So I’m reading this great book right now entitled The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick) by Seth Godin as a part of my reading one non-fiction book per month in 2010 (which I’m doing successfully thus far mainly because I’ve chosen some short books including this one). Anyway, it’s about becoming the best that you can be (whatever you envision that to look like). And sometimes in order to become the best, you have to quit first. But of course you have to quit the right things at the right time and push through “the dip” on right things at the right time, too. Seriously, it’s a great read. Check it out from the library (after I bring it back in when it’s due this week.
Anywho, I’ve been thinking about Buff on a Budget a lot through this lens lately. A couple of weeks ago Lady Kristin mentioned that she successfully quit drinking pop (Coke, Soda, etc. depending on where you live) and lost 4 lbs as a result. So this week Buff on a Budget is all about quitting. I’m challenging you to quit one thing this month when it comes to your nutrition. Little vices . . . we all have them. Sugar for some, potato chips for others. Cookies, ice cream, guilty pleasures. NOW, I’m not saying you should utterly deprive yourself of every little treat. I’m a firm believer that you need a day or two each month (or each week) where you indulge a little so that one day you don’t find yourself in a heap of wrappers and empty cans. BUT, there might be a little something that you know you need to let go of (i.e. quit) in order to become a better you.
For me about four years ago, that little thing was Coke. Only good ole Coca Cola Classic would do for me (it’s a family tradition). And mmmm it was so good. I’d occasionally decide I was going to quit. And I’d go six months without one and decide to have one once a month. Once a month turned into once a week. Once a week turned into once a day. And then . . . I was back on the wagon. Bottom line for me Coca Cola was a gut and budget buster. After quitting I picked up drinking unsweetened tea and more water. Both were better for me than Coke and both cost MUCH less. Oh, and don’t think that just because you’re drinking Diet Coke, you’re a health nut. There have actually been studies that show Diet Coke can make you gain weight because your body craves the real calories that usually accompany sweets when it doesn’t get what it needs from the diet beverage and that makes you eat more OR you think you can splurge because the drink is sugar free. Be careful there. Bottom line it doesn’t do anything good for your body.
Potato chips can also quickly sink your bottom line AND your heart when notice your clothes fitting more snugly. A few years back we dropped chips out of our weekly diet as well, only buying tortilla chips upon occasion for planned meals and buying potato chips next to never.
So for me, high sugar desserts will be getting the axe beginning next Monday (Sunday is the Youngest Princess’ birthday and having raised her for two years, I will be indulging in some birthday cake). I’ll still be eating fruits and healthified versions of desserts like the Peach Crumble we’re having tonight. But no cookies, cakes, ice creams, etc. for a month.
Give something the boot and get in better physical condition. And oh yeah, save money too!
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