Wallow Baby...Wallow

My last entry I wrote about 'The Plateau' and that I could feel it starting. It's rearing it's ugly head and I am cool with it. I am allowing myself to enjoy it and eat the things I love within the boundaries of veganism: Empire Szechuan's Veggie Beef with Broccoli and Peanut Butter dumplings. Yes it's vegan, but that doesn't mean it's healthy for me. It's loaded with fat, simple carbs and oodles of yummy goodness. I had a PB+J. Twice. My only rule for myself during the week is eat only when hungry. I just made myself hungry.

Why have I decided to allow, nay enjoy, this descent into gastronomic madness? Simple, I need to relax and this is the perfect week. I weighed 157 pounds last Thursday before I left for my weekend with family. I returned by the Greyhound night bus on Monday morning and went directly to work. I was on call last night. I am exhausted. And I am a fatigue eater first and a stress eater second. So I eat. To try and force myself to comply with my self-imposed eating rules would be counter-productive. I work for the rest of the week-topping out 60 hours. With my awesome paycheck next Thursday, I will run to the farmer's market for fresh veggies.

My theory on the benefits of the allowing this natural plateau to come to fruition.

The body gets used to the same foods, exercise, mental state. Breaking my dietary habits for a while (Just a week. Only a week.) will change it's response to when I do return to my more stringent routine. Even if I gain two pounds it will pay off when I jump-start myself on Saturday. I've already lost 25 pounds, so I'm willing to gain two to maintain my mental sanity and get through the rest of the week. Diet-Blog has a great entry on how to break a plateau, which I am doing:change it up, relax, don't obsess, and change exercise. Less running and more walking. My mantra for this week-"Give the body a break."