The “S” Word

I’m a numbers person. Always have been. Changing my lifestyle 2+ years ago and losing 30 lbs made me a bit more of a numbers person, for better or worse. As for many people, the scale became my friend and my enemy, depending on the day. It’s really hard to keep yourself from getting caught up in all the hubbub of working out, eating healthy, losing weight, etc. Especially if you’re one to read many blogs, follow people on Instagram, or just plain read magazines.

There’s the comparison trap; feeling the need to eat “perfectly” day in and day out, make sure you log enough miles at the gym, or lift heavy enough weights just so you can look like that other person. That person who posts their breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to Instagram many days.. and then you think, “if they ate it, why can’t I?” <– One of my favorite posts!

Right, Giselle? 😉

You know this feeling, right?

I’m not the only one that gets in these funks, right?

When I was packing up my apartment in Baltimore with my mom, we grabbed a box for the bathroom and she pointed to the scale and said “don’t forget that.” Done. Packed up. Didn’t even give it any thought. Until later that night when I realized I would be scale-less for at least 6 weeks. Make that closer to 9 weeks by the time we get our stuff in our apartment..

A bit of panic set in knowing that I wouldn’t be knowing for quite some time. The last time I was scale-less for an extended period of time was 2 weeks on my honeymoon.. and that didn’t end so pretty! I have to admit that most days, I don’t even give it any thought. But I definitely have my days where I think about what it will say when I finally do see it again. After 6 weeks of living in a hotel and flipping my life and routine upside down, it scares me.

Sure, I’m having a hell of a time exploring this new city I’m in. Nathan and I can’t call ourselves foodies if we don’t take advantage of all of the incredible cuisine there is to offer here! And I’ve shared all of the amazingly wonderful salads I’ve found, but in reality, hotel living is not the healthiest way to go. Especially on a budget.

Ohh, Evolution Fresh. I wish I could eat your salads everyday!

What I don’t show you is the glass of wine that I’ve become accustomed to every night. Or the oatmeal raisin cookies that they give out with dinner that sometimes I just can’t say no to. Or maybe having so many options for breakfast everyday that I end up taking “just a little extra” because I can’t decide. And while this may not sound like I’m overdoing it, I often feel that way. Maybe it’s when I’m homesick, maybe it’s when I’m tired, maybe I just get frustrated for no reason, but sometimes it just. Freaking. Sucks.

I know, in the long run, I won’t look back at my experiences and think “damn, I really wish I didn’t eat that extra cookie or have that extra beer.” But I do know that sometimes I get caught up in the moment. And sometimes that moment is with the scale. And sometimes that moment with the scale is total shit. And writing this right now, I’m scared to have that shit moment in the near future. But I also need to remind myself of this..

And I need to focus on getting caught up in these moments..

Because those are the moments that really matter.

And to be completely honest, I saw this post going somewhere else. But I’m happy with the turn of events.

Food for Thought

What are your thoughts on the scale?