Thursday, July 3, 2014

It’s not like I’m eating chocolate cake (or is it)

 Tuesday morning, my first client walks into the office. This is someone who manages to exercise and cook despite a demanding job etc. She’s not a slouch by any means. She hands over her food journal with the “not my best” disclaimer. She gets on the scale (we don’t talk numbers at Foodtrainers) and I see she’s down a little. I communicate this and she says, “I don’t get it, it’s not like I’m eating chocolate cake.” And I can confirm there was no chocolate cake on her food log but there were bread crusts and dessert bites and extra cocktails. Which eventually add up to chocolate cake even though we view them differently.
Oddly, a couple sessions later a client describes summery treats and like my other client says “but I’m not downing chocolate cake or anything.” What’s with these chocolate cake references? I’m not sure how this sweet became the posterfood for overindulging but I’ll tell you how that chocolate cake thinking can screw you up. 
We don’t lose weight for what we do not eat. I do not eat bagels or pie or chocolate cake (except mint chocolate cake from Babycakes bakery on my birthday but that’s different) and my weight is stable because cake isn’t really one of my variables. Patting myself on the back for avoiding something that’s not on my radar takes me away from thinking about cheese, chocolate or chips. Those are the foods I have the potential to overdo. For each of us, our body is used to certain baseline behaviors and anything above that usually has us gaining weight. We have to improve upon our “normal” to lose.Going into this weekend think about what trips you up. It’s a great time for #TIDEI (tweet it don’t eat it) @Foodtrainers or give yourself budgets for drinks and treats. Whether it is chocolate cake or cheese try to pick 1 indulgence and keep it to that. 
Happy 4th.

14 comments:

  1. For me it's hummus, nuts, nut butter and tahini dressing, avocado and coconut flakes. They are my kryptonite. I try to avoid them as much as possible.

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  2. love "kryptonite" term. See, you know your buttons, focus on these not on buttons you never wear...make sense? Ooh good thing you're not NYC Brooklyn Sesame my new obsession.

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  3. This post is a great reminder that dieting is "the disciplined pursuit of less" (appealing title of a book I recently read a review about). In my kryptonite: bread, cheese, salted cashew or peanut butter...

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  4. Haha it is kryptonite! And I am a super hero about 70% of the time..... But the other 30%, not so nice.. Have to work on that. Have you made the IQS coconutty granola?! If you struggle with portion control like I do, my suggestion is DON'T!! My thighs still hate me!

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  5. And I also need some advice about cutting down the cals of hummus! I have tried to make a batch and also toast some carrot, pumpkin, zucchini etc. and blend in equal quantities so each blob is like a veggie hummusy creamy delight!

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  6. Amen! Nut products kill me!!

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  7. Chocolate cake, along with wine, should be part of every diet. Sadly it would make me sick due to gluten and dairy and sugar. I don't think I will ever get past my love of chocolate cake no matter how long I do without. My one indulgence will have to be wine.

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  8. You should try our nutcase idea Nina. So focus your energy on not over nutting. Be sure nut butters unsweetened if aren't/ usually easier to control AND choose the nut that's not your favorite. Cashews/almonds overeating often.

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  9. A dream diet maybe but how can you say they make you sick and include them at same time? Your diet is super clean and still need to watch sugar/wine those are your current "chocolate cake" if you understand what I'm saying...

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  10. Like title but I'm so sure it's always less, less, less. I think it's knowing your buttons or "kryptonite"and focusing your efforts and mind time there.

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  11. nuts I can manage except these Holmquist hazelnuts we have in the office...healthy crack.

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  12. I would try spicing it up. We've been tasting a line that has a Sriracha hummus and it doesn't invite overeating n the same way. Love beet hummus too, best color.

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  13. You are right! Being mindful is more difficult than being restrictive for me...

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  14. Cheese, chocolate or
    chips - we have to watch the same foods!

    This post is a great reminder. It is so easy to focus on what you are not eating/drinking (and commending yourself somehow for it), but it really doesn't matter. What matters is what we do eat... And it's VERY easy for me to overdo the cheese...

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