Just Because it's There Does Not Mean You Need To Eat It

So this week we have been very very busy at work, and instead of my usual hour and a half lunch, I ended up staying at work, and eating snacks like hardboiled eggs and Vega shakes between customers. I actually did not feel that bad, and I allowed myself a large dinner. But something interesting happened, when it came to eating the much anticipated dinner I got full very easily and also found myself craving fresh foods like salad. This happened for 3 days in a row, and was quite the change from my usual routine of a large lunch then heavy workout in the evening, followed my cravings for crackers and chips at night. Now tonight we decided to go out to dinner with friends to Two Fools Tavern, and I ordered what I thought would feel like a light meal-an appetizer of the fried fish in smaller pieces, and a side salad. But we also ordered a blue cheese dip as an appetizer. I have been very good with my diet for a few weeks, and have been feeling great. I guess I decided that just for this one night it would be ok to splurge a little. Well let me tell you I regretted it immediately. I thoroughly enjoyed my salad, but half way through the fish I started feeling nauseous from all the richness. I left one large piece in the basket and wondered whether I should take it home as a leftover. I finally decided after staring at it for 5 minutes that it was just too good of a thing to waste, even though it was no longer giving me any pleasure to eat it. I guess it was the memory of the last time I ate it combined with the engrained need to finnish every last morsel. Well that really did it, pushed me to my edge of fullness, a very uncomfortable feeling that I loathe. Not to mention the appetizer I am sure will have ill effects on my digestive system all night. So this comes with perfect timing, as I have been wanting to make a pledge not to overeat at Thanksgiving. Today's mistake really hit home, and I want to make a new mantra- Just because its sitting on my plate does not mean it needs to go into my mouth. Just because it is sitting on a buffet does not mean I need to go get some. Just because its a potluck does not mean I need to eat unhealthy food and have seconds and thirds. Eating should be nourishing, and everything that goes into this mouth should be in an effort to supply my body with the nutrients it needs to be strong and healthy. This Thanksgiving I will not over eat, and I will feel great after dinner instead of laying sick on the couch.