21 Day Challenge: Day 9

Yesterday was the first day I had the real temptation to eat when I shouldn't. I'm steadily losing weight, exercising, and seeing those results is motivating. So why would I even think to sabotage my quest to lose these extra pounds?

Stress eating is one of the reasons I'm overweight. I'm not talking about major stress like a terminal illness in the family or losing a job. Everyday stress is a sneaky creature. It can creep in just because I have to do something I don't want to do like the mundane responsibilities of life. It affects my diet mood. Eating something I want to eat gives me the feeling that I am in control and that I can do something I enjoy even when there are plenty of things I'm expected to do that I don't really want to do. Does that make sense?

It didn't hit until after lunch. I wasn't hungry physically, but my mind went to food. It didn't really surprise me, because that's the way I lived before this 21 day challenge started. It's these choices in everyday life that make a difference in results. I decided to bundle up and go for my walk earlier than usual. Get out of the house and get moving.

The temps had climbed to 22 degrees and the sun shone bright on the light blanket of snow. I wasn't sure if it would be too icy to walk, especially up the "big hill". Patches of ice were here and there but not a problem. In the middle of my second mile I thought about cutting it short. Two miles instead of three miles, but I DIDN'T! I determined to keep going. The sun disappeared and only small patches of blue showed in the sky filling with gray puffy clouds. I pushed forward. Snow crunching under my feet in spots, cheeks freezing, by breath blowing balloons of frosty mist in front me.

I walked into the house victorious. The urge to eat for no good reason had disappeared. Once choice at a time, our habits make a difference!