Monday, February 02, 2015

Of Chocolates and Will Power


This chocolate has remained on my little chair-side table for the last month and has become a symbol of sorts. For I have been on a bit of a diet.

I say "a bit" because I am going slowly, and it doesn't feel like much of a diet. I have determined that I will have to be on it for a long time to see much in the way of results. It's more like conscious eating, really.

I asked my brother-in-law how he managed to lose weight so easily. Although he never runs to fat as I do, he does seem to have about a 20 pound range. I will see him one time with a little bit of a belly, but he will be as thin as a rail next time.

He told me how he does it — by counting calories.

Despite being on several diets in my life, I have never done that. But it's pretty easy now. If I want to know how many calories in an apple, I can simply type "calories apple" in my space bar, hit Enter and get this result (right). It's not exactly rocket surgery. If it's a search of a specific name brand, various calorie-counting websites will pop up, and one must go to all of the trouble of clicking more than once.

So, I pretty well know after a little internet sleuthing how to keep breakfast to 400 calories and the same with lunch. This allows me to keep my daily intake to something close to 1500 calories. A quick search also informs me that at my age, weight and lifestyle, I will expend about 2000 calories per day, so as long as I keep under that, I will lose weight, albeit slowly. Information is so easy to find now, and that makes the process a lot easier that it used to be — for me anyway.


So, what's the point of the chocolate photo? (Both images are a result of the same snap processed differently.)

Oh, it's just a symbol of sorts: of willpower or what have you. It's just there as a reminder. Mind you, if it were a bag of chips, I would pretty well have lost my mind by now. I like almost all kinds of junk food, including chocolate, but potato chips just about send me over the brink.

Mind you, I still indulge in a square or two of dark chocolate on most days. It's actually good for a body, and I find that it both satisfies and seems to suppress the appetite. I've worked the calories into the equation, so I don't consider it cheating.

I learn to live with the reality that I will never exactly be skinny. My taste buds plus my almost necessarily sedentary lifestyle see to that. But in a couple of months (I started well before Christmas but also took a Christmas break), I have gone down a pant size, and every little bit helps.

So, that's why I have posted a picture or two of a chocolate.

15 comments:

EG CameraGirl said...

Kudos for losing a pant size!

Tabor said...

Good for you for doing it slowly and reasonably. That should work. Hubby loses weight by just giving up dessert and eating fairly big meals. I could try the same thing and not lose an ounce!! Calorie counting worked for me years ago when I was younger and I did lose weight.

Linda Kay said...

My SIL is drinking lemon in water in the morning, then some sort of hot water/ cinnamon/ honey concoction in the evening and is dropping weight.

Jimmie Earl said...

I know the dieting pain. My diet now is Dr. recommended, bland, and boring, but it's helping both the digestive problem(s) and weight. I have dropped 14 lbs. Don't give in to temptation is my mantra! LOL! And doing it slowly is good. Keep up the good work. Since I live alone, I find it easier to just not have the tempting things in the house. Sue would probably object if you tried that! Stay well, my friend. And warm and safe. Spring is coming!

Hilary said...

At the risk of sounding like sour grapes (3 calories each), it seems to me that men typically seem to lose weight more easily than women. But counting calories has never been my cup of tea (0 calories for black) and really, your method does sounds like it's a piece of cake (340 calories for chocolate.. the only kind worth having. 506 calories with frosting). And for that, you're one smart cookie (80 calories for Chunky Chips Ahoy).

TexWisGirl said...

good for you! i think a subtle eating change and focus can be much better than a fad or severe diet.

Donna said...

oh lordy...you lost a pant size? I think I found it!Hahaaa
hughugs

Dogman said...

Way to go, Bro.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

I congratulate you for your steadfastness, John. I too am working on weight loss this year and agree that the older one gets, the harder it gets. Luckily, chips are not my downfall, but give me chocolate and I am a goner for sure.

Gail Dixon said...

You are doing it the right way. Congrats on losing a pant size. I count calories also; there are many apps that can help with that. I use My Fitness Pal. It'll even take into account any exercise app you use and put the numbers in there for you. Amazing what can be achieved in this day and age. Best of luck to you!

Judy said...

Inch-by-inch--slowly is good. it will stay off better.

Mara said...

Well done you! I am impressed, not least by the not eating of the chocolate! I wouldn't have managed to do that. Hope it continues to go well.

troutbirder said...

In this race slow and steady wins and more important....lasts. :)

Regenia said...

Good for you! I hope you are feeling better for all your work. Over the years I've noticed my friends either crave the salty snacks like chips or prefer the sweets. As for me, I'll take the chocolate.

Shammickite said...

Somebody gave me a HUGE bag of Chocolate Truffles at Christmas. I have banished them to solitary confinement at the far reaches of the fridge, hoping I'll forget, but I hear them calling my name often.
Good idea about counting calories, I think I might try it.