Box of Chocolates

"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." -Forest Gump

Yes, Forest, life is full of surprises, some wonderful like caramel chocolates, and some not so wonderful like coconut chocolates.  However, just because life is like a box of chocolates does not mean I have to eat a box of chocolates.

I have been known to be a stress/emotional eater.  In 2004, I moved, gained a roommate, broke up with my cheating boyfriend, changed jobs, started working a second job, found out my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer, and sat in a hospital waiting room while my mom was in surgery that the doctors were not certain she would survive.  Needless to say, 2004 was a very stressful and emotional year for me.  I found myself eating "Comfort Foods" quite often.  Chocolate, Chinese, pizza, pasta, chips and dip, cheese fries from Outback, etc.  By May, 2006, I was wearing a size 16 again.  I went through a few phases of weight loss, but I always seemed to gain back the pounds very quickly. 

I ate to celebrate, I ate when I cried, I ate when I was stressed with work, I ate, I ate, I ate.  Now, if I were eating celery sticks and apple slices, I probably wouldn't be writing this right now.  However, I was eating birthday cake, ice cream, peanut butter dipped in chocolate frosting, and a bunch of other very unhealthy things.  I tried to redeem myself by spending more time in the gym, but I was not burning what I would take in. 

Since I have started this weight loss journey, June 18, 2012, I have had caramel chocolates and coconut chocolates in life.  I have had much to celebrate, and I have shed a few tears.  I made a choice to not reach out for the bad stuff when stress or triumphs came into my life.  I decided that immediate satisfaction of the taste of pizza and chocolate brownies was not greater than the satisfaction of being healthy and happy with my body.  I reached out for new ways to relieve stress and to celebrate life events.  I dance, go for walks, shop, exercise, and pray.

I still eat, but I am eating healthier foods like celery and salsa, apple slices with cheese, light popcorn, and fresh fruit.  I do indulge at times, but moderation is key.  Chocolate is a treat, not a cure.  It should not be abused or it will abuse you. 

Life is going to happen regardless of what I do, but I have the choice on how I react to it.  I have control.