Day 34 - Ramen how you taunt me

I ate oddles of Ramen noodles when I was in my twenties.  Yes, that pun was really intended.  It wasn't just that they were so cheap (though that didn't hurt) but it was that they were so easy to make and really just good.  I'm not a fan of the seasoning packets, just the lovely, curly noodles that can be cooked so quickly with a bit of hot water, drained and then salt and peppered before becoming a quick meal.  When I was stationed in Italy (yes, the world of REAL pasta and I ate Ramen), I had tons of square packets and the cup-o-noodles in my dorm room.  I did midwatches (6pm-6am) and they were the perfect dinner/breakfast when nothing was open.

Youngest wanted noodles for dinner.  I cooked them and remembered how much I loved eating them.  I ended up having some as well and almost went back for a second bowl.  I won't lie: they were fabulous.  They were just the same simple pleasure I ate before.

It makes me sad sometimes when I think about the things I need to give up.  I wonder why I couldn't be blessed with the perfect body and metabolism that doesn't quit.  I think we all wonder that sometimes.  Even those of you who probably have what the rest of us would consider the perfect body.

I also am reminded of something one of my Professors said that can be reworded to discuss exercise: "Classic literature is not always easy.  It takes work and effort.  You must not let yourself give up."  Exercise is the same.  I didn't walk today or yesterday.  I cleaned until I had sweat dripping off of me yesterday and I did a fair amount of cleaning this morning.  I also did the Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 with youngest and then turned around to do a bit of elliptical work.  It would have been easier/faster to just go for my walk.

When you decide to change for yourself or your health or your wardrobe (hey, lets be serious, here!) it takes thought and constant self-evaluation.  I don't wake up each morning thinking that I will avoid all unhealthy foods and make nothing but good decisions.  I know I'll make mistakes.  I know that I will have to MAKE myself exercise.  These are decisions as much as the choice to eat that bowl of Ramen.  Do I regret it?  Probably in some part of my mind, but not on the whole.  I wanted it, I ate it and I will not crave it again any time soon.

Tomorrow, I will make a recipe out of my new cookbook (I'll link it below).  I will recognize that I only need to make one good decision a day and that some days will also have one or more bad decisions.  Each day is a new opportunity to step forward and make things the way I want them to be.  I hope someone who reads this will take that to heart and make a good decision of their own.