and its hefty donation of sugar AND fat to my blood stream.
Missing
I've grown apart from my old routine of brushing my teeth when I had a sugar craving. Instead, I have a bite to eat, chalking up the snack or meal to the importance of eating often. And while more frequent meals do help me keep my sugar levels constant (thereby avoiding the sugar crashes and cravings I get in those crashes), my calorie count is also something to watch when I eat 4 or 5 separate times a day.
Plus Side
Last time I checked, my weight was stable at more than 5 pounds less than it was a year and a half ago. My eating habits since moving earlier this summer have improved - I am cooking one to three meals a week, often allowing for healthy leftovers, too. I like my activity level and think there's still room to grow.
Morale of the Story
Eat fewer desserts by brushing teeth, having fresh fruit after meals, and hydrating (with water not beer). Comments are welcome.
2 comments:
I hear ya, Ben. I'm having trouble saying no to having one of the free Coca-colas at work in the afternoon. I like how it gives me an afternoon pick-me-up, but I know it's bad for me, and I should fix that afternoon let down in other, more productive ways.
I'm torn because part of me wants to send you double chocolate brownie cookies (they're AMAZING!!), but part of me also realizes that the enabler in me doesn't always have others' overarching best interests in mind... Gah.
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