TGIF May 20th

Portion sizes in this country.  SMH.  

I have had to get comfortable with throwing away food.  I used to always split with my sister (who also had VSG) and early out, it would normally feed both of us for 2 meals each!  Now I'll occasionally split things with my husband, which helps us both, but our tastes are different so it doesn't always work out.  Some things are good as leftovers (btw, I find Hibachi is one of my favorites!  I eat for days and the food has great reheat integrity!!), but now more than ever I refuse to eat food that isn't good.  Not enough room to fill up on things that aren't worth it.  So, I find myself throwing away a lot more.  Early on I started a practice of saying to myself aloud "I'm 100% content.  As much as I could be if I had eaten the whole thing."  That's really all we want anyway, right?  And it's not like I'm "wasting food" any more than presurgery--I didn't take home many leftovers then.  So the only difference is the waste went on my hips instead of into the trash.  So I'm not really spending more, but I'm in better health.  I'll take that deal!  At least that's how I deal with the portion size problem in the U.S.

Now some things like pie...I might have a problem with.  I actually have never tried Costco pies (we only have Sams--same?), and I've never had Sams pies.  But my grandmother is the queen of pies and has spoiled me.  She rarely bakes any more.  But when she did/does, it would nag on me until it was gone.  So I'm best not to be around a good pie!  Or apparently cowboy bark either!  Although I am pretty proud that I found some cashew caramel popcorn in my pantry half-eaten from 6 weeks ago!  And only had a bite!

Some things I have to limit to single portion size or not at all.  I'm fine with my husband's little stash of single-serving chips.  And if I want one I know the calories and that I'm having only one portion.  But Reese's--my heroine.  I do still get them.  Sometimes even every few days.  But I go and pay the ridiculous price at a gas station for ONE.  Because I cannot have that food + convenience.  Sometimes we will pay more for smaller quantities (or less convenience!) but I think we're in the minority here!

Greetings Friday Food Fussies

Thats what we have become: fussy eaters. I am totally able to throw away unwanted food now.  Thats because I remind myself that I am not a garbage disposal - I am not a place to shovel in extra food. We have a composter and a garbage disposal for that. And dogs. 

Well the siding contractors are here pounding on the house. They are really doing a  good job. 

We have GOT to dejunk the living room or the puppy Tesla is going to create disasters. 

Well went to Costco yesterday and got a few things but not a pie.  None of their bakery stuff appeals to me which is a good thing. Its amazing how often we go their with our two sleeve family. Mainly to get prescriptions , greek yogurt, berries, shrimp and paper products. I got the cooked chicken pieces yesterday on Devon's suggestion.  Wish they were not so salty. Also got sugar free calcium chews as I am so sick of choking down the giant pills. I got caramel flavored ones and they are darn good. So i eat candy for breakfast - gummy vitamins and caramel calcium. but it adds up to about 90 calories a day. not so good. They had calcium dummies but they had less calcium per unit and i would have had to eat even more calories worth of them. 

Well the elevator is stuck between floors at 131.5. Probably not a good time to take on calories in supplements. 

More chicken tonight from the giant costco package. Think i will add some tomato paste and herbs and try to make it taste like pizza. Or chili verde. 

Too much thinking about food.  Time for more coffee.

Have a great dance recital, birthdays, vacation and weekend all!    diane s

201.8   Color me frustrated.

Carbon brought up the topic of Frisco's eating less philosophy. Funny, that is something I was grappling with last night. I do not know if it is from being tired or perhaps some stress or simply grazing (binge?) behavior surfacing, but for 3 days now I have been insatiable in between meals. Yesterday I really monitored what I was doing so I could recognize it and understand better what I was doing. It is like I have a drive to eat "a little something" even when I KNOW I am not hungry. It is not hunger. IT IS APPETITE. The difference between hunger and appetite is huge. Appetite is emotional. It has nothing to do with a physical need for sustenance.

The appetite kicks in after work and basically continues until bedtime.

My game plan is today is to eat only the foods I have planned to eat. The most difficult time will be between finishing at the gym and dinner. The second most difficult time will be the hour before bed.

Puppies gave me an extra half hour today. Mr. Green didn't start in until 5:30. Having a solid 5.5 hours straight really seemed to help!

Adequate sleep makes such an difference for my appetite.  In fact, it is the main symptom of sleep deprivation for me....I am never physically tired.

One extra day is helpful but pulling my average up over several days has been enormously helpful.   I still have some days that are woefully short and my average is still less than most people's normal.  But still a huge help for appetite.

I know the puppies get you up early and by nature you go to bed late.  Can you adjust your own bedtime forward a bit?  I know you can't adjust the puppy's. 

For myself, it really is a matter of priority.  I am perfectly capable of falling asleep earlier.

Good luck!

164.0.  I'll take it.

Trying to be extra careful today as I'll be attending a school function that is potluck but I wrote a check instead of bringing food because of time constraints.  I usually bring healthy things to a potluck so as to save myself from the carby casseroles, but we'll have to see what they have.  I have an emergency Quest bar in my bag in case there is nothing and I have to wait until I get home to eat - sometimes it's just better if I don't go there at all rather than trying to limit my intake of trigger foods.  Maybe I'll be lucky and there will be salad.

Lots to do this weekend and my Hubby is traveling for work, so I'm flying solo.  Sometimes that makes it easier on the eating as well, as I can cook what I know I can eat and not worry about as many other palates.  .

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Jen