Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Body Image - got to keep working on it

I have been struggling a little with body image since Thanksgiving. I got pretty bloated after the holiday because of the salty food AND I was making more indulgent choices after the holiday because, like I mentioned before, was in cravebread mode after eating grains. I was weighing 124.5ish for the past couple of weeks and just not feeling my best (probably because of the bloat, because an extra pound isn't THAT visible).

I don't think I've talked so negatively about my body to Chris in months. But I was just feeling a little down (which is always tied to many other issues in life, not just my physical health or weight). I knew it was time to get a grip on that behavior - Chris doesn't like to hear my downtalk myself, physically or mentally. Which I get. It definitely sounds like a girl fishing for compliments constantly. But I don't really want compliments or reassurance that I look fine... I really want to KNOW that I am fine, without outside reassurance, and that can only come from me.

I think self-image and body-image are going to be things I need to work on for the long haul in life. I work on it by being aware of when I fall into a self-deprecating cycle and trying to identify the stressors that are causing it (usually poor eating mixed with financial or academic or work stress!).

Well, anyway, I was trying to combat the bloating by eating well, lots of fibrous veggies, drinking lots of water, and I am back down to 123.2. I know I didn't lose a pound of fat, that definitely was me being bloated/inflamed. So I do physically feel better!

Mentally, I am getting myself in check by addressing the issue - knowing that it is easy to fall into negative self talk and get myself down. Talking about it here is definitely a strategy I employ to keep my eyes open.

Other news? Not much. Life is going on as normal. I am doing some overtime this week, which is nice during the holidays (but I am a little extra tired at the end of the day, ah well).

I've been really enjoying romaine lettuce lately. In fact, I've been CRAVING it, specifically - not any other greens. I want big salads for lunch and dinner. I made a mango/avocado/onion/tomato salad and have been eating "taco" salads a lot - I just put that salsa on a big bed of romaine with spiced ground turkey (spiced with chili powder, black pepper, cumin and garlic to make it taste more like Mexican flavors).

Romaine lettuce is actually pretty nutritious - it was on the list of some of the most nutritious foods recently. It is super high in Vitamin A, so I might be needing that right now?

Back to work, my friends. Hope everyone is well <3

4 comments:

  1. It takes my GI system 1-2 weeks to get away from the inflammation. Because I spent so long feeling so, so bad and with the physical and emotional pain, I just chose to stop

    Here's doing what is right for you and owning it. I get pretty bad hot flashes and insomnia with any higher carb meals,so in a way, those side effects are helpful!

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  2. Glad you can identify and work on the issues trying to bring you down. I had forgotten about romaine! I've been stuck on spinach for too long!

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  3. Ah, body image. Do you remember that song that was top of the charts a few years ago that said

    "Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth, oh, never mind
    You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth
    Until they've faded but trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back
    At photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now
    How much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked
    You are not as fat as you imagine"

    This is from a song called "Wear Sunscreen" and if you've not watched it please do.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI

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  4. I have two taco seasoning spice mix recipes from other bloggers that I book marked. Thought you might want to take a look -

    http://tippytoediet.com/2012/03/two-possibly-three-easy-schmeasy-recipes/

    http://greenlitebites.com/2008/04/06/taco-seasoning/

    Here is homemade condensed soup recipe for casseroles too. It does have cornstarch in it, but not a lot.

    http://www.fittothefinish.com/2013/12/low-fat-or-fat-free-condensed-cream-soup-mushroom-onion-or-celery/

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