I Did It!!!!!

I never thought I would make it through the month. While this was not a total health transformation, I like to think of if as a baby step back to control, that is control of the sweets I eat. In the past they have had control over me. I simply had zero will power when it came to dessert. With my new found clarity after a month taking a step back, I believe that I can move forward with moderation.

The plan was never to completely give up something that I love, that would be silly and would not be something that I could implement forever. Like all good things in life, moderation is key and I believe that I have reached that goal. With that said, here are a few tips for all those that wish to attempt the 30 day chocolate challenge.

1. Cocoa Powder is chocolate and can not be used when desperate in your oatmeal or recipes. (Very sad)
2. If chocolate is low on the list of ingredients, it still counts as chocolate and can not be eaten. (Also, very sad)
3. Peanut butter is your friend.
4. Fruit really isn't that bad as a dessert. Trust me.
5. Fruit with a little bit of whipped cream is heaven.
6. A berry crumble is my new favorite dessert and it contains many healthful ingredients.
7. No, you may not lick the spoon when your daughter makes homemade chocolate covered graham crackers. Its cheating.
8. Vanilla frosting is really not as good as chocolate, no matter what anyone else says.
9. If you love to bake, as I do, take up baking homemade breads. Your family will love it and if you add ingredients like whole wheat and honey your body will love you too.
10. After a really bad day, a banana with peanut butter can really save the day.
11. Never attempt this challenge during a holiday season, or during any holiday such as a birthday, Fourth of July, etc. It could be harmful to your health.
12. Celebrate your success with a serving of your very favorite dessert, or go out and buy yourself a new pair of shoes.

Lavinia

Week 3

This week was definitely much better. I think the caffeine fix from the chocolate is starting to wear off. I don't crave it in the morning when I wake up anymore and I am starting to forget about those cookies in the afternoon. I think that this challenge will be worth it in the end. I don't think that I will continue to give up chocolate entirely, but it has built up my restraint. "Moderation is key", will be my new mantra.

On to week four. The Last One!!!

Lavinia

Week 2

Week two and I am still as grouchy as can be. Too much more of this and my family will probably start auditioning for a new mom! I just keep reminding myself that this is about my health and everything that is good and meaningful comes with plenty of hard work. I have found that fruit can be much more satisfying then it used to be. With so many berries in season right now my timing could not have been better.

Looking forward to next week.

Lavinia

Week One!

Okay, this week was definitely not a walk in the park. The first few days I had major headaches and during rush hour I was looking at the stop signs like they where chocolate covered strawberries. I can't believe how much I was using chocolate as an emotional doorstop. If I am stresses, I reach for the chocolate. If I am tired, I reach for the chocolate. If I am happy, I reach for the chocolate. I know...disturbing. I really have some work cut out for me.

I think the key is going to be finding other outlets for my emotional energy. Maybe more running? Until next week.

Lavinia

Confessions of a Chocoholic

My name is Lavinia and I am a chocoholic. There, I said it. I have had a love hate relationship with chocolate for as long a I can remember. This addiction ebbs and wanes depending on my life circumstance. If I am under a large amount of stress, chocolate is my go to remedy, and if it is a celebratory season, of course, I whip out the chocolate. Lately, my addiction has been getting the upper hand and I have been weakly trying to gain control again.

Recently I spoke to my sister, Maria, to check in and she mentioned off hand that she had given up chocolate for lent. A light bulb went off in my head and I instantly forgot what we had been talking about. Like her, most of my sweet treats and binging involve concoctions made with chocolate. If I could simply give up the good stuff, just maybe my diet would improve by default. I really don't eat sweets like jelly beans and vanilla ice cream, it has always been; go chocolate or go home.

I committed that day to give myself 30 days with no chocolate to see if I could gain control of my crazy cravings. I picked May 19th, 2008 as D-day and filed the event away enjoying all my favorite sweets at my sons birthday celebration the weekend before. Last night, May 18th felt like the night before a big exam. Yes, I had my doubts. "What am I, crazy", I said "Chocolate is my coffee!" After a fitful sleep, the morning came and I was facing my first day chocolate free.
Today had been difficult. I have wanted to quit a million times, but I know Maria managed to do it and I believe with a little will power, meditation and discipline I can too. I plan to document this journey in this blog, the good, the bad and the ugly. Hopefully this will help someone else take the plunge and continue to improve on their health.

Lavinia