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Monday, August 06, 2012

Obstacle in the road to self-acceptance

I saw an extremely unflattering series of photos of me from a family event this weekend. I was wearing a top of a stretchy material that looked okay to me in the mirror but looked clingy and revealing in the photo and seemed to show the outline of a very over full belly (I overdid it at the party where the pic was taken).

I had the impulse to run back to Weight Watchers or crash diet so the next photo would be better. Sure, I can talk about lighting, etc., but the truth is that I know my weight is up and the photo reflected that.

I have bee re-listening to The Willpower Instinct and am surprised at how much overlap there is with Intuitive Eating.  Rather than abandoning willpower, IE actually would seem to be set up to optimize it (blog post coming soon). I have trouble staying present with my food decisions in some situations, like that party. I need to work on that, not throw myself into another short-term solution that probably will just backfire.

5 comments:

  1. 4:39 PM

    Talking in general, not directed at you, I have often thought that several well placed full size mirrors and someone following us around with a video camera and the showing film on full screen, like on a daily basis would probably be very effective.

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  2. BTDT...it sucks. And you're right...anything done out of desperation or from a place of fear generally backfires.

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  3. 10:06 AM

    I'm with Karen - I think a lot of us have had this experience and I pat you on the back for making the best choice for yourself!

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  4. 6:12 AM

    Jen just catching up on posts today. I had a Photo Moment recently and it was such a shock and I wanted to scurry off to WW right away because what i've been doing obviously wasn't "quick enough". That feeling of panic and desparation feels like it will swallow you up. Good on you for staying present, it is not easy. Looking forward to your next post and as always, love your stuff!

    Reply
  5. 10:26 AM

    I realized after I read the other comments that this is one of those areas where I think differently. I don't take it personally. It makes me apply on a steady, continuing, positive basis. It is a guiding light reminder, steps forward, it reaffirms. It is just like my PJ's that sort of freaked you out but reminded me to be proactive when night time eating could rear its ugly head.

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"Count your calories, work out when you can, and try to be good to yourself. All the rest is bulls**t." -- Jillian Michaels at BlogHer '07