Take last night.
I got home from working out and had this conversation with myself.
ME: Wow! My fitness trackers says I went over 11,000 steps today! Plus, I worked out really hard for an hour. I can certainly afford to eat this cupcake that's sitting on the counter. I'll just eat that instead of fixing dinner.
ME (one hour later): I'm really hungry. Maybe I'll just have a piece of whole grain toast with peanut butter. That's protein, right?
ME (while getting the peanut butter jar out of the cupboard): I forgot about those raisins. A little box of those can't hurt, right?
ME (after making toast with peanut butter): Okay. I'll just have one little spoonful of peanut butter.
ME (after eating said spoonful): That was so good. Maybe just one more.
ME (while cleaning up the kitchen before bed): I could really go for something sweet. Just a taste. That would take care of my cravings. Wonder if I have any chocolate chips?
ME (Three healthy handfuls of chocolate chips later): Well, I think just blew it. Might as well finish the bag. Tomorrow I'll get back on track.
Just out of curiosity, I decided to add up the mindless calories I consumed last night.
It's not pretty.
Cupcake with frosting: 400 calories
1 slice of bread: 100
Raisins: 129
3T peanut butter 285
Chocolate chips 300
Grand Total: 1214 Calories
Yes, I did.
What a great learning lesson for you, counting the mindless calories you consumed! Next time you're tempted you'll have the wisdom to make better choices for recovery eating after a great workout! Start by making a plan BEFORE your workout what you'll eat or drink... like 8 oz. of milk or 4 oz. of cottage cheese or a bit of string cheese! Stay away from sugary snacks--don't leave them in plain sight.
ReplyDeleteGood idea about making a plan. I work out right after work and by the time I get home, all I want to do is eat. But I haven't thought about exactly what. The cottage cheese or a cheese stick would be smart. Thanks for the ideas!
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