HOORAY! Little Victories!
Happy Friday! It’s the end of the first week of February, so I thought it would be a good time for a “Little Victories Friday!” For readers who are unfamiliar with “Little Victories,” check out some of our other posts on the idea and contribute if you would like (in the comments, in your head, or in your journal…whatever you like!). “Little Victories” are what I call the small (yet important) steps, moments, thoughts that eventually pave the way to big changes and recovery.
To be honest, as I am sitting down to write this, I am having a little bit of difficulty picking out a “Little Victory” for myself—I have been traveling for a job and have been a little bit out of whack and off my usual rhythm. But there was one afternoon when a co-worker/travel bud asked if I wanted some yogurt covered pretzels. Small, sweet snacky foods can be trigger foods for me, but I did feel a little grumble in my tummy and I was able to accept the offer and trust myself that it wouldn’t lead to overeating. He passed me the (large) bag and instead of just having it sit on my lap and lead to mindlessly eat more than I wanted, I took a small amount and passed the bag back.
It was as simple as that. I ate them and didn’t have the desire for more. Sometimes I laugh at myself, because all it takes are a few simple little coping mechanisms like this to avoid situations I don’t want to be in. The key is knowing myself and my tendencies and then being prepared with ways to handle things when they come up!
So, even on a week where I was having a little more difficulty with this stuff, I still found a “Little Victory”—and actually sitting down to think about it like this has helped a lot. (Thanks you guys!)
So how about you? Your turn, let’s hear them! —Morgan
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Wednesday my hubby and I went to my mom’s for pizza. It is very easy for me to pack away three or four slices, but this time I ate two and then stopped. Then my mom brought out some pie and I had a slice and went back for more. I got so far as putting the slice on my place with whipped topping and walking back to the table when I stopped and thought to myself “I’m overly full, the first slice of pie set me over the edge. If I eat this slice I will be very uncomfortable and unhappy with myself.” I then set the pie down on the counter and my husband took it home with him to eat later.
Phew, little bitty baby steps!
Great job Kate! My victory this week — I started running on the treadmill instead of walking the entire time! Its hard, and I get pretty sore, but I like how I feel afterward. Step by step!!
Good job Trish! I’m currently trying to walk faster on the treadmill to gain some fitness before I try running. I tried running short intervals last summer and was amazed at how good I felt when I was done-that runner’s high is better than any foodstuff!
Nice job, that’s definitely a victory!
My “Little Victory” of the week is that I allowed myself to have exactly what I was craving for lunch yesterday - a turkey BLT. Instead of dwelling on the fact that I head eaten a high calorie food and thus spiraling into a day of overeating, I ate it slowly, enjoyed every bite, and went on with my day. I ate again when I was hungry, instead of seeing the day as “ruined” because I didn’t eat a super low calorie food. I felt good about that.
That is great, Lauren!
These are great you guys! I am excited just reading them! Even though we call them “Little” Victories, they really are quite significant!
My little victory: I had two business lunches scheduled this week. Normally I hate having a business lunch because restaurants are just less healthy than what I bring to work. I feel out of control and experience a lot of anxiety before I go to a restaurant. It didn’t help that one of the restaurants was a burger joint known for its massive portions! But I decided that I would not worry about it - that I would try to eat mindfully, and that if I didn’t, I would forgive myself. I did that for both of the lunches and ate normally the rest of the day - it was a big deal for me not to focus on the food and instead focus on the business at hand!
Wow, all these victories are so inspiring
Good job, all of you!
)
As for me, can I have two little vicotires? It wasn’t a great week for me, but I’ll try to focus on the positive:
1) On Wednesday, I went to the gym, after a two month hiatus. I used to go 3-4 times a week, but just lost motivation in december. This Wednesday I forced myself to go, and needless to say, I felt great afterwards. I am planning on going again today.
2) On Tuesday, I was watching TV in the evening with my mom and brother. They were both snacking on high calorie foods. I was a bit on edge, and my mind kept saying ‘hey, they don’t have eating problems and they’re snacking, you should too!’ even though I wasn’t hungry at all. I almost gave in because I was so frustrated of hearing them indulge, but instead I did a breathing exercise- breathe in for 8 counts, breathe out for 8 counts- for over 10 minutes. It calmed me, and I did not give in to the craving.
(This ‘little victories’ is a great idea, Morgan. Just thinking about these and typing them out makes me feel better about myself.
*victories
oops.
A little victory for me last night: I was able to eat just half of my favorite, favorite sesame noodle dish from a neighborhood Chinese place, and put the rest in the fridge to have for lunch today! How normal! xo…Sunny
[…] How has the week been for you? Whatever the week has been like for you, hopefully you are able to appreciate or recognize some Little Victory in your journey to get saner about food and body stuff. (If you are new to this whole “Little Victories” idea, check out some of our past weeks.) […]
[…] If you are new or need a refresher on “Little Victories,” you can check out some past posts… Make sure to read the comments too, where readers share all kinds of victories! Basically, […]