Monday, December 18, 2017

Treats at Christmas

Monday:

Weight today 75.8, a loss of 400 grams. Not sure how that happened! But I'll take it. I've been eating mostly healthy meals, but with some added festive treats.

I've been in a (polite) argument in a weight loss forum about treats at Christmas. Someone posted that they would be taking the day off their strict diet and I agreed that I would be having some non-diet-friendly foods (actually I am every day at the moment, but I didn't say that) like dessert. The forum is anti-sugar and generally low-carb promoting. Another person argued that we shouldn't see unhealthy food as a 'treat' when it's so bad for us, can derail all our efforts, sugar is poison not a treat, you can enjoy Christmas without traditional junk etc. I said that some people do better if they allow some treats to avoid feeling deprived which can cause people to give up entirely. She disagreed, believing that planning to cheat on your diet is not a good plan, and you should forgive slips but not give yourself permission to slip beforehand. I can totally see her point, but I don't really respond well to someone else telling me what to do. It makes me feel very resistant! I respond better to people setting a good example, telling their story, without saying essentially "you are wrong do it my way which is the only true path." Does that approach work with anyone? We have all been very respectful and I know she is trying to help but it still gets my back up.

Jasmine went a friend's house yesterday and got sunburned despite sunscreen (as usual). Poor girl, she can't go in the sun at all without burning. It might take a few more hard lessons before she decides to wear long sleeves and big hats all summer. Not sure what else she can do other than never going outside at all.

4 comments:

  1. I'm with you on this, Natalie. I don't respond well to being told what to do or being preached at. I feel like I'm being bullied. And I don't particularly like the self-righteous. On the other hand, I am inspired by people who share their stories and their (oftentimes positive) results. They are proud of their accomplishments and share their approach with you. Then you decide whether you want to pursue their way or not.

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    1. The sad thing is these evangelists probably genuinely want to help, they just don't know how to do it effectively.

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  2. I agree with you that it's better to enjoy some treats rather than cutting yourself off completely. I would go crazy and eat everything in sight. I also don't like being told what to do. It's not advice unless you ask for it.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Yes I panic if I feel deprived and eat everything just as an act of rebellion or something.

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