Food, Glorious Food

Blog #3 FOOD, Glorious FOOD

As active as I am, the saying, “Working up an appetite”, sums up my eating habits. I do eat smaller snacks/meals every two to three hours to both keep my metabolism burning and feel satiated. By doing so, I am able to fight overeating, maintain regularity, and stabilize my blood sugar. When we go for long periods of time without eating, the body actually goes into starvation mode, which means it clings or holds onto what calories it has instead of burning or using them because the body isn’t sure when it will be fed again. The obvious assumption would be that by not eating one would actually weigh less. We have to eat to burn. We don’t have the option to give up food, so we have to learn how to look at food as fuel rather than comfort.

This past weekend I had family in town and guests at my house, so I wasn’t in the midst of my work/life routines regarding eating. I prevailed in the battle to stay on track, but it was not easy. It seems that social situations encourage overeating and inactivity. It is a struggle to hold the fries with your order or to refrain from the chips and salsa while the BBQ is going. It’s HARD!!!! Too often I hear from others something along the lines of, “Oh come on, Megan, as much as you work out this isn’t going to kill you”. True, I burn close to 4,000 calories per day, but I don’t work out to earn what I eat. The guilt of over indulging far surpasses the momentary bliss of a cupcake or hamburger and that is what keeps me disciplined. The regret of eating something terrible “weighs” on me.

Yet, life doesn’t put itself on hold when one is trying to lose weight or improve their lifestyle habits. We are constantly exposed to temptations that leave us with the choice to partake in having items that fall outside the realm of our goals. Be it at work, functions with family and friends, or just walking down the grocery isle, we are faced with food choices that test our discipline. Now remember, I don’t believe in the word “diet”, but I firmly believe in lifestyle change. Realistically, temporary fixes like an all shake diet or only grapefruit five times a day, are not meant to last for the rest of your life. Once the initial weight falls off, reality creeps right back up and real food is re-introduced. So why not learn how to practice making better choices all the time??

I do have some tips to help you do this. The “Two Bite Rule” is a necessary weapon to carry. At a BBQ, at a baby shower, at a luncheon,…. load your plate with what you will, but only take two bites of the selections. By doing so, no one is offended you did try their casserole and you are not completely deprived of the macaroni salad. Secondly, don’t share with others that you are trying to lose weight or changing your eating habits. No one will question why you ordered a side salad instead of mashed potatoes or try to give input or advice on what you should or shouldn’t eat if you act like what you are doing is completely normal and not because you are trying to be healthy. It’s human nature to want others to join in on having a slice of cheesecake with you because somehow it masks the guilt of the calories. Magically, when the waiter asks if you want dessert, a simple, “No, not tonight”, is a solid statement that doesn’t open up your friend to say, “We can share something”. You are full and aren’t up for splitting anything. On the other hand, when others are aware of your lifestyle change, they feel a sense of superiority and might ask, “Should you really be having that??” or “I thought I read red meat was bad for you”, as if they are helping by passing judgment or giving their two cents.

Small changes are changes so take the time each week to evaluate what small adjustments you can make. Over time, you will be armed with many tools to use as you constantly aim to improve your lifestyle and never settle for anything less than achieving your goals.