A friend on Facebook posted this article today. It really spoke to me because this is something that I struggle with all the time. The article is titled, "For the Millionth Time, I'm not Hungry" for those of you that don't want to click on it. It isn't beautifully written but it makes some great points that I'd like to add to.
As many of you know, I'm not a vision of health. I struggle with healthy living on a daily basis. That being said, I do try to stay cognizant of what I'm putting in my body and I try to make the best choices that I can. One thing that I'm proud of is my portion control. I try very hard to limit my portions and stick to one dinner plate. I also know that I don't need as many calories as my husband so when we're making dinner, I make sure that we're not eating the same amount. I try to eat healthy snacks in between meals and limit soda and sweets. I allow myself a treat every now and then, though. It is important to be realistic.
One thing that really, REALLY bothers me is the portion size that we, as Americans, think is appropriate. It literally disgusts me that we think we need bread, an appetizer, salad, full dinner (one or two plates) and a dessert. When I go to restaurants and want to have a normal entree, not just a salad, I skip the first, second, third and fifth courses because they really aren't necessary. The typical side salad in a restaurant is, honestly, enough food for an entire meal by itself. Truth hurts.
Not long ago, I was visiting someone and I was asked if I wanted a piece of chocolate cake. I respectfully declined because I wasn't hungry and, even if I was, I wasn't interested in eating chocolate cake at that moment in time. I received this look in return as if I had three eyes! I couldn't figure out if they were surprised or angered by my answer. This is going to sound really disrespectful but honestly, if you looked at the size of the person offering the cake to me, they really shouldn't have been eating it, either..... I mean, let's be real.
Here are some of the comments that I've received when it comes to declining food along with the responses I really wanted to give:
1) "You're so skinny! You can eat whatever you want!" - False. Both things. I'm not skinny. According to my doctor, I should lose about 15 pounds. Also, I can't eat whatever I want. If I did that, I would be obese. I'm the size that I am because of the health choices that I've made - just like you.
2) "Really?? Aren't you hungry?" - Yes, really. No, I'm not hungry. I promise I wouldn't lie to you. I don't understand why this is such a shock.
3) "Are you sure? I've got plenty!" - Yes, absolutely, 100% positively sure. It's all yours. Fat a$$.
4) "If you don't eat some then it's going to go to waste!" - You should have thought about that before you made/bought it. Perhaps it wasn't a good decision from the start. There are starving children in Africa to consider.
5) "If you don't eat some, then we'll just eat all of it and we shouldn't do that!" - Then don't do that. There is no rule that says you have to eat it because it's there. None. Free will is a beautiful thing. I'm exercising it right now, I suggest you do the same.
6) "But it's SO good! You have to try it!" - I'm sure it's delicious. That Betty Crocker really knows her stuff. But seriously. No.
So that's all for today. I just had to get that off of my chest. Coming from a girl that truly does appreciate a good slice of chocolate cake every one in a while, when I say no, I mean no.
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