Weigh in thoughts/dieting in this food-laden culture

September 15, 2011

Today I weighed in for my weight loss/detoxification program…I only lost 1 pound. I am not really upset about this (although I could have lost more). I had labor day, my birthday and few other engagements thrown in for this cycle…so I never really got off to a good start. I kept thinking: tomorrow is Labor Day, Saturday is my birthday, I may as well eat since I’ll treat myself on those days too. That’s not sound thinking. Instead, I should have been resisting on “other” days in anticipation for the special days. I’ll learn and keep it moving.

I normally don’t like diets, but so far, this one is taking the weight off and helping me rethink a lot of my choices for the past several years. Vegetables are very important…I need to intentionally look for more veggies and make them the big part of my meals. Fruit also helps curb my desire for refined sugar. For the first time (at least intentionally), I’m also staying away from breads and grains…surprisingly, cutting back on those foods has made a difference…and I don’t miss them as much as I thought I would.

Through this journey, I’ve kept a personal journal about what I’m learning. I’ll share a few things here, but would love to hear what you think too.

1. As I said before, veggies are important…they are low in fat/mostly without fat when prepared healthily; I want to make them the center of my meal instead of a “side” that I can do without.

2. Fruit is my friend; I can spend the money to buy the good, sweet kind (fresh pineapple has been heavenly); I used to spend more on a good slice of cake without even blinking.

3. Our society is geared around food. I’ve felt a little down because I love to eat out and I love to meet friends for dinner…but trying to cut back means being intentional about my social gatherings. Yes, we can choose places that serve lots of  fresh veggies and fruit…but a lot of times you don’t have very much control over what they are putting on the food. A few weeks ago, a friend and I met up at Summer Dance  (an outdoor dance lesson and party in Chicago). We danced a little and talked more. That was one way to get away from a food centered event; another friend and I walked on Lake Michigan for our time together….slowly but surely, I’m learning to find other events…and I’m learning how to eat wisely when thrust into social gatherings with lots of food. Not an easy task, but one that has to be conquered if I intend to live in this world and be healthy.

How do you get around the culinary delights at social functions or our culture’s obsession with food?

By katara

I’m trying to use my love of writing and passion for keeping this journey real and relevant to help others navigate successfully and happily through life. It is a journey filled with ups and downs, potholes and mountaintops…but it does not have to be walked alone.

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2 comments

  • Ashley Palmer

    September 16, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    Hi Katara I am trying to lose 30 lbs by my wedding this summer I have already been seriously committed to exercise. But I have decided to go back to what worked very well for me and that was weight watchers which also stresses the importance of fruits and veggies. I have been doin weight watchers for one week as of yesterday and am down 3.5 lbs I am trying to lose 2 lbs a week. I really understand your concern with social life consisting of food food and more food with a cocktail or two sprinkled in. Jeff and I are trying to come up with new fun date ideas that don’t consist of food I.e. Mini golf, movies (I bring fruit in my purse), rock climbing, painting pottery, dance, going on walks, taking the dog to the dogpark, and I force him to come to the gym with me sometimes!!! With girls i just shop! Well I have been fighting the weight issue for years the fight is nonstop and I understand and support you on your journey!

    1. katara

      September 17, 2011 at 11:58 am

      What great activities, Ashley. We need to borrow some of those. Yes, this is a lifelong battle; I gave up at one time but I am back on the battlefield again!

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