Lessons Learned

Jun 14, 2011

To meet the pre-surgical weight loss requirements I've been on the South Beach Diet since June 1st and managed to lose 16.5 lbs in the time since. Well, that was until tonight when I weighed in and discovered that I'd gained a single pound in the past week. In the past that would have sent me into histrionics that only ended with the consumption of two or three BAGS of chocolate. Not so now! While I am disappointed in myself for my transgressions that led to this pound gain I'm much more interestd in learning what I can to prevent it from happening again.

First, do not allow anyone to feed you! I was doing really well until the church potluck this past Sunday. Based on previous potlucks I assumed that someone would furnish ham and a selection of veggies thus making it safe for me to partake. Not this time! There wasn't a single low carb dish on the table. Well, except for the ever present green beans. So did I politely decline? Nope. I took a small (and I emphasize small) serving of several different things and washed it all down with water, then patted myself on the back for doing so well. Mistake number one.

Second, do not sit passively by when someone suggests going out to eat at a (fill in the blank) restaurant! One of my aunts called and said she wanted to treat me to a belated birthday meal at her favorite Chinese eaterie. A buffet even! Now, I knew that, with the possible exception of terriyaki chicken (aka "rat on a stick"), there would be no "safe" foods there but did I speak up? Nope. I went along and ate what I thought would be dishes that weren't too bad for me. The meat wasn't breaded and there were lots of veggies so they should be safe, right? I conveniently forgot about all the sodium and MSG they load it down with, and who knows what is in the sauces. This mistake caused me to bloat up like the proverbial balloon and to feel physically as if I'd been hit by a speeding bus.

But, despite these things I did manage to do something right. I got right back on the wagon on subsequent meals and did NOT partake of any chocolate or other no-no foods. I was also painfully honest with myself and accepted responsibility for the feeding of my face and for not being more proactive in my own care. As I've heard Richard Simmons say many times, I hold the fork and possess the true power. Not the food. I think I'm finally understanding that.

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