Food Theory- Shufflin' -Longish-

 
So....... laying in my deep HOT bath just now....floating and spinning......cause I can now........

Thinking recently I have gotten several questions about food/eating quantities/calories......protein and so on.....

I've been pretty open about under eating sleeve capacity........just so many benefits......preserving restriction probably number one.

But, here is a theory I realized was happening without even thinking about it and I'm pretty happy about it........

This whole thing is about keepin balance........think about that......

*Disclaimer..... seems I always have to do this....one....I often can't convey what I'm thinking in writing and two......some very tight bunched up panties get miffed really easy......sadly....mine also) I'm not trying to dog anyone or trying to say my way is the only way....this is something I just realized was true for me.

When I first did this WLS thing.....I thought this is it.....this will dictate the rest of my life.....I need to set life long habits, limits, boundaries..... going free spirit without limitations got me classified not regular fat....but....Super Duper Idiotic Fat....

Exercise.....No more gyms for me....History tells me I go for a while...really enjoy it......but than the wind blows and I stop going. I gotta mix it up with the basics I can do for ever. I'll get back to the gym thing...

Balance.....OK.... I'm going for maximum long term restriction...that's the card I'm playin......

We all have choices on how we consume anything....food is just one of them....

What I've been doing unconsciously is something that is not new by any means....I've just not heard it talked about in the context of WL or Maintenance......

Some people here have mentioned to me.....and I'm sure many think.....that my portions are small...... My baseline coming on close to 2.5 years is 2oz. protein and 1-2oz. veggies.... perfect...I'm good.....

But here is what ya gotta know...... unconsciously I've traded quantity for flavor.....

Sure... I'm on the same quest as everyone.....to come up with healthy foods that tastes good.....and I have done that....I eat pretty clean for the most part, it really is amazing how good clean eating can be....who woulda thunk that!

But, I do eat full fat mayo....sorry...the light stuff is not the same.....I put half and half in my coffee and tea.....I eat fried breaded food sometimes.... not afraid of it..... how bad is 2oz. of fried chicken or a few onion rings....two Tempura Shrimp is not a problem.....12 is a problem.

Balance..... I would rather eat less volume of less regulated food..... than eat more regulated foods for the same end point. 

Here are some of "My" Theories/Realities:

- It's easier to cut back on ingredients/food prep than cut back on quantity. I'm happy with grilled chicken breast with a squeeze of Lemon....or graded Daikon, Wasabi and Soy Sauce.

- It's easier to resume/maintain walking, bicycling, home treadmill, home StairMaster than the gym,  Zumba classes, spin classes, yoga, aerobics..... That heavy regime is all good and fine....until you stop.....when you stop....you gotta eat wayyyyy less and all the muscle mass you build up......shrinks.....been there... done that.... gained some serious pounds pre-op doing that....

- It's easier to maintain your weight than lose regain.......(from what I hear....I believe it!)


I hope I communicated that OK..... remember....this is my theory.....



frisco

The same theories work for me too. I am in total agreeance with frisco

I like what you say Frisco but I do have some variations on your theme (if you permit me).
I find that WHAT TYPE of food I eat is at least as important as the quantity. Carbs for me are a no-no (except for the leafy, crunchy kind). On a protein-based diet I feel much better and I've almost forgotten what it feels like to be hungry. Given that execise is almost impossible for me (I have MS issues) I depend mostly on my diet for loss and maintenance, so my sleeve is a Godsend for controlling quantities. 
The TASTE and QUALITY of food are important to me too, so spices are my best friend and I try to buy my veggies fresh every day from my local greengrocer (who tries to only bring the best) and my meat and chicken from the local butcher (who also brings the best).
That is not to say that I'll never touch rice or pasta or bread or sweets again. I'm just not as tempted any more and IF I ever slip, I count it and try not to repeat it.
Amalia

Thank you. 

I have agreed with your philosophy all along frisco.

I have always eaten "healthy" even before VSG, just way too much. Quantity was out of control for 30+ years. So, you get the reason I chose VSG.

I eat "clean" for the most part during the weekdays. I do enjoy a small glass of good red wine or a small martini most days after work. Usually with a few seasoned pretzels or some raw walnuts/almonds.

I guess what I am trying to say is that I will not deprive myself, maybe deprive is not the correct word, but it's all I got right now. I too eat full fat mayo, I sweeten my greek yogurt with habanero jelly, can't stand the artificial sweeteners. Love spice n heat.

QUALITY over QUANTITY!!!!!! yes, yes ,yes and YES!

As for the exercise/gym thing. Joining a gym has worked great for me.... one is located right next door to my work ....... 12 noon - change clothes - walk to gym - on treadmill by 12:10 - back at desk by 12:45 - eat lunch - change clothes - start work at 1:00.

For the carb thing ..... I don't really eat rice, pasta, bread ..... not to say I won't have a bite now and then. I DO eat carbs ... just mostly in veggies, yogurt, and those pretzels mentioned above!

And I even enjoyed a buffalo wing on Super Bowl Sunday.

Balance is the key. It's what has been working for me.

Lynda

Completely agree with your post!!

I too joined a gym and started out going 4-5 days a weeks. Love zumba!! However, after a couple of months I stopped going. Paid on the membership for over a year thinking I would go back. Really was a waste of money!

I now walk out doors and ride my bike every chance I get. Been kinda lax on the outdoor stuff this winter because I just cannot handle the cold AT ALL!!. Indoors at home I box (love my Everlast Cardio Boxing equipment), use resistance bands, kickboxing videos, weight lift (hand held 10lb weights) and improvise stair steps on my fireplace (have to watch out for the mantle though I busted my nose on it once. LOL!).

I'm one of the "lucky" ones and am not carb sensitive. Doesnt mean I go over board however I do NOT deprive myself of something I want. The few trigger foods I have found do not come in my house unless planned. Period! If I really want it I will go out and buy some, usually a single serving bag. Dont do this often but with my binge mentality I'm afraid if I dont give into the "craving" I will do something "bad", VERY BAD!!

I'm honestly at a place now where I do not have guilt over an "every once in a while" type food. It's just not worth it. I NEVER beat myself up mentally over a "bad" choice. It is what it is and I move on.

Had my 2 year follow up on 2/8/12 and my Nut/PA was very pleased with my high protein/low carb diet. We discussed my strategy and he is completely ok with it as long as I continue to stay in control. Said my sleeve looks the same as the day it was made. I was up 1 lb from 6 months ago however I weighed with my new leather knee high boots on. It was the damn boots!! At least that's my story and I'm stickin' to it! 

Debby 

Hey Frisco

You should take a bath often!  LOL  Results in good thoughts.

What you say is true and I try to live this way.

Here is a question for you:  if you eat 3 meals a day with 2 oz protein each then thats only 42g protein. So do you get the rest from shakes, protein snacks or what? I still go for 70 as our guru requires and I am sure you do too.

Diane

 
In the winter it's not un-common for me to take 3 hot bathes a day....just to warm up !!!!

I eat 3 meal plus 2 snacks on a normal day and I don't count a protein drink as food.... I deem it medicine......It's often hard to discern my meals and snack....I just call them feedings......

I'm a little low on protein......with some cheese, nuts, yogurt, tofu and protein drink on some mornings.... I figure I'm over 70, but under 90 (for men) I really should define that with Dr.C..... I'm under the impression 90 was the minimum for WL and I've had a little bit more concentration on getting Fiber in.....

frisco

What Frisco, you mean you don't have one of those blankets with the sleeves in them to keep warm? Deep hot bath sounds great.

Shrinking nerd got told today to up the protein or he wouldn't get to goal, and to cut the carbs from the sugar free fudgesicles.   but also eat veggies. Sounds familiar . . . .

diane

Totally agree with you Frisco.
Have absolutely traded up for quality/taste rather than quantity mediocrity. I find that I have thrown away sooooooo much food, because it just does not taste good enough to waste my daily calorie/food intake on it. These things I would have eaten a mountain of before wls
They may be OK for my dietary intake list, but just don't measure up now in taste, so prefer not to bother with them.
It's a whole new world since the sleeve 2 years ago.
I never was a "work out at the gym person", but I do so much more now that I ever thought would be possible. Love the active life style. This is what I hoped for, not for a life of working out at the gym, and running marathons.