You know what's disturbing? It's so easy to take out my frustrations on those people closest to me, like my boyfriend. If I'm feeling upset about my day and he's around, it's very hard to switch off my emotions without venting first. And I know that he only wants to make my happy again. So what's an easy fix?
"Hey honey, why don't we go get a nice dinner tonight?" or "I'm sorry your day sucked. Would you like to go get a slurpee?" or "Don't worry about it. How about a nice piece of cake from the bakery down the street?"
Food is such a quick fix and that's why it's so easy to say, "Yes! Great idea!" That dose of carbohydrates DOES momentarily take the sting away. But that quick fix is often replaced by self-loathing shortly thereafter. And then the mood crashes and the problems remain and in the meantime, love handles are threatening to make an appearance. Great.
There are many people in the fitness industry that live without sugar. They don't crave it. And I've been there before when I'm "on the job" and I'm eating clean all week long. But part of me NEVER wants to give up the joys of eating my favorite meals and desserts. I love chocolate and I don't want to live without it. I think that's the reason why I really sympathize with new exercisers and dieters. Plus, it's even harder to get on the wagon when you've got one of your favorite people suggesting an endorphin-rushing treat to make you feel better in the moment.
But there ARE healthy solutions! I've seen plenty of happy couples that manage to stay in good shape and enjoy themselves, too. I'm going to post a few ideas in my next blog but I'd love to hear yours.
Health & Happiness,
~Zen
In my last relationship if I was having a bad day I would take the time to cook a healthy meal for the two of us by myself. That alone time away from the causing factor of my poor mood was enough to simmer down and be able to enjoy my partner. For dessert, walking the dog around the neighborhood was a connecting activity that helped me to feel closer and good about myself.
ReplyDeleteThe past couple months I've been Walking Away The Pounds with Leslie Sansone. If I have a bad day, my boyfriend will tell me "I'm sorry your day sucked love, why don't you walk off some of that steam." He knows if I don't get it out of my system, I'll be a bear all night and he'll have to listen to it...lol. Afterwards, I've expended all my frustration and can enjoy the rest of the evening.
ReplyDeleteSo you're saying I shouldn't be self medicating with sugar? Unfortunately, it's the lazy way to make me feel better - until my skinny jeans don't fit.
ReplyDeleteMy Ex of 8 years just informed me he cut sugar out completely. When we broke up 4 years ago he lost 10 pounds. We never ate sugar together. Is it the promise that caring for yourself is only an option when you are alone (since no one is around to care for you)? One of my biggest fears for him was diabetes (his daughter has it) and he knew I wanted him to be healthier because I cared for him. So frustrating.
ReplyDeleteThis post is so true! Why do I feel like you have a video camera set up in my house???haha. I think I'm going to try the cooking a nice meal and a walk thing! I love to cook and I usually just need some me time before I can really release all the anger and stress of a bad day. So thanks ladies I'll let you know how it goes...
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