Day 336 On The Road: Enjoying Food Tremendously--Not Excessively

(Technical computer issues kept this from being posted until Monday afternoon. We're actually at Amber's University Library. Computers can be so frustrating!)

Day 336

On The Road: Enjoying Food Tremendously--Not Excessively

Tonight’s blog comes from the tiny town of Thomas Oklahoma. It’s the home of the Eakins, the parents of Amber’s boyfriend KL. We’re here tonight to help Amber finish the move in process at her dorm and to handle other business around campus. Before we left home for the three hour trip, Amber called to tell us that KL’s mom was cooking dinner and was a little concerned about the ingredients to be used. She was being very thoughtful about our calorie budgets. I told Amber to tell her that it doesn’t matter what she prepares, it will be good and we’ll enjoy it tremendously--not excessively! That’s the wonderful freedom of simply eating responsibly. I can eat anything. How much I eat will be determined by what it is exactly. I’ll consider the ingredients and a responsible portion---then I’ll make an educated guess on the calories.

It turned out to be fairly simple. KL’s mom made the most amazing tostadas. The flat round corn tortilla was topped with ground beef, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, cheese, and a homemade tomato sauce that was simply incredible. We were able to control the amount of ingredients on each, so it wasn’t too hard to calculate 300 calories worth. I had one regular 300 calorie version and a smaller 200 calorie version with very little meat and cheese, mostly veggies and tomato sauce. It was filling and well within the calorie budget. More importantly we had a wonderful visit with KL’s parents, we always do, they’re good people.

It isn’t the food, it’s the portions. I’ve lost over 200 pounds eating anything and everything, but I’ve done it with responsible portions. Portion control is key. This “anything and everything” philosophy is simply called living. I eat what I would normally eat. I eat what everyone else is eating. If my friends are wanting me to go to a restaurant with them, I’ll go. It’s not the food, it’s the portions. And that’s where good choices come into play. My choices are made after considering my calorie budget for the day. After I reach my optimum weight, my choices will be based on honest and responsible portion control. You see, calorie counting is simply a measuring stick right now. It’s a learning tool, teaching me what eating responsible portions looks like. It’s an education and one that will be with me forever.

I’m so impressed with the mental breakthroughs Amber has allowed to happen over the last couple of weeks. She’s lost a bunch of weight, but it’s been a struggle for her every step of the way. I have a feeling her struggle will be less now. She’s super determined to succeed and I have no doubt, she will!

I just finished writing an article for Ponca City Medical Center’s “Lose To Win” Newsletter. It should be released soon. For anyone that is a part of that program, you’ll receive yours real soon. But if you’re a regular reader from outside of this area, I’ll be happy to e-mail you a copy of the newsletter. Just drop me an e-mail to seanboy105@hotmail.com with your request.

I’m cutting tonight’s blog a little short because I don’t want to tie up their computer too long. I sincerely appreciate your support! I’m so looking forward to Wednesday’s weigh-in. I may cry happy tears when that scale reads below 300, I’m serious. Being “two hundred-something” will be so amazing and really hard to believe. But it’s coming, it’s really happening! Goodnight and…

Good Choices,
Sean