Much of this weekend felt like I was reliving a day from my college/post college years – one of those days that I can now point to and say “Yup, that’s why I was fat to begin with.”
My sister and brother-in-law visited this weekend. We went out to a delicious (and un-nutritious) meal at The Melting Pot, where I ate a lot. And I mean a lot. I also drank a bottle of wine. And I mean a bottle.
After dinner we went out for karaoke. I used to do karaoke at least once a week – for a while it was two or three times a week. Karaoke in and of itself isn’t unhealthy, but the drinking that seems to go along with it certainly is. I didn’t drink too much I suppose – just a few “girlie shots” towards the beginning of the evening since I was the driver – but those girlie shots are loaded with sugar, not to mention that alcohol inhibits fat burning.
If it was just a big dinner and some drinking, that would be one thing, but it gets worse. On the way home from the bar at 2 a.m., we stopped at McDonald’s. I couldn’t help but remember all the times I used to stop for a cheeseburger (or two) and fries after a night of drinking. No WONDER I gained an average of 15 pounds a year… for years!
Don’t get me wrong: I had a great time. In fact, I enjoyed everything about my night out, and I understand that it was a rare indulgence while entertaining guests. But that doesn’t change the fact that I feel guilty about my poor choices, particularly the McDonald’s bit (but boy was it good…).
While this weekend I certainly ate and drank more than I should have, I know that I’ve changed fundamentally: In the past, when I would overindulge and “fall off the diet wagon,” I would continue to overindulge, rationalizing that I’ve already “ruined my diet” or that I would just “start again on Monday.” Now, I know that that’s silly. That continuing to eat fattening food only makes things worse. That you can get back on the wagon any time. That NOW is always the best time to start living healthier.
I can’t undo what’s already done. I can just suck it up and get back on the proverbial wagon.
Don’t worry – I’m back on. The view’s nice up here – join me!
