Willpower, Motivation or Something Else?
Before leaving work tonight, the husband called and asked if I’d be willing to pick up McDonald’s on the way home.
*Sigh*
Not Fast food, anything but that! Especially after my weekend of indiscretions which, unfortunately, included a trip to MickeyD’s.
But I said yes, and hit the drive thru on my home.
Now, any other day, the smell of the fries would be enough to send me into a mindless eating fiasco and the they would be gone before I even got home.
But not tonight! Tonight I had something. Something I’m not quite sure how to describe.
I went through that drive thru, I ordered the husbands value meal and I drove home. No bites, tastes or licks! I didn’t even want one and I WAS hungry.
This surprised even me. I don’t think it was a matter of willpower or that I was particularly motivated I really think it’s something else. I think it’s a form of momentum and mental preparedness.
Let me explain.
This weekend I did indulge a bit. I enjoyed some good dark chocolate, some bad fast food, and just allowed myself to nibble a bit more then normal. I gave myself permission to do so. That may sound weird but it’s true. There’s a difference between “falling off the wagon” and “taking a detour”. While “falling off the wagon” may require repairs and additional help, the “detour” infers you will be back on track sooner rather later. And I told myself Monday was the day the detour ended, so I ended it.
To end it, I started my day with a plan and a Racquetball game. I packed a bunch of healthy choices and by the time I went through that drive thru I was back on track, full steam ahead.
My momentum kept me going.
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Roni started this blog in '05 to journal her weight loss. 70lbs later, she's committed to living a conscious, healthy life and hopes to inspire others along the way. Read more on the about page.







I also indulged a bit this last week thanks to Valentines day. For me it was the flourless chocolate cake from TJ’s.
Don’t judge me, it was worth it.
My problem is, I’ll allow myself those fudges and detours so many times that it DOES affect my weight. So, did you start off doing this or is it because now you really know what it takes to maintain where you are that you feel comfortable with a detour. I look forward to a day that I can do that now and then and it not derail me completely.
That is great you resisted! I had a rough week this past week overindulging but I’m back on track and determined to see a loss next week.
Have a great Tuesday! =0
momcat – That’s a great point. Honestly I did do it while losing but not to the extent I do it now.
When I was losing I’d save up most of my weekly points for the weekend. It’s when we tend to eat out a lot, go to the movies, etc. So I was “perfect” as perfect can be during the week so I can allow small weekend detours. Now that I’m maintaining my detours are a bit more extravagant but I’ve always had this strict week, lax weekend approach. It helps me stay on plan, belive it or not.
I do a detour now and then. It is different then falling of the wagon. I didn’t know you played Racquetball. Hubby and I play 5 -6 times a week. We played 4 games last night. I love it. It does not feel like exercise.
I shouldn’t have said I “played”. I volley. LOL I just started last week. I LOVE it!
I understand what you are saying completely…it’s a matter of being “in control” of eating that is indulgent. That is what maintaining is all about, isn’t it? Like jumping from a plane and crashing or jumping with a parachute and enjoying the view before pulling the cord and gently landing.
I was just thinking about this very thing this morning. Reality is we need to be able to indulge once and awhile but we have to have the right mindset to make sure it is just that – indulgance and not a new habit we keep coming back to over and over again.
I know exactly what you’re saying. For some reason, there are times when I also get like that. It’s just an automatic “on” in your brain that you are on program and nothing is going to sway you. How amazing would it be to bottle that up?
I would have countered with an offer to pick up a sub. I decided a few months ago that the whole family needed a healthy heart. Just cause my husband is slim, doesn’t mean he needs crap in his body. You’re a nicer wife than me.
I really like what you said about the detour. I’ve never looked at things that way!!
I really think my “planned detours” help keep me on track. I usually take holidays off, and just get back on track the next day. It’s amazing how one day of not so great eating will make you crave the good stuff again.
Way to go Roni! I had that same problem this week- except for I was the one who made the wrong decision. I was lazy and I didn’t want to cook- so I opted for KFC…I took a “detour”, but, I accounted for all of the points/Flex points, and, I came back on track the following day- I didn’t fall off that wagon and hit the ground hard….I just took the longer way around the block :) I managed to lose 2.2 pounds this week…even after eating that salty meal of grease! Imagine that!
Thanks for a boost of inspiration again today!
Roni ~ I took a detour this weekend also and instead of giving in to the little voice that was urging me to be really bad, I went home and made a veggie stirfry. Congratulations on making good choices :-)
I took a detour as well this weekend…and got back on track Monday and I had a plan. I am really starting to believe that I HAVE to have a plan for me to stay on track. Way to get back on track Roni!! :)
I took a little detour on Valentine’s evening. I agree a detour is a great word for it. I planned it, I went off exactly how far I knew I would and immediately got back on track (without the guilt!).
Woot!!!
Good for you. I have days like that too sometimes…however, lately they have been few and far between.
Glad the detour was short and hope the road ahead is smooth.
I 100% agree that there is a difference between falling off the wagon and taking a detour.
In one you get bruised and beaten up, in the other the journey just takes a tad longer. But the scenic route is often worth it!
Ive fallen off the wagon and cant get back up lol.. Last week i got a really bad cold and had to have my tooth pulled so i used it as an excuse to eat bad.. This thursday is my meeting and ill be pulling myself back onto the wagon! I know why wait? I dont know why but better late than never, right?
Roni,
Congrats on not eating any of those fries! It must have felt great to not have eaten them!
=]
I read your post this morning and went to the passport office with kids and had to get them lunch as they missed school lunch. I went to the Wendys drive throgh..dident order for me..the smell oh the smell. I dident have a taste either and came home ate my homemade mushroom soup and brushetta with toast from Costco and was very happy. Why cant I control myself at nite with candy if its in the house I do not know ? I threw the candy out last nite so I’m good right now.
Love your site Toni..you speak to me when I read your blog..thankyou.
Roni – good job. I was just thinking, though, in case u ever are tempted at McD’s – the grilled chicken snack wraps are GREAT. Really – satisfying and enjoyable. I crave them now!
Roni,
This post makes me very happy…you go girl! first off I want to say that I started WW about 7 weeks ago..things are wonderful..my boyfriend actually joined along and he has even lost more weight then me already..and he only did it so it would be easier for me..we are 23 and we just want to be healthier..we started dating almost 2 years ago and have both gained at least 15 pounds since then..we did go away for v-day and we both agreed we were going to watch what we were eating but not keep track cause we wanted to enjoy our weekend..and it worked and nothing past that weekend..so thanks for posting that..doesn’t make me feel so bad now…also I am glad that you are doing well on the core program it sounds..however I do miss your menus cause being new to the program it gave me lots of ideas for meals and snacks that i might not have thought about…so i really do miss that though..but I know you gotta do what you gotta do..but I do want to thank you again for being the reason we started this program…and if you do go on the flex again please post menus..even though the videos and other posts right now are very helpful along our journey too!! thanks again
~crista
Lots of bumps in the road that require detours. Good for you for resisting the husband’s fast food. I too took detours this past weekend and decided it was okay. Beating myself up hurts more than the detour! Love your website. Thanks for all the encouragement!
Della
I tried the planned detour, and it took me straight to the fat tour. I just eat now whats in my house, and if anyone,brings something else in from take out I eat it. I don’t sweat over it anymore. I feel sometimes when I over think things I tend to lose control. Weight loss is the same mental road we go down when we try to quit any addiction. Fighting our minds is more of a challenge then fighting our hunger pains. It’s a never ending journey. Keeping positive and just getting out there instead of sitting around thinking about it, will help in those “down” times. Roni, I give you so much credit for all you’ve been through and continue to go through and learn; each day about yourself. Thats what this really is about you know. Learning about “oneself” Its a wonderful thing! Keep up the good work!
Oh, I know what you mean. It’s great to be able to set aside a distinct time to enjoy the things you love and move on the next day. I’ve been getting much better about resisting those Starbucks drinks and the milk shakes! I just drove past one today and thought, “I don’t need it!”
I really like this thinking… detour, rather than completely and utterly falling helplessly to the ground on my @$$.
I experienced this just last week and instead of feeling guilty that I was yet again gonna start over and get on track, I cut myself a little slack, took a deep breathe and realized that weight loss is more about the road to get there. And get there I will.
Good for you for seeing the balance.
I was so happy to read this entry and then everyone’s comments. I have about 60 lbs to lose and I have lost about 25lbs so far. I have been really slacking because I know fit in to a size 12 and I don’t mind going out in public, feel confident, etc. and now…I keep with these detours…more regularly than I should. I am comforted to know that while you were losing your weight Roni that you detoured a bit on the weekends and then stayed on the straight and narrow during the week…this is going to be my new plan…thanks Roni and everyone…
Roni: Salute to you. I wish I had been as motivated this weekend as you. I gave myself permission to eat whatever I wanted and then some. But, as we say, there’s always tomorrow to right the wrong of today. You go, Roni. Keep motivating and inspiring.
I remember one day I wanted lunch and thought that since I had been doing so well on my weighloss journey, I would get a Big Mac. I literally had the angel and the devil whispering in my ear. The devil was saying how I deserved it…how I had been so good…the angel on the other hand had me look around. While sitting in the very long line, I noticed (unlike the McDonald’s commericals) not one skinny person walked in or out of McDonalds. I got out of that line and went to Subway.