Feedbags and Hay Racks - A Picnic

Dear friends, despite all of the stress, this week turned out fine. I survived and actually thrived because it feels great when you accomplish things. I received good news from the Doctor and can ride again. My statistics exam is done and it is Saturday morning. I made through the week without overeating or binging because of my exercise regimen and pink survival kit/feedbag.



Please meet my pink survival kit/feedbag pictured above. I have had one of these now for almost eight years and I feel it is an essential part of staying with my eating plan. Actually, this is my third one because I wore the other two out. I wore them out because I used them almost every day for work and horse shows, flea markets, etc. If I am going to be gone for any length of time, I never leave home without it.

Recently, one of the fellows I work with commented that it looked like I was going on a picnic. Ha, ha, he thought it was hysterical. So, I made some comment that I also get some pests at my picnic just like at the park. Anyone can make all the comments they want, all I care about is that this works really well for me. Years ago I remember watching a video of Rachel Ashwell (Ms. Shabby Chic) who was suggested packing fruit and water as snacks for flea market trips. At the time I thought this was so boring. Why do that when you could eat great junk food at the flea market? Ironically, today I do exactly what Rachel recommended and it works at keeping the weight in control.

As you can see I have a variety of things I bring to work every day. Grapes, yogurt, cherry tomatoes, cut up fruit, apples, peaches and whatever else is in season that is low calorie. Sometimes I add Luna Bars or string cheese. The idea is that I am always prepared with healthy choices to eat. My plan is never to get so hungry that I put myself at risk for binging or eating the wrong things. So, for instance after lunch in the mid afternoon I might have the fruit or yogurt. On the way home from work I will have an apple or piece of fruit. This way when I get into the house I am not starving and running for the first thing I can get my hands on to eat. Also with the survival kit, if I decide I am going to eat allot, I cannot do that much damage eating all the food in my survival kit. I remember one doctor saying that you "can't get fat on fruit." Did you ever try to binge on apples or grapes? Because of the bulk and water, you cannot not, and even if you do, you will never do the same caloric damage as ice cream, chips, etc.

This is an example of a little prevention that helps avoid pounds of weight gain. It takes a little time and planning but is worth the effort. No feedbag? Pack an apple or two in a zip lock bag, apples pack very well. Plus you always have one for your four legged friends.

Mister Amber Conclusion in ecstasy at the hay rack.

As tempting as it was to talk about "knuckleheads" today we will do that in the future. I have to gear myself up for that blog conversation. Next week, I am sure there will be another personal mountain to climb.

Have a wonderful weekend. Happy, healthy trails to you.