Lifestyle Eating

Remember not that long ago when I talked about how diets just don't work for me? How I hate feeling restricted, and that I just can't "follow" a plan?

Well I recently stumbled accross a book that I am so excited to share with you all because it basically details my own eating philosophy (and rejection of diets). Just because it's my own philosophy doesn't mean I do it all time - but it's what I "aim for" and what I think makes the most sense so that you can actually enjoy all sorts of food. The book is called "Naturally Thin: Unleash Your Skinny Girl and Free Yourself From a Lifetime of Dieting".

The eating "philospohy" talked about in this book is one that allows you to enjoy food and makes YOU (that's right -- YOU) the food expert in your own life. Like so many women, I used to think of food belonging to two categories: Good and Bad. When I ate a food from the "bad" category, I would feel guilty or negatively about myself, wondering why I didn't seem to have the same good self-dicipline that others had - I'm sure we can all relate to this to some degree. But besides the terribly over-processed foods (which nutritionally speaking are not good for your health, but don't make you a bad person if you eat them) the idea of foods being bad or good; of food being off limits because a diet book makes them so or because people say they are "fattening" is just not true. The truth is that food is food (and I am talking real food). Nothing more, nothing less.

There's the question of whether or not some diet plans are even healthy!? Here's an example for you....and one that I have a particular issue with: Some diets encourage you to use heavily processed foods (or "fake" foods as I call them)...These products claim to be healthy for you because they are low fat, fat free, etc. I encourage you to take a look at the ingredient list on these products. This is not food. This is a blend of disgusting chemicals. And in the end, because it isn't food - it doesn't fill you up. Or maybe it leaves you still craving what you wanted in the first place. Have what you want people! Everything in moderation.

The author of this book I found, Bethenny Frankel (YES - from the Real Housewives show...lol) talks about common sense things that seem not so common somtimes: Giving into food you really want - but not overdoing it; downsizing portions; paying attention to what you are tasting; and practicing good self care (among many other things). What I love most about this book is that it allows you to take back control of your own life and makes YOU (NOT some "diet expert") the person making decisions about what you want to eat, how much to eat, and how much (and what type) of exercising to do. We too often give our own power away to an author or an expert of a diet that tells us exactly what to eat and when. Just like our bodies, none of these are a one-size-fits-all solution.

Bethenny offers so many practical tips and suggestions on how "Naturally Skinny" people eat. It may be a bit scary for those who may be so used to following a plan. Anyway, I just thought I would share it with you. It makes sense to me - but can also be easier said than done. It can be hard to "stop" when you are enjoying a particular food that you love; or not eat out of emotion at times. I personally need to follow some things a little better...like removing distractions when eating and reducing portion sizes. All I know is that I truly enjoy food and don't ever want to feel like I am "missing out" because I am on some crappy diet....that (BTW) ultimately is supposed to make me happy in the end. You know what would make ME happy? Feeling like I have self-control and can eat whatever the hell I bloody well want. That's it.

lol....Happy Friday Everyone!

xoxoxo