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Maintenance Calorie Trajectory ---> Week 33 ---> Gathering in the Woods Edition
Next week I get my 2400 cal day. My mom invited me to a social gathering that is happening at a cabin nearby and hosted by one of the members of the Buddhist Temple we are associated with.
I don't do to many social gatherings, but on occasion I like to attend temple gatherings. I like the vibe. I don't attend temple regularly like my mom does but am familiar with many of the members and from time to time, I like to meet up with some of them.
Buddhist practice is a bit different than that of other faiths. Regular attendance to a dharma talk is by no means required to practice. In fact, Buddha would highly suggest first and foremost that practice of Buddhist principles be applied outside of the Sangha and attendance to a temple be considered secondary. My temple is Mother Nature. But, I do like the community of the Sangha. The energy is open and easy to connect with and I need that, too.
I confess, all things have been of the Avian nature these days. I am what they call a "birder" and avid Raptor enthusiast. I won't get into detail what all of that entails. But, as some can imagine Spring and Summer are prime birding seasons. We've worked hard as citizen scientists to create a backyard sanctuary for our songbirds and raptors. And, they pay their gratitude to us with their presence, devotion, and proximity.
And, this year they are really feeling the "mi casa, es su casa" vibe and coming quite close to share in some companionship. Plus, they're just so darn curious about us. One wonders at this point "who watches who". I encourage it, but have to remain mindful of their safety. Going in and out of the slider doors needs to be done quickly. They can get so tame, they'll want to follow us right in the house. The humming birds don't even wait for mom to put the feeder up and will start trying to drink while the feeder is still in her hands. Mrs. Hawk has been seen twice just strolling around our backyard - looking for mice or entertaining if the bird bath with hold her weight. She's grown used to my presence as well. We caught a Male Quail just roaming around our garage. Mom was tempted to tell him to pick up a gardening tool and help out! LOL
I love it all, of course. The way people feel about their children is the kind of love I feel when I am connecting with nature and all things Avian. I get riveted and if I don't watch it, I'll be out there for hours caught up in birdie drama! And, believe me there is plenty of it. It can put a lot of human drama to shame, frankly :-)
Anyhow, I did have some mindset struggles this week. I found myself doing that thing my mind does where I unconsciously order the scoop of guacamole in my burrito bowl or eat the large sub, but under report or try not to accommodate for the cals in some other way. It sneaks up and my mind will struggle at these times, because it wants to say "oh, only this once" or it will go the other direction and freak the hell out, like I'm going to gain 75 lbs back because I had a scoop of guacamole in my burrito bowl. Oh my!
Mind is a fickle thing, which is why I work very hard to pull from this Buddhist heart.
My boss also brought in cupcakes, and I had one. I was fine with this - it was delicious and I learned that chocolate cupcakes are actually lower in cal than the yellow cake kind with white frosting. I did allot for those cals, but something in my gut said "you're over, sweetheart". Of course, the other part of this mind said "whatever, you're maintaining a range". LOL - I have quite the interesting conversations with myself in this head, sometimes.
Anyhow, this Buddhist heart said, "Follow the middle way my dear. If you want the guacamole, then just switch it out with something else in your bowl, like the rice. There's nothing wrong with eating the bigger sub or the cupcake, but ensure you subtract some cals from your 1900 plus cal day. Think outside the box"
So, that's exactly what I did, and obviously it was okay - crisis averted. LOL. I am going to make a habit of switching out the guacamole for the Spanish rice in my rito bowl. I'm surprised I didn't think of it before. Between the two, I prefer guac and I like Spanish rice, but frankly it's one of those carb foods that constipates. I also note, I feel full when I have a scoop of the guac in my bowl.
Anyway, these moments are by no means landmark, but I always realize afterward I'm glad they happen. They do actually force me to think outside the box when approaching nutrition. In maintenance, it can get very easy to become complacent. And, with complacency can come those moments when we stop being mindful and mindless eating begins. I don't want to be restrictive about ANY food I want to try or eat. On the other hand, I want this mind to remember it still needs to be accountable for how many calories are being ingested and creative about how to make that happen in a way that is feasible and works towards weight maintenance.
Okay, enough of that jibber jabber. I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and our finding your own way to enjoy a sense of connectedness. Until next Sunday, have a wonderful week!
Blessings and Love
Week 33 - Holding Steady
Monday - 1686
Tuesday - 1725
Wednesday - 1686
Thursday - 1686
Friday - 1349
Saturday - at Target 2400
Sunday - 1517 --- at Target
Average TDEE 1698
Current TDEE for the Spring & Summer = 1710/day
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