Dependency

The word dependency carries some heftier connotations than the one I'd like to focus on, but the concept remains the same: a reliance on something or someone that removes the critical component of self determination. I hereby declare my over dependence on my wife to make healthy eating choices. God that felt good. So what should I do? Well before anything is done to effectively correct my behavior, I need to dive a bit deeper into where the breakdowns are happening.

Let's stipulate that independence-in-eating is the ultimate goal here. People need to be informed enough, therefore confident enough, to make sound eating choices. Here's the thing: I know the difference between a good food choice and a bad food choice, as do most of you reading this. The X factor in all of this is our fallibility as human beings. Our impulses and weaknesses, while they often contribute to life's enjoyments, tend to keep us a rung or two down from the peak of the fitness ladder. For some, this is a manageable place to live. For others, however, the result is higher cholesterol & blood pressure, fatigue, poor sleeping habits and a losing battle against weight gain. And the older we get, the more compounded these effects become.

I am very fortunate to have such a disciplined spouse when it comes to the foods we purchase and prepare. And while I personally enjoy cooking, my repertoire is far too limited, and generally falls in the "comfort food" category. So I am a direct beneficiary of Joli's enthusiasm for cooking, and commitment to healthy eating. But it's not up to our spouse to hold our hand at meal time, or fight away the demons when we want to indulge. Actions have consequences. So when you have 3 servings or an extra large portion; when you have 5 or 6 drinks instead of 2 or 3; when you crush a pint of ice cream in one sitting; when you polish off a bag of cookies by yourself; when you finish the entire wheel of cheese....you should expect consequences. Guilt can either be the emotion that highlights our indulgences and eventually corrects behavior, or, the emotion that causes us to say f#*k it, and consume with abandon.

But remember, for every consequence, you can orchestrate a counter consequence. So if you had a  weekend full of excess, you can make sure that Monday thru Friday is marked by smaller portions, better food choices, frequent exercise and increased cardiovascular work. I'm not suggesting we all strive for the "weekend warrior" model. I'm simply saying that counter productive behavior can be undone with productive behavior. If you happen to have a willing and able partner on this life long journey, then consider yourself lucky. However, the power to make or break bad habits is in your hands. When it comes to your health, depend on yourself.

 -B