Why CR? (or my own adaptation of it)


I was reading today on April's blog through some old post and found the TV appearances and watched them, perhaps searching for some inspiration. It's really interesting to me why people question people who would rather eat healthier, shed a few pounds, or train their body and mind to reach for an apple over a candy bar. Why is CR considered a "near starvation" way of life.

It got me thinking about my own personal goals, which I have shared on this blog many times as they change and adapt to my current feelings, issues, etc. For me, living longer has never really been a reason to do CR. I want to be healthier. Eat better. Make wiser decisions.

I have come to the conclusion, that I am definitely an emotional eater and drinker. When upset, physically ill, etc., I comfort myself with rich, savory foods. I convince myself for whatever reason, that I deserve to eat like crap and it won't effect my over all health if I just have one soda. Lies.

It does effect me, in many ways, but mostly in feeding that habit. Making that behavior acceptable.

There are thoughts that I have towards food that I know are bogus and these are the thoughts that I think help make food comforting in times that are tough. For instance; thinking fast food is fast. Associating healthy eating with being more of an effort. I can't think of anything easier than pulling out an apple, washing it off and taking a bite. Easy. Steaming some veggies, easy. Broiling some chicken, easy. And look at the nutritional benefit of eating like that compared to waiting in the line at the drive through, getting pissed off at poor customer service and feeling like crap after eating like crap, weighing myself or looking in the mirror and feeling guilty. My gut getting in the way of running up stairs or walking my dog faster or whatever. Creating a continuous circle of bad eating habits. A trap.

So I think I have to really change the way I thought process food to be successful at living a healthy lifestyle. I want the benefits of being healthy. I want to feel young for a long time. I want to be thin and attractive, active, etc. These are the reasons I monitor my food intake and attempt a CR lifestyle. These benefits can EASILY be accomplished by changing habits.

I guess to wrap things up; following CR, being aware of my intake for me is all about developing new habits. New healthier habits that will take me to another place in life where eating right is not an effort, but a way of life. Second nature.

I haven't posted in a few days, so to bring everyone up to speed; food has been so so for the couple of days. I went to Boston over the weekend to visit my girlfriend Sara. Pabst was able to go, as I had Sara's car and was able to drive, as opposed to taking the bus. Sara is a healthier eater and is beginning to read more about CR, so I have good support. On Saturday we ate very well. Sunday, we made a huge breakfast with her roommate, but remained healthy. We went out of ice cream and of course instead of making the healthy decision of frozen FF yogurt, I got two scoops (not one) of some ridiculous cake batter and cookie dough ice cream. Unfortunately, that just let to hot dogs on the grill for dinner and bit too much wine and beer to follow.

Yesterday and today are good though and I am happily back on track. Just have to figure out how to work the weekends a bit better. Again, good habits.

Today's food;

BREAKFAST:

3 whole eggs scrambled with cheese, topped with salsa
1 Medium Banana

SNACK:

1/4 cup almonds

LUNCH:

Sliced chicken breast and muenster, lettuce, tomato and mustard on whole wheat.
1/2 cup dannon light and fit vanilla yogurt

SNACK:

150 grams carrots, sliced with
2 tbsp of hummus

DINNER:

125 grams broiled chicken breast
1.5 cups sauteed cabbage
something else, not sure


Without the added "not sure" item for dinner my numbers look like this;

1505 calories
109 grams of protein
119 grams of carbs
62 grams of lipids (no doubt high because of whole eggs, i will 1 cup egg whites tomorrow)
92% vitamins
slightly low on folate, very low on D and slightly low on E
90% minerals
slightly low on calcium, iron and magnesium

Calcium chew would help with Vitamin D and Calcium.