Last week, the "Drop 10 in 10" weight-management class was canceled due to the threat of Hurricane Sandy. I missed the camaraderie but spent some time to evaluate what I've learned.
What I've learned is, this is a lot of hard work, especially for someone like me who's spent more than a couple of years apparently doing the opposite of what's healthy.
Don't get me wrong - I'm not complaining, but I can see how easy it would be to get overwhelmed and spend a weekend holed up with Ben and Jerry.
Actually, I considered picking up a carton of ice cream last weekend - not because I was struggling but just because I felt like eating something sweet. The freezer aisle was empty this time but, when I read the flavors of the limited-edition cartons, something turned me off. Sponge cake ice cream? That probably was it.
I went home and drank a cup of hot chocolate instead.
I've made other changes in the way I shop and the things I buy. But, boy, do I need more time to figure out the "plan your meals" part. I feel completely unstructured there.
I'm making an effort, though.
This week, some of my lunches and dinners will include the chicken vegetable soup I made on Monday. It's full of vegetables, garlic, chicken and some kind of tiny pasta, and it is very filling. For variety, I'll do something with the fish I have in the freezer.
I'm more spontaneous in most aspects of my life, I think, and that gets in the way of me trying to plan ahead.
I just have to remember that managing my weight and being healthier is more important than going with the flow and ending up making a last-second decision on what, or where, to eat.
Much of this program is, I think, common sense coupled with honest instructors who work to help participants understand that, although there are a lot of steps, the hard work is worth it.
Lock is the health editor and may be reached at block@sungazette.com.
