Monday, January 17, 2011

I have a dream. I really do.

The weekend isn't quite over yet. Boy am I glad to have one more day to enjoy. Tonight at my house we invited a bunch of our friends over to watch, "The Blind Side," and eat treats. Such a good movie. We decided to whip up some caramel popcorn, which just happens to be one of my favorite treats in this world.
I wanted some. Usually I am fine with deflecting the sweets, but for whatever reason it was calling my name. I would have loved to stick my hands into that ooey gooey goodness. Sticky caramel popcorn fingers are only a sign of great popcorn and a good time. It was at this point that I had a decision to make. Do I cave? I have worked so hard over the past two weeks to reach certain goals, and is this the moment where I crash? Is this where I give in. 

The answer is no. I have come too far and worked to dang hard. I opted for a bowl of air popped popcorn instead. Only about 30 calories in a cup of this goodness. It's full of fiber and protein and makes for an incredible snack. I spray mine with a little spray butter and then shake a little salt on top if it's needed. YUM. SUCH a great, cheap, filling snack. If you don't have an air popper you can get them for super cheap, or even just get the smart pop microwave safe bags. Healthy popcorn is a great snack.
 This does rule out movie theater popcorn, I'm sorry to say. That stuff is pretty dang good too. In reviewing this situation I thought about those of us who are striving to reach a certain goal; whether that be aiming for a certain weight, reaching a certain time goal, or setting a new PR. If something is worth doing, it is worth doing well. If you REALLY want to see progress in your life you have some decisions to make. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not by any means saying that in order to reach a health or fitness goal you have to get rid of sweets one hundred percent. I am a total believer in moderation, and I think that it can have a time and place.

What I am getting at is...what are you willing to do to reach the goals you have set for yourself? The little decisions we make throughout the day can make or break us. Are you giving in to your slightest temptations or are you practicing will power? If you really want to see progress or any sort of change, prove it. Stop talking about what would be awesome or ideal, and do something about it. Do what it takes to make your dreams come true.

It may not be easy, but ease would decrease your appreciation. The end result that comes from hard work is a feeling of accomplishment, which is hard to duplicate. So, do whatever you need to do. Exercise even if you're feeling tired. Instead of eating a cookie every time you see one, practice some moderation and self control. Push yourself just a little bit harder, so you will see the progress you are reaching for. Success is worth it.


Do you like popcorn as much as I do? I think it is such a great snack. Don't even get me started on the caramel corn. What is your dream/goal for yourself? If it's a new years resolution you've set for yourself, make this year be the year that it happens. Stop letting weeks go by without any changes being made. Remember that nothing changes if nothing changes. You can't do the same things and expect different results.

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Way to go on not giving in! I do not have that much strength...but today is a new day right? Hope your friend is ok!

foodandfitnessfanatic7 said...

Splurging on pop corn at the movie theater is never a problem for me (probably partially because of the cost!), but microwave pop corn at home is one of my favs, especially kettle corn!

Stephanie said...

Way to not give in! This is the first time I've ever stuck to my goals but creativity and an appreciation for what its doing to my body is helping me stay away from the foods I can't have this month. I love living with moderation and can't wait for February 1st but testing my mental strength in order to improve my phyiscal self is that important to me!

Nicole said...

This is a great reminder for me, and a very true post. I've come to the realization that I really need to get my sugar intake under control and that I don't need it! You're awesome, thank you.

Nichole Barney said...

You are the bomb! Impressive will power!

Anonymous said...

Great post!! That's why I love the verse Hebrews 12:11! Joy does come from discipline. There is nothing more miserable than wanting something but then continually defeating yourself by not doing what it takes to get it.

Growing up my mom would make caramel corn almost every Sunday night when we got home from church, YUM!!! I haven't had it in a long time though!!

Jenn said...

Caramel popcorn vs. air popped popcorn....hmmmmm! Great will power!

Great post! I'm trying to control my caffeine intake. I'm busy and I'm drinking WAY too much coffee. I'm definitely addicted to caffeine and I can't stand when I feel like something's got a handle on me. Back to one cup a day and fighting through the shakes!!!!

Lots of good points in this post! Thanks for the reminders:)

kay.tee. said...

I have discovered in my own weight loss/fitness journey that remembering what you want in the end, is usually more rewarding than what you want right now. Having replacement snacks during those times of temptation is always helpful in not giving in. I also have found that it's making little changes that can accelerate your success. One of my favorite simple resolutions I set last year was to never take elevator/escalator when stairs were an option. I live in a 5 story walk up and think I probably took the elevator 5 times last year. Think of how many steps I ended up walking!

Judi said...

I love caramel corn too! Why does it have to taste so good? I'm impressed you had such self control. I rarely have treats in the house because I'll just eat them! If we want a treat we have to make it! I feel like I have finally figured out how to make exercise a habit but I'd like to have the same discipline for food. My husband and I are working on this. Thanks for the pep talk and I hope to make good choices today! :)

(And yes we are LDS too)

Katie said...

Awesome! I needed that little reminder to keep working toward my goals today.

The rain/snow/slush combo here is certainly not helping my motivation today. . . but I gotta keep my eye on the prize and imagine how happy I'll be in May when I'm super fit :D

Merediths said...

I do love popcorn. My latest love is sprinkling my Healthy Pop with 'cinnamon and splenda'. So good!!!

The Hungry Runner Girl said...

GIRL you are so strong...I don't know how you do it!! SERIOUSLY give me your will power. I am obsessed with popcorn but I have forgotten about it...thanks for the reminder. I will be eating that after school today! My biggest thing is sub 3 marathon:) LOVE YOU!! Do I get to see you tomorrow?

Heather said...

Great post!! It takes so much self control and it's an every day battle for me...but it is SO worth it when you reach your goals and you can't even remember the caramel popcorn then! :) Thank you for the inspiration. Amazing will power - I love it!

Jen said...

You are so motivating! I bet you're a really good trainer. I always say that I must not want those last 10 lbs enough because I'm not willing to do what I know I need to do to get there. I'm so impressed with your willpower on that popcorn! It looks pretty darn tasty. But not as tasty as your goals! How's your contest going? Do you do weekly check in's?