Satisfaction...

Until relatively  recently, I have always believed that food (preferably junk food, fast food, greasy salty treaty food) will bring me the ultimate in satisfaction.

But, and call me slow on the uptake here, I have gradually begun to realise there are other things that can bring me MORE satisfaction. A lot more.

(Apart from the obvious, obviously. I wouldn't wanna get all "adults only" here.)

I'll give you an example:

Yesterday was busy busy busy. I had a lot of driving to do, all over the place, with the kids. to get chores & jobs done, but I also had a goddess grooming appointment early evening. So I was unsure as to fit dinner for the kids and myself into the mix.

On the way to one of the chores, I knew we would be passing Red Rooster.

Here is how my brain talks to me:

Perfect. For the kids. Not for me.

But I have been so busy today and I have been so good for the earlier part of this week. And one Red Rooster meal would surely be OK? Stuff it, yes, lets all get Red Rooster.

I can just envisage sinking my teeth into some hot and greasy crispy strips and chips.

But Red Rooster is actually a very bad choice. Even you, Lucy, cannot dress up Red Rooster as a healthy eating choice?

But I am hungry.

But you could wait 'till you get home and eat healthily?

But I am not sure I have time?

Well, you could always just eat an cereal bar? Why do you think you need to satisfy the hunger with crap? Just eat something high in protein and move on.  Eating doesn't have to be a treat, it is just fuel.

But I want a reward. Something to satisfy my soul?

But Lucy, you KNOW if you have Red Rooster you will feel like utter crap within minutes of eating it. Physically, emotionally and mentally.

Oh. Oh yeah. I would too.

You mean I can chose NOT to eat Red Rooster? And the knowledge that I made that choice, and that I took positive action, will make me feel MORE SATISFIED than actually eating the Red Rooster? Fark. LETS TRY THAT!

So I did try that. I ordered three kids meals at the drive through window of Red Rooster, carried on with the chores, ate a cereal bar as soon as I got home, bathed the kids, went and got myself pampered, and the satisfaction continued...........

How cool is that?

(If you are a naturally slim person who is not obsessed with food, this post may leave you shaking your head in confusion over my stating the absolute obvious. Sorry. But if you are like me and associate food with reward, with love, with boredom, with anger, with frustration, with just any other emotion you can name, then I know you will be getting what I am on about...............)