Texas Lap Band Surgeons Talk With You

So I was talking to someone recently who very much wants to lose weight, but does not have a LapBand (for many complicated reasons).  She has tried Weight Watchers successfully several times, but the weight’s always come back (and then some).  When lamenting this fact after weighing on the super-accurate evil scales in our office, Debbie Doo – always known for her tact and sensitivity <insert loving eyeroll here> – said, “well of course you can’t lose weight, you eat out every day for lunch.” The other person’s mouth immediately dropped open and she said, “but it’s Chik-fil-A!”

What’s wrong with that answer? In her mind, she must have been eating healthy food because it was “chicken”, never mind the fact that the vast majority of it is fried. Never mind the fact that when it’s not fried, it’s slathered in mayonaise before being put on a not-low-calorie bun.  And it comes with soda. And fries.

So here’s my point: just ’cause a food belongs to a group that may, in the correct circumstances, be considered healthy, does not mean that the food IS healthy in every and all circumstances.  Broiled/baked chicken by itself is great. Add a bun and mayonaise and you’ve got 225 extra junkie calories. Don’t get me started on the soda and the fries.

And here’s my other point: fast food is a diet death trap.  Yes, McD’s has salads. If you eat them with low fat dressing and a bottle of water, great.  But if you eat a salad, then think to yourself, “well I just made a good choice so I’ll splurge on some chicken nuggets, too” then you’ve done nothing at all except sugarcoat a fattening meal with a good emotional gloss.  In my opinion (and since I’m writing this, that’s the only one that counts right this second) there are literally only a handful of semi-decent choices at Fast Food places and these include Veggie burgers (no mayo) and apple slices.

If you can honestly tell me that’s all you eat when you go, and you only go once a week at most, then my apologies.  This rant was not for you.