Recently I had a patient that was doing well but had a minor slip-up in the past 6 weeks. They had done well in the year or so since their Lap Band, but gained weight uncharacteristically since the last visit. We went over their food choices and it turns out that they had seemingly “fallen off the wagon.”
They said they were carrying a jar of peanut butter in their purse (!) and snacking on peanut butter throughout the entire day. The primary reason “It tastes good.”
Yes it is true, it probably does taste good. But that doesn’t mean it is good for you. If I could, I would live on a diet of jalapeno poppers & curly fries, dipped in ranch dressing. That is all I would eat: morning, noon, and night. Why? Because IT TASTES GOOD.
Remember, a treat is a treat, not a meal. Remember food is fuel for your body, and treat your body right. (See my brief earlier post: fuel for your body. )
Would I like to live on curly fries? Would I like for every single thing I put in my mouth to taste as good a hot, freshly fried and breaded jalapeno popper, filled with dripping melted cheese, and dipped in thick creamy ranch dressing? Yes I would. But if I did that, it would be the same as putting sand in my car’s gas tank. Food is my fuel. Once in a while I cheat, but I remember that the primary goal of my eating is to fuel my body, not my tongue.
21. December 2009 at 10:56 am
So true Dr. Hekier! At our support groups we review choices that not only are healthier but help to satisfy the need for flavors. Last week I made pumpkin pie cheesecakes using Splenda and low fat cream cheese. And made the cheese cake thinner than you usually would. It was yummy! The pumpkin pie need was met with sacrificing of flavor. It showed how you can get your holiday treats in a healthy way. As for the carrying the peanut butter around in the purse….whoever you are please come to support group!!!!
22. December 2009 at 4:40 am
Little frustrated.Last time I lost 8 lbs…thought that drinking slim fast was what was wanted. Wasn’t doing it only, but was assumed I was. & no fill was givin. Than this time 1 lb. Not as much slim fast. Told to do more fluid. Walking more out of my way than would have before. But not good enough. No fill still. Just seems I’m not able to do good enough. Maybe one day, I’ll be good enough. But think I see the under 200, mark not too far in the future:) Slowly but surely.
24. December 2009 at 11:54 pm
There are so many different tips and tools to utilize for your success. Take a look through all of the articles here on this site. Something is sure to resonate with you.
Keep it up! You didn’t get overweight in one month; you won’t lose it all in one month.
24. December 2009 at 11:59 pm
I agree! Support groups are a good way to learn tips and techniques from other people. We will have the new schedule up on our main website soon. Thanks for the comment Lori.