One holiday down, another to go. This time of year has to be the most difficult time span to try to eat properly, yet have fun (without having a celery stick in your hand constantly).
I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was nice. My family took the non-traditional route. Instead of going to grandma's (or cooking at home), we decided to go to a restaurant which provided a buffet. I was very surprised to see how busy they were. It looks like there are more and more families that would rather have someone else do dishes (oh yeah, and cook!).
Unfortunately, my mom was not able to attend the buffet with dad and me. My mom has celiac disease - she can't have foods with gluten. It is very hard for her to find something that she can eat (she's a very picky eater - sorry mom!). I like to bake for her (to glutton her up; no, no - I mean without gluten), so she can have "normal" baked goods that she can enjoy.
Anyway, back to buffet-land. The buffet spread had the usual suspects' mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, turkey, ham, salads and other yummy-ful items. However, I skipped the "listeria fruit salad." That afternoon, I began to feel ill. It was not because of the food quality, rather the food quantity. I ate fast and had some foods that were rather rich. Well, that didn't mix. It turned out to be an interesting discovery that proved priceless. I learned that gone are the days when I could polish off a whole pot of shells and cheese. I just can't have "rich" foods, period. My tummy and the sewage plant can't take it.
These past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. I moved to a handicapped accessible apartment complex, which is much needed. In fact, I pulled an "all-nighter" trying to get all set for the movers. I was a bad girl, though. I spent too much time on my feet and handled some very heavy boxes. Unfortunately, I eventually found out that a stress-fracture in my "good" foot emerged.
Watch out! I was armed and dangerous. I had 100 feet of packing tape and 60 feet of bubble wrap in my sweaty palms while gazing about the room looking for knick-knacks to wrap and boxes to tape. So, what did I do? I drank a lot of coffee! Wouldn't it be funny if I went to a store that sells fragile items and handled the merchandise (with tremors from coffee)? Don't think so.
After the movers came and went, I discovered something interesting. Usually when I am exposed to high stress - I eat a lot! Not this time. My appetite has decreased as well as my portions. Heck! I should move more often!
Around the early part of December, my volunteer department had a Christmas party at a local restaurant. I glanced over the menu, debating about what to order. I saw "cheese tortellini with pesto (sauce)." Well, I love the cheese tortellini, but for those who don't know what pesto is, it is a green sauce. No thanks, I don't like "Shrek blood!" So, I did order the cheese tortellini, but with Alfredo sauce. What a mistake! Although it was very good; Mount Vesuvius (my tummy) was about to erupt. I told myself, "you idiot, you would have thought you would have learned by now - don't eat those kinds of foods!"
Despite the holiday season, despite the chaos and stress of moving, I have some excellent news to report. I weighed myself, first on the evil scale. I wanted to see if the scale was still in a foul mood. It showed a lower than normal number. I left in disbelief to go to my usual scale over in the outreach department at the hospital. I nervously stepped onto the scale, 286 pounds popped up in the digital display. Oh my gosh! I am below 290 pounds. I have not weighed below 290 pounds in years.
My dear friend, Polly Seyler, would have been very pleased with me as well as all my supporters. Thank you, Polly (and everyone), for believing in me, supporting me and cheering me on. I will continue on until I meet my goal. I am very proud of that milestone (going below 290 pounds). I am also pleased with the sensation of feeling full early in a meal. I am on the right track. You can do it, too.
Well, the next holiday is Christmas. So, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good bite (of cake, cookies, pie, candy). Until next time ...
Casi Stewart can be reached at casichilstew@yahoo.com. A Weighty Issue appears every other Monday on the Life page.
