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Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Answering some fake FAQ's

No one has really asked most of these questions. Commenting on my blog has really slowed down this summer. I was looking for a new blog topic, so I thought I'd answer some imaginary questions that no one has asked but some readers might be wondering about.

How can Intuitive Eating result in weight loss? Won't I end up binging on junk?

So far, I'm surprised how much having permission to eat whatever I want to satisfaction (not the same as "as much as I want") has eased my mind and made food less of a big deal. I think the thing that caused binging for me was the (false) belief that "this is my last chance to get this so I better go all out." It's still hard sometimes to stop when I know I've had enough but knowing that I can go back and have more later takes some of that pressure off. I don't know if it will ultimately result in weight loss but at least I feel less food-focused. That's a big deal.

What about processed food? Shouldn't you give it up?

My eating pattern reflects my personal balance between a desire to be healthy and a desire to live in the real world. I don't go to fast food places or chain restaurants often (so that Chik-Fil-A boycott is no hardship for me), but I do love pizza and bread and a lot of things that some people who watch their weight tend to give up. I find it easier to focus on adding foods that I know are good for me (and that I also enjoy) than to cut things out.  I have a CSA this summer so I'm working hard to use all of our veggies before they go bad. It's second nature for me to make a salad or cut up some veggies to go with whatever I'm eating, or toss a few extra veggies in a recipe.  

What about tracking with that DietSNAPS app? Isn't it a little imprecise?

When I was counting calories or points, I felt very adamant that I get every bit of what I "paid" for. If I counted points or calories for a whole serving of popcorn, I wasn't going to share a bite with anyone or stop eating it just because I wasn't hungry anymore. I know it sounds crazy, but that was how I felt. Now that I am not limiting my food or strictly counting anything, I feel more relaxed about sharing or letting a few bites go untouched.  Because of the flexibility of the app, I can also make notes if I want if I left behind some of what I served and photographed. I do wish that it was less easy to accidentally delete a photo I just took and I also would like some additional social media functions, but it is still a great app.

Do you have any more triathlons planned this summer?

No. I had a couple I thought about doing, but I had some health setbacks this summer -- bronchitis for two weeks, etc. -- and I haven't really trained enough to make racing fun for me. I'm still swimming and running and doing some biking, though as usual, strength training is the first thing to drop from my routine when I'm slacking off, even though I know it makes a big difference for me.  I've been focusing more on enjoying movement than hardcore training. 

Wasn't it a little scary to put your photo on a post that admitted that you fit the medical definition of obese?

Yes. When BlogHer featured the post I was a little worried that I'd get a lot of nasty comments. Amazingly, I didn't get a single one. 

Do you still like your Clarisonic?

I have gone back and forth. At first I loved it, then I felt less enthusiastic when I got some blemishes, but overall, I am happy with it. My skin feels very soft and smooth. I feel like some of my fine lines are fading a bit, which is a big deal. I have switched to the acne cleansing head and Burt's Bees Acne Cleanser and it seems to have helped with the blemishes.

Why are you answering questions no one has asked?

Because I'm a weirdo. Any more questions?

5 comments:

  1. 9:14 PM

    I love that you answered questions no one asked - no one asks me anything either :) I also love that you're going forward with intuitive eating. I love reading about it and am very curious about how it will be in the long run for you. Good luck!

    Reply
  2. 11:05 PM

    I enjoyed your comments on intuitive eating, because that's what I'm doing right now. I grew so weary of the latest diets from the diet gurus and their books, counting points, costly programs, as well as the dietitian's prescription. I just wanted to be as normal as I can be, and somehow eating intuitively just fell into my lap. It's working, and I'm losing, and it has taken food from the defining factor in my life to just something that I do everyday and enjoy. It's like I have taken away its power over me by not constantly trying to regiment it. Reminds me of a helicopter parent and a rebellious child that could not be tamed until he or she was given some freedom and choices. Feeling less food focused feels great!

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 5:32 PM

      I plan to do a follow-up after I have had more experience with IE. Glad to hear it's working for you!

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"Count your calories, work out when you can, and try to be good to yourself. All the rest is bulls**t." -- Jillian Michaels at BlogHer '07