Monday, June 26, 2017

Food and Weight loss

I think that the biggest change in my life in recent years has been my weight loss.  In all honesty, it’s probably even bigger than the breast cancer, because it’s now a constant part of my life and has necessitated the most lifestyle changes.  Losing the weight has meant completely changing the way that I approach food.

Right now I still focus on counting calories.  Maybe someday I’ll be able to get away from that, but for right now it is what works.  Now keep in mind, I don’t count them obsessively, and I also don’t fret about counting them if we’re at a party or something.

For me food currently falls into 4 categories: eat a lot of, okay in moderation, good for an occasional splurge, not worth it.


Things like vegetables fall into the eat a lot of category – though not all veg.  I do tend to eat a lot of veggies and the key to remember with them is to limit the butter and oil.  A cup of broccoli that’s been steamed is going to be a lot different than a cup of broccoli that was sautéed in butter.  These are also the foods that I reach for the most throughout the day.  They form the basis of my meals, and are what I reach for as a snack.  Low calorie rice cakes and popcorn are also in this category.  As are seaweed snacks.




Foods that I tend to eat, but watch how much I eat, are things like starches and meats and some sweets.  One of the decisions that I made early on was that I wasn’t going to cut out any food group.  I don’t eat a lot of carbs, but I eat carbs.  I eat meat or fish every day.  I also have cheese and ice cream.  The key is moderation and choosing the best of something.  Take steak for example.  If I want steak (and hey, it’s what’s for dinner tonight), I choose sirloin as it is leaner and still really darn tasty, and I make sure to have a small piece – 5 or 6 ounces.  I will have ice cream a couple of nights a week as a snack, but I make sure to get good quality ice cream (or frozen yogurt) and only have a scoop.




Then there are the foods that are good for an occasional splurge.  There is a local chain of donut shops that make the most incredible decadent donuts.  This is not something that I’m going to eat on a regular basis, but I did have two for my birthday J 





Finally the foods that are just not worth it.  This is going to be different for everyone.  For me, the first thing that pops into mind is pizza – greasy, take-out pizza, that is comforting while you eat it, but makes you feel so yucky afterwards.  Now don’t get me wrong, good quality pizza, is a worthwhile splurge, but it has to be really good.  A fast food hamburger wouldn’t be worth it for me, but a burger at an amazing burger restaurant would be.


How do you look at food?  Do you count calories, avoid certain foods?  Let me know in the comments below.

5 comments:

  1. I've been a vegetarian with a severe nut allergy since I was around 10-11. I struggle with being creative with food and feeling safe with it, too. I find myself gravitating toward a piece of toast or pasta because it's familiar and it's safe when it really should be a splurge!! Great post!!!

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  2. I struggled with an eating disorder for about 18 years, so my approach to food now is vert different (I was a person that counted obsessively, so kudos you can do that in a balanced way). I really try to not get obsessive, and I focus on intuitive eating. I know what foods make my body feel bad, and I know what gives me energy to fuel my yoga practice and workouts. It is a balance!

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  3. I recently went to a diabetic dietitian as I am needing help. For me it was a waste. I really think I need to see someone who will give me a realistic plan. I am tired of juggling food allergies, the Fodmap diet and the dealing with everyone's likes/dislikes. I am very interested in how you have categorised your foods.

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    1. I will admit it was a bit of trial and error on my part. I looked into the FODMAP diet once, and decided that for me, it wasn't worth it.

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  4. I am also in recovery for an eating disorder so to me counting calories is a trigger. I don't avoid any foods and I give myself permission to eat whatever I feel like but only at supper. lunch is always salad or veggies, evening snack is always cereal or peanut butter and crackers. I don't do daytime snacks or breakfast but keep plain unsalted crackers on hand if being hungry makes me sick. I walk everyday which is the only work out i do but I coach youth sports and my job can be physical. It works for me and helps keep me from sliding back into anorexia.

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