Junk Food and Heroin

I just read a shocking study that really struck a cord with me.  According to Scripps Research Institute, rats who were given a diet consisting of a wide range of junk food demonstrated eerily similar behaviors to rats addicted to heroin.

It didn't take long for the rats' pleasure centers of their brains to became less responsive which in turn made them eat more and more.  Another disturbing result was that when the rats ate foods that were high in fat they received an electric shock to the foot.  They knew the shock was coming, but they continued to eat.  Their drive for the food was stronger than their desire to avoid the shock!

I couldn't help but compare myself to the rats.  I've never been addicted to heroin, or any other harmful substance for that matter, but I don't think my love of junk food is as strong as a heroin addiction, however with that being said, I can certainly see some similarities.  Take for instance Easter, at our family party, there was chocolate, cookies, homemade breads, and chips with dips.  I noticed some people could take a small amount, then walk away from the food and be completely satisfied.  I, on the other hand, had to constantly tell myself not to get more.  When it came to the peanut butter eggs, I lost my inner battle.  I knew that eating more than one would make me feel terrible.  I knew that I would have an unpleasant result on the scale, but I ate them anyway.  My desire for food out-weighed my logic.  Even when I'm eating really well and feeling great, whenever I smell pizza, or cookies, it's like the desire to eat them takes over my better judgement.  It's disturbing.

I am actually happy that I read this article.  The thought of being addicted to anything frightens me.  I hate the thought of any substance taking control of me.  So after reading it, even though there is still a bowl of Easter candy on my kitchen counter, I didn't have one piece.  That's kind of big for me.  I just repeatedly told myself that I was stronger than the rats, and that I was NOT going to let food take over my life and my judgement.  I feel like it has been an awakening of sorts.  Hopefully it will continue to help as I continue on my journey.

5k

The season for running is fast approaching.  Many people don't feel that they are natural born runners, but running a 5k is an attainable goal for many people.  I would like to challenge you all to make it a goal to run/walk a 5k by the end of the summer.  Even if you haven't been running regularly, or even at all, there is still time to train for a 5k.  Nike Running has put together a great 6 week 5k training program for beginners.  Setting a goal like that is a great way to stay motivated and keep you working towards something.  Start by looking up races in your area, then go ahead and sign up.  Make the commitment, and follow through to the end.  You'll be glad you did!

Sweet Tooth

 I may be crazy, but I have a hard time believing that I am the only one in the world that battles a sweet tooth every now and again.  Well, here are some solutions to cure that candy craving.  Once again, these are suggestions that have worked for me, they may not work for everybody. 

If there is something that you HAVE to have, by all means, eat it!  Now, hold on there, don't get carried away, eat a small portion of it and remember to use self control. 

If you don't trust yourself with a half gallon of ice cream, look for some healthier alternatives.  Reach for some frozen yogurt, or try one of the many new dietary ice cream pops.  I really like Skinny Cow ice cream truffles.  They are a good size, they taste great, and they are only 100 calories.  When I'm dying for ice cream, they are a good solution for me.

Finally, grab some fruit.  A nice juicy apple, a ripe orange, or some juicy strawberries just might do the trick.

So when that craving for the all-powerful sugary treat hits, try to stay the course, and look for  favorite way to fight back!

Meal Plans

For years people's eating habits were traditionally, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  That's quite possibly because many of the early settlers were farmers who only had time for those three meals.  They packed in all the calories they could during the three meal times because they needed them to continue their work.  Now days with all of the fast food chains and extra fatty additives, in our current society, I have found it much more beneficial to eat 5-6 time each day. 

The meals are much smaller in portion size as well as calorie count, but since there are more meals throughout the day, the total calories may be about the same.  I have found that by doing this, I avoid over eating, and have more energy.  It also benefits metabolism, and you'll burn more calories throughout the day.

Just keep a few things to keep in mind, if you really want to see results, keep the meals healthy.  Try to eat a complex carb with a lean protein for each meal, and always follow it with a big glass of water.  Also, be aware of your portions, don't think that because you are eating up to 6 times a day that you should be eating full size meals, each time.  Eat smaller healthy portions and you should see great results.

Being Active

There are so many people who want to lose weight but are too overwhelmed or even intimidated.  Many people don't know where to start so they don't do anything, but I'll attest to you that the key is just getting started.  Start being active.  If you are still uncomfortable with beginning a workout routine or buying a gym membership, then begin by taking a walk around the block.  Then, once you're comfortable with that, walk around the block twice and so on.  Play outside with your family, or your pets, park in the farthest spot from the store, take the stairs instead of the elevator, just BE active.  Before you know it, you will be building up endurance as well as confidence and you will be prepared to dive in head first!