Flax Facts

I don’t know if I’m getting set in my ways or if I’ve always been like this, but the more I hear people say, “You can’t…” the more I want to rebel and show them, “I can.” I’m that way with dieting especially.

I can and have lost many, many pounds with low-carb or no-carb diets. And I have gained many, many pounds back when I tired of hearing the voice inside my head say, “Can I…? Nope, I can’t have that.  Or that.  Or that.”

I reach a plateau and decide to rebel…against whom? I'm not sure. But with each mouthful, I chant, "That'll show 'em!" 

Or I rationalize a reward for having lost so much weight. Why would I gravitate toward food as my reward when I could have a pedicure or a new dress or a weekend getaway?  I'm not sure.  But as each bite melts on my tongue, I comfort my frayed conscience by sighing, “Just one won’t hurt.” But the “one” turns into “two,” “three,” “four…”

Or I feel under stress or pressure and convince myself I will never get through it without a huge bowl of ice cream topped with syrup, whipped cream, and nuts. I know the best thing for me in that moment is to open my Bible, drop to my knees in prayer, or don a pair of tennies and walk around the block so I can work it out with God but, sad to say, that is not my first response.

Once the rebellion is set in motion, the months of diet and exercise is completely forgotten. A while later, I'll catch a glimpse of myself in a full-length mirror or I'll see a recent picture of myself or I'll try on a pair of jeans that are sure to fit but that I can't nudge past my hips.  I'll realize once again that, “I just have to do something about my weight!” 

I know that all this “up again, down again” is not good for me, for any of us.  I have read that yo-yo dieters are subject to developing gall stones, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, a compromised immune system, and additional fat. 

So what’s the answer? For me, it’s to get off the “up again, down again” Ferris wheel and focus on making small, positive changes that will hopefully have an influence on the “down-for-good.” Rather than go on other diets that take things away from me (like bread and fats and sweets), I’m going to see what will happen if I focus on adding things into my diet and lifestyle so that I can make long-term positive changes that I have to reason to rebel against.

This week, I’m going to concentrate on incorporating flaxseed into my diet.  Each day this week, I’ll share with you a few things I’ve learned on the subject as well as some flax-infused recipes that may be worth trying.

Enjoy your week.  Enjoy this blog.