The worst part? Whether or not I ate the cookie, I would be left with an overwhelming feeling of shame. Why can’t I be more like that woman next to me? Does she ever obsess about such things? Is she really completely free? Now I can pass on all the cookies. Do I occasionally indulge? Sure, but I’ve learned that the benefits of not having the cookie, or even several, far outweigh its fleeting taste. I no longer obsess and can focus on what’s going on around me, not on the next thing I can get in me.
When making this list, I tried hard to think about something I would miss about being obese, and perhaps eating the cookies is one thing. But that treat comes with a high, high price. And I never did enjoy those cookies, not really. I’m not sure I really even tasted them. It was the idea of them that appealed to me. But when you compare that sugar-induced pleasure with this partial list of things I won’t miss, there is no competition. And I always knew that in my heart, even when I was eating the sixth cookie.
I just needed to find the right path. If you’re looking for yours, keep heart. It’s out there, as are the eight things you won’t miss in your future.
Article comments
1 - diana
I really enjoy the articles you've been writing about this. They're very helpful because they're real and sincere. Thank you very much!
2 - Tracy
Excellent! You really are an inspiration and I love being a part of your journey.
3 - Ann Cardinal
Thank you both. I so appreciate your kind words. The fact that they are real and sincere, Diana, is what makes them hard to write, but readers like you and Tracy have been so supportive I feel safe sharing them.
4 - Mary
Just awesome Ann! Love your genuine words. Hoping my darn knee and suddenly crumbling body gets over itself and I can get back to the junkies sooon!
5 - Erin Hagar
Wonderful! It's the emotional aspect about weight loss that makes it so damn hard, and you nail it with every blog post! Kudos, and keep them coming.
6 - Ann Cardinal
Thank you Mary and Erin! It is feedback like this that inspires me to the next post! You rock!
7 - lil
I weigh around 240lbs, and your article is inspiring. I am constantly trying to diet, but never seem to stick to it. Hopefully I'll follow your lead and get my weight down. Well done on your achievement. xo
8 - Ann Cardinal
Lil, in 2011 I was 232 so I was right there with you. You don't even have to eat less, just better! I'm never hungry as i eat every three hours. The cravings for sugar and simple carbs (my favorites) go away, I promise, and from there the weight loss is easier.
You can do it!