MONDAY MORNING POST- WHAT HAPPENED TO ME LAST NIGHT; WHY I FEEL AWFUL AND WHY I AM OKAY WITH IT...CONSEQUENCE VS. ACTION

                               

Last night I went to a very close friend's wedding. For the last year we have talked about all the decisions she had to make about every little detail, including all the food. This was at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. Yes, one of Chicago's finest. After she had her food tastings and chose the  appetizers that were passed around, the breads that were offered, the entrees that were served, wedding cake to be eaten, sweet treats for the dessert table and massive amounts of candy to be taken home by each guest, she explained each in detail. So, for a a few months I had this to look forward to and to panic about. I looked forward to the joy of being there to see my friend get married. I looked forward to being able to share this experience and talk about every detail with her after the big day. I panicked about having to dress up, which I have never enjoyed. And, at first, I panicked about the amount of unhealthy, sugar-filled, white-flour based foods that would be served. See, I love these types of foods  but I know when I eat them, I feel horrible the next day. I feel physically bloated, my mood is low, I get bad headaches and my eyes get so puffy I can hardly open them. Yes, this all happens because my body is not used to eating a lot of refined sugars and white-flour starches. As much as I love how they taste (not just love, I could live on just  white-flour breads and chocolate, forever)  I have chosen not to eat them very often due to how I feel, physically, mentally and aesthetically. However, this time, for the wedding, I took the advice that I give all my clients. I put the consequence BEFORE the action. I had a wonderful talk with myself in the morning before the wedding that evening. I thought about the food. I knew what was going to be served and I made a deal with myself. This was going to be an evening that I enjoy without any restrictions. I made my decision that even though I knew I might feel physically, mentally and aesthetically bad from all the sugar/white-flour starch, I would enjoy it all and deal with the consequences and get back to my healthy eating the next day. By thinking ahead and making this decision in the morning, I went to the wedding fully prepared to have an amazing time watching my friend get married and enjoying the incredible food served by the Four Seasons Hotel and hand picked by the bride.  I went. I watched. I enjoyed. Do I feel horrible this morning. Yes. Am I bloated, do I have a headache, is my energy and mood low, are my eyes so puffy I can hardly open them? Yes. Was it worth it? Yes. Did it make a huge difference to think ahead to know what the consequences would be so I could be fully aware and prepared for them today. YES!!! There are no regrets, no guilty feelings , no angry feelings toward myself for overindulging. So, remember, consequence (talk to yourself and be aware of what will happen) BEFORE action (eating foods that make you feel physically, mentally and aesthetically bad.) I am left with only  memories of a great evening of joy and celebration. And am I ready to go workout today  and eat my chicken and broccoli tonight? YES!!! I like taking my own advice. :)