The first month of 2015 is nearly done. It's amazing how slow the days pass, but how quickly the month ends. I am busy learning a million new things at work, and trying to not stay up until 1 am every night watching old episodes of Doctor Who on Netflix. (but it's really hard not to!) So far this year, by back has gone out, and Steven and I both had the crud. Some where in between all of the doctor appointments, it was suggested that the hubby and I should try the Atkins diet.
Now, I am not a fan of "diets". I believe in lifestyle changes, but the word "diet" suggests a temporary change, or a negative connotation. I had to follow a strictly low fat diet a few years back when my pancreas staged a coup. I was forced into it because I had to allow my body time to recover. I did fine at first, but then I started noticing how unhealthy all the "healthy" processed foods were. Not to mention how nasty the tastes and textures were. Fat Free cheese melts like plastic, and has the same consistency and flavor. I tried, and failed to continue following that diet. Honestly, I couldn't convince myself that all the mechanically and chemically altered foods were in any way good for me.
But I can't say we aren't eating well now. We eat meat and veggies galore. No more junk food, and no more carbohydrate binges. Real cheese, real meat, nothing processed or otherwise mechanically separated and glued together. We are relatively carb and sugar free, and have been for the past two weeks. There have been no horrible episodes as of yet, but no one has tried to pry the diet coke from my hands. One step at a time.
Recently, I have made the observation that dieting is a lot like being pregnant. People you don't know often ask invasive questions, and offer unsolicited advice. Just today I was having lunch with my coworker. As our waiter dropped off our food, he asked me if I was on a diet. I was taken aback. I am thinking "What's it it ya?!", but I am polite even in the face of stupidity.(mostly.) I confirmed that I was. He proceeded to tell me a story about his neighbor cutting out sugar and butter and just walking a bit a day, and losing "Like 40 lbs!". Well, thanks waiter for that interesting and uplifting story of your neighbors harrowing journey. I now have the strength to eat this chicken breast and veggie plate. When I lose my first 40 lbs, I will come back here, and thank you for the motivation that carried me onto glory.
What's next? Is someone going to walk past me in the store, realize I have no signs of junk food in my cart, and ask me how far along I'm coming on my diet? As I lose the pounds are people going to touch my thinning belly and marvel at my weight loss as they would a growing belly of a pregnant woman? No. This cannot continue! Random people of Earth, please do not approach pregnant women or dieting people with an attempt to help them with your own stories of labor or weight loss. Don't tell us what to try, or what works for you. DO NOT touch us! Creepos!
I can see the humor behind my very tall, young, and skinny waiter calling me out on my healthy menu choices. He seemed very interested in nutrition, but he was being grossly inappropriate. I could tell he meant well, but he was lucky. I can imagine any other woman or some men trying to lose weight could be highly offended or embarrassed at being called out. I wouldn't berate him over his desire to help, it comes from good intentions. But one day, he is going to approach the wrong woman with his "story". If you want to give advice about weight loss, then go to school, get licensed, and allow people to come to you. Table side dietitian advice was not what I ordered for lunch.
