12/08/2011; 9:19a.m.: My wife and I went out to dinner last night as we got caught running errands and found time to be in less of abundance than we had hoped by the time we were done. We pulled into a steak house (national chain) and sat down with substantial appetites!
I perused the menu knowing there were limits to what I could have because I had my two shakes, 100 calorie sandwich thin with 2 tsp of peanut butter, a banana, and 75 ounces of water to that point already. I came across a grilled pork chop with green beans, ordered a side of steamed mushrooms and a side salad with tomatoes, carrot strands, iceberg lettuce, onions and a hint of cheese to meet my quota for dairy topped with a mustard vinnagrette dressing.
Before I go any further, i must relay a new personal discovery since I've started the journey with the good folks at the Aultman Weight Loss Center (AKA Fat Camp). I am noticing for a man who loves to indulge with dressing on his salads, I need less than the standard one serving most restaurants offer when they deliver the salad. I've been eating it on the side and not even coming close to finishing the portion brought to the table. This is big (no pun intended) for me to realize I can enjoy the taste without over indulging in the caloric intake!!!
As my meal was served and eaten, I began to see a difference in my eating habits, both in methodology and size. I realized because the program calls for 3+ cups of vegetables every day, when I order them at a restaurant, I have taken to ordering them cooked in water only, and salting to taste, as well as eating the vegetables first before indulging in the protein I covet both physically and emotionally! Because I have adopted a new approach, I find myself full and satisfied more quickly than when I used to order an appetizer and starch with the meal! It also helps me stay within the allotted 6.5 ounces of meat portion per day!
This has helped me enjoy the experience of eating out and NOT have to order a dinner salad each and every time we decide to do so!
However, one thing I do not mention nearly enough is the support necessary to succeed on these types of life changes. I am very lucky to have family and friends be both vocally and demonstratively supportive by creating positive environments for me to be part of without temptation for the most part in front of me. But, it takes a monumental effort for my wife who already looks amazing to provide a home support system that creates an environment of success. She too eats on a similar pattern, and has eliminated much of the white starch and carbs from her diet. She has ridden the home of any type of substance that would tempt me away from the plan. And she has allowed me the opportunity to vent when I crave but don't act, with an understanding of how truly difficult it can be to make such dramatic changes! I will concede she too has set a goal of weight loss for herself since before our wedding in October, and has in no small way become my inspiration to be healthy. But her strength and dedication to me and the cause at hand goes well beyond the call of duty to be a loving, supporting wife. I am so lucky I get to share the experience with someone who truly grasps the trials and tribulations and because of such experiences like last night's meal out I have come to feel "normal" about the new approach to life and am getting much help in finding new ways to enjoy the times we so look forward to in a meal out and time spent together.
Two months to the day after marrying the love of my life, I'm finding a new lease on that life with a vastly extended warranty and options added on at no cost other than focus, persistence, love and support! Thanks to all! Thanks so much Jenna for making this such a positive experience in those most difficult times where choosing right isn't always fun!
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