Without adequate sleep, losing weight is challenging. Emotionally sensitive, craving carbohydrates for immediate energy, and searching a refrigerator and pantry haphazardly, are common results. When healthy, prepared foods are unavailable, a smorgasbord of disastrous choices beckons the weakened consciousness.
During a temporary hiatus from a responsible, alert, and coherent mindset, the full pantry of processed, delectable goodies, sugar-filled and of poor quality, become accessible. Foods that foster binges lay only steps away. When mindful, a closet of characteristically addictive carbohydrates has little effect upon will power. Yet add a sleep deficit and acute senses crave comfort, relief, and energy, needs met easily by unhealthy choices.
Knocking my head gently against the refrigerator door, I close my eyes, and see myself wanting, falsely needing, and craving sweet carbohydrates. My heart hurts from the conflict between weakness, desperately gathering strength to oppose an unruly sugar addiction versus the obvious yearning for anything filled with instant gratification and sugar. It taunts and begs me to inhale sugar’s appeal and reach for the boxes that contain it, reneging from my commitment to change, health, and self-care.
Relief resumes by distraction of other tasks. The courage to dissuade the addiction empowers itself, conjuring me away from the kitchen entirely. I cringe that my mind went asunder easily after months of weight loss success with healthy fuel strengthening me. The addiction feels fresh as if yesterday began the journey, its power ready to pounce when the body is frail, vulnerable, and able to infiltrate when mindfulness dissipates.
Sleep deprivation weakens me physically and mentally, creating dysfunction. Sugar addiction is empowered when sleep lacks. The disturbance disrupts mindful, disciplined, and purposeful behavior. My success relies on these elements. The more I snooze, the more I lose … weight, that is.