I can write about this now because it’s working. Have you seen Super Size Me Well, I rented it shortly after it came out on DVD, and it’s changed how I eat. After watching it, Jen and I both decided to completely cut out fast food. So, for the past three months or so, no McD’s, Chik-fil-a, Wendy’s, BK, KFC or Taco Bell. We initially thought it would be difficult because there are those nights where making dinner just seems impossible. But, it’s worked. I haven’t even really been tempted, and I used to eat McD’s, at least for breakfast, at least twice a week.\
It’s worked so well, that I’m back dieting again, and have lost twenty pounds in the last two months. I’m down to my lowest weight since I started trying to diet (I think it was two years ago, but it could have been just one). I now weigh less than most NFL linemen, and I’m inching closer to middle linebacker.\
If you haven’t seen it yet, go rent it. Or, better yet, buy it and loan it to all your friends. It’s amazing the things we’re convinced to put in our bodies, and how our food gets to us. If you get the DVD, you should really watch the Smoking Fry bit, and Morgan’s interview with Eric Schlosser (who wrote Fast Food Nation).\
We also signed up for CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) from Great Country Farms. Max and I went there in August and had a great time. Their produce is excellent, and I can’t wait to get it every week next year.\
Dieting is a lot easier when it’s for something. When it’s not self-deprivation, but for a reason, it’s a whole lot easier. I think I’ll be able to keep the weight off this time (because now, even when I’m not paying attention to what I eat, I’m not gaining anything back, and am still losing weight). It’s not a diet, it’s just how I eat now, which feels great. That isn’t to say we don’t go out anymore. We do, and I still splurge on the occasional country-fried steak. But, we do it at restaurants, not fast food places. On top of that, we try to eat at locally owned places when possible. We eat at Linda’s or Amphora instead of IHOP. We go to Emilio’s when we want good pizza (and boy, it’s good). I’ve got more to say about the local business thing… a whole new project I’m working on (very slowly… keep getting interrupted).\
So… go watch it. It’ll change you.
Comments
5 responses to “Minimize Me”
Well, I bought Super Size Me and have watched it a few times. I ate at McD’s twice last week and I feel no shame. Of course I know it’s not good for me, but when you hate your job and your job is your life, you do bad things to yourself.
No more, however! I just finished up my holiday shopping and, as usual, wanted to treat myself to something. So what have I really needed recently that I know no one else would buy me? Underwear. Yeah, it’s not a fancy gift to give yourself, but a necessary one. Anyway, I had to buy yet another size larger. That means since I started working at my current place of employment (same place as Kevin) I’ve gone up two sizes in underwear. And underwear is one of those things that can kind of grow with you, you know? So two sizes is really saying something.
Anyway, I’ve probably said way too much personal stuff now, and Kevin’s gonna report me to HR. Needless to say, it’s time to eat smart (I don’t like to call it dieting). And maybe take a walk or two around campus during the day. Yeah.
Woohoo! I’m just proud of you for keeping the weight loss going. Me, I need to start working out more and put on some good pounds. In NFL terms, I’m the waterboy…or a rather chunky cheerleader.
I so do not believe in dieting. I try to live under the premise that you only live once – why deprive yourself? However, after three kids and a certain laziness, I found that dropping say, 30 lbs wouldn’t be a bad idea. So for me I’m totally with you, Kevin, eat right, not perfect (what’s that anyway?).
Kimberly, don’t diet. Who cares about your underwear. Whatever size it is make sure it’s pretty and makes you feel good. My secret: eat right and move just a little more than you’re used to and consistently raise the level of movement. I lost 20lbs since July just being a little more active in my lifestyle. It’s totally possible.
As for Tim, well, you can have my weight. I’m a girl and the different standards for us just suck. I’ll ship my remaining 10-15lbs when I get off this stupid plateau.
“[W]e try to eat at locally owned places when possible . . . . I’ve got more to say about the local business thing . . .”
Interesting. I wonder if we share views on this matter. I have often lamented what I refer to as the commoditization of my home town in Michigan. For years almost all of the businesses there were strictly local, save for the Kroger’s, Meijer, Wal-Mart, and a few fast food joints.
But in the last 5 years or so, the “big boys” have noticed the population and economic growth of the area, all of which was built on the backs of local business owners, and they’re now moving in to take over. They’ve nearly killed all of the local restaurants and boutiques that gave the town it’s unique identity. Every time I go back there it seems there’s some new restaurant or retail chain moving in — Applebees, Pier 1 Imports, Chili’s, Friday’s — and two or three more local establishments have closed.
It’s sad, really. My home town, like many other towns in the U.S., is starting to look generic. It’s happening all over. Local flavor is being displaced by corporate blandness and themed living, and it’s the folks that spent their lives serving these towns that pay dearly. “Thanks for building an economy here, now get out so we can milk it for all it’s worth.”
I hear they call this progress.
-Bill
Why?
I have often lamented what I refer to as the commoditization of my home town in Michigan. For years almost all of the businesses there were strictly local, save for the Kroger’s, Meijer, Wal-Mart, and a few fast food joints….