The losing continues. I’m still weighing in at minus twenty-two pounds–the same as six days ago. I think Monday’s weigh-in was affected by the exercise I got while mowing the yard. My usual form of exertion is walking or yoga or climbing stairs at the parish–nothing too sweaty really.
I think I’ve found a happy solution for the pancakes that don’t pan fry well: I’ll just cook them in the microwave. After two tries this week, I’m getting a decent product that tastes fair and cleans the dish easily. Good thing, too, as my diet company sent me two seven-serving boxes. I need to get those puppies eaten up.
Since we’re heading to my sister-in-law’s for Father’s Day today, my wife and the young miss took me out for dinner last night. My coach said I should be okay with Chicken Tandoori. But as I reviewed the menu at India Palace, I realized that absolutely nothing else on their menu was acceptable. Even the veggie dishes were full of cheese, butter, and starches.
Man, that chicken dish was great. Even without the rice. I dreamed about eating the rice this morning, though. I think the processed foods are getting to me. I also have to be more vigilant about drinking lots of water to flush the fat out of my system. But I’m in for twenty-one days so far, and I’m not slacking off now.
This will be a challenge in the future. I don’t indulge Indian cuisine very often, even though it’s my favorite. I’ve been telling myself that my weight gain over the years has been gradual–about a pound a year since I began in ministry in 1988. My goal weight is at the midrange or slightly below for my age and height. I do look forward to indulging good food when I’m back to optimal weight.
After three weeks, I’ve grown accustomed to small portions and small meals. Last night, I ordered a half dish, and I felt satisfied, even without the rice, the naan, or a dessert. One thing that troubles me in the materials provided by my diet company is their statement that variety in food is not good for us. I have a hard time accepting that. I’ve felt my life has been enriched as I’ve tried Central American fare, different nuances of Middle Eastern foods, Indian and southeast Asian fare. Brazil. Kosher. Japan. My wife and daughter stick to the tried and true. I can’t see living that way. I’m always going to try something new.
Except for diets. One diet in my lifetime is enough.
19 June 2011 at 10:41 am
Just take what you’re told by anyone about diet with a grain of salt (wink, wink, nudge, nudge..). If you want a truly fascinating read about how poorly the science of diet and nutrition is understood and why, try “Good Calories, Bad Calories” by Gary Taubes. It’s a really good treaties on how research and all of the politics of research, really works.
19 June 2011 at 11:16 am
And take Taubes with the same grain of salt, too.
19 June 2011 at 3:48 pm
Always the contrarian, Liam ?
Actually, after working in scientific research for 20+ years, I can tell you that what Taubes says about the political ins and outs and why some good ideas are left in the dark for years is spot-on. I think that even he would be the last person to tell you that anyone has the definitive “answer” about diet and nutrition. The research has been just too poorly done and too driven by agenda.
19 June 2011 at 4:46 pm
I’ve read Taubes, too. He has his own limitations, too, and not only the ones he discloses awareness of. Hence my caution.
19 June 2011 at 7:38 pm
Good for you Todd! I am envious, I am still struggling. Of course, I am still sitting here reading your blog when I should be finishing my paper and presentation on Contemporary Christology and Creedal Statements… so eating something I shouldn’t sadly kind of goes with that. I wonder what company you are using? In any case – bravo!
20 June 2011 at 10:52 am
I started my own summer diet this past week. I’ve done the rapid weight loss thing in the past (20 lbs in a month) but just don’t have it in me anymore. Instead, I’ve moderately reduced my caloric intake and replaced the subway leg of my commute with walking (about 6 miles roundtrip). I try to vary my route each day to keep things interesting. Today, in passing through a several block strip of Indian establishments, I passed a place that touts itself as being the “1st Indian Restaurant in Little India to promote KOSHER Indian Vegetarian Food.” In looking through the menu, it became obvious why you chose chicken over vegetables as the more diet friendly option.
20 June 2011 at 2:52 pm
David, thanks for the thoughts. Six miles: love it. All through high school mine was 3 miles and I recall getting a lot of thinking done on a route that was, mostly, invariable. It’s about the same to the parish from my house. Now that I have some weight off, I think my achilles tendonitis will let up on me and I’ll enjoy the walking a bit more.
Of all vegetarian fare, I like Indian the best for the robust flavors and the varieties of legumes. Naturally, a lot of that richness is due to butter and cheese. I will return to it someday. In moderation, however. I’ve been to my last all-you-can-eat buffet.