On Getting Hungry

A little more than a year ago I started working from home.  It has been a good decision and I'm glad things have worked out as they have.  It is impossible to know all of the implications of changes will be and I've had quite a few.  The biggest one as it relates to this blog is getting hungry.  It makes sense; let me explain.

When I worked in an office, I kept a fairly regular schedule.  There were individuals around me that helped keep me on that schedule should I try to veer off.  Specifically speaking - lunch time.  There was a group of us that generally ate together most days.  So, if I got overly involved in some activity, and didn't show up at lunchtime, there was someone at my desk to check on me.

Now, I can work and work and not notice the time.  Sometimes, my stomach will growl and I'll wonder why I'm so hungry so soon.  Then, I'll notice the time and know it is not too early to be hungry.  Even then, sometimes, I'll decide to finish what I'm doing rather than go eat right then.  Sometimes, but not often, eating is a chore.  It is something messing up my train of thought on a project.  I'd just rather not be interrupted right then.  It is still rare, but it happens.

I began to think about what my life was like when I first started down this weight loss road.  I was fearful of being hungry.  I actually remember having a conversation with one of the counselors about it.  I liked the feeling of fullness in my body.  Hunger was  an enemy and something to be vanquished.

Now, I know that hunger isn't going to kill me.  A little hunger is a good thing.  It tells me that my body is ready for more food.  It is OK for me to eat.  Now, I am learning how my body feels with the right amount of fuel.  I don't like the over stuffed feeling.  My brain has learned that the feeling of being too full is associated with weight gain and that isn't good.

My brain is learning now, what that just right feeling is like.  I like it here.  I like it in this place.  I like that I don't mind getting hungry.  I especially like that I know better how to make good choices about what and how much I eat.  I'm still learning, I'm not there yet, but I'm on the right path now.