meal plan: 3 (processed) proteins.
Fat, sodium, sugar, who cared? Whatever went in my mouth, it had calories and no one cared about anything but that. I was even allowed to lower my vegetable and fruit intake when I hit Partial because it was nothing more than filling and taking up room where I could be putting in substances more saturated with calories. When I began enjoying food again, I was totally cool with this. Too many cookies? Pssht. No such thing, as long as I was getting in my calories.
I have been out of treatment for two years, I have gained a bit of weight, and as of February, a routine physical shows all is normal and in great range. Now, I’m remembering that food is made up of more than just calories. There are vitamins, minerals, things my body needs and things that – while I enjoy them – should only be taken in moderation.
When it comes down to it, I eat like shit. I love junk food and I adore chocolate. I can’t help it. Processed foods, McD’s cheeseburgers, microwave dinners, chemicals, sugar, and donuts. None of these things are necessarily bad for me, but my body doesn’t need them and moderation is key. Yet, a lot of the items that fill my Stop & Shop carriage seem to have these things in common. Sure, I eat fruit and protein, but it’s not incredibly balanced.
I’ve come to love (and respect) food and it no longer holds any connection to my emotions. I am recovered. The next step is learning how to use it to improve my body outside of just weight and the general number of servings needed from each food group, and I’m not really sure how to do that. I know words like “whole wheat” and “organic” and “green” are good. Where do I go from here? Besides Trader Joe’s..
Bri said:
Apr 23, 10 at 11:34 amI’m with ya! That’s EXACTLY what I’ve been dealing with. For a while all that matter was getting in the calories, no matter what form. Once I left treatment and stopped eating the frozen meals that were required, I realized that I should probably eat a bit more “balanced meals.”
I’ve started cooking much more healthy and balanced meals, and experimenting with alot of different recipes and foods I never ate before, to try to get that balance, and different tastes, in. The thing is, I lost weight because of it! So frustrating. But, I’m getting the hang of things and gaining it back, while still eating balanced.
I’m not saying I don’t eat junk, because I definitely do, all the time. Just now, I try to even it out with more fresh and nutrient-dense foods. That nice piece of grilled chicken with steamed broccolli and red potatoes that I had for dinner is definitely followed by ice cream for dessert.
Love you =)