The Curse of the Mocha Latte

I have a weakness.

Okay, so I have lots of weaknesses. But let's talk about my most famous weakness: The Mocha Latte.

First of all, it's not just a weakness. It's a habit. All right...it's more than that. It's an addiction.

I write for a living. When in serious writing mode, I absolutely have to have a Mocha Latte. And that's not all. The Mocha Latte has a companion: The Chocolate Chunk Cookie (albiet Gluten Free). The significant physical change coursing through my veins due to the genuine sugar rush (flowing with a bit of caffeine) is unmistakable.

(Now, stop that--that talking to the computer. I can hear your words loud and clear: "Do you have any idea how many calories--and how much sugar--that is?!"...I DO know...hence this blog. On with my confession....)

The situation: I'm finishing a six-week blast of daily mega-writing events. And now my pants are tight. Blast. The Mocha Latte--and its companion--are no doubt to blame.

Oooh, did you catch that? I sure did. I just blamed a sweet cup of steamy, creamy liquid and a little disc with oozy-sweet choco-goodness for my own decisions. Amazing how quickly we do that, eh?

"Eating Clean" + Lots of Mocha Lattes/Chocolate Chunk Cookies = Self Deception.

Don't get me wrong: a bit of a treat here and there isn't a sin. (Tosca Reno has her coffee, too.) I know that it's the "have to have it" (and lots of it) that puts it into a new category.

SOOoooo, here I am. Deciding that it's time to return to the basics:

1. Clean eating is clean eating. Period. The name says it all.
2. Why do I want to eat clean? To feel good. Period. (Okay, and to look good, too.)
3. Needs and wants are two distinct animals. Keep them in their separate cages. I want the "treat"; I don't need it.
4. A habit is made into a habit through simple repetition. Time to repeat something new. Sorry, Mocha. Sorry, Choco-Chip.
5. Intention + Support = Greater Chance of Success. Hmmm. Let's put some accountability in here. Anyone empathetic to the cause?

You're supposed to feel better after confessions, aren't you? I have a mixture of sadness in the farewell and courage/relief in the new direction. I'll focus on the courage/relief. And I'll stick with organic water decaf.

Oh. And if you've an anti-clean-eating "curse" that's following you around, too....then toss it into the abyss with the Mocha and the Choco-Chipper...put your face to the wind...and let's move on, together, eh?

Eating clean for results.

Here's to us both, back in the world and eating clean,

Erin