Today I’d like to revisit a topic I first wrote about five years ago: The Boxed Lunch, Or You Can’t Have It All. I’ve been thinking a lot about this concept of mindful eating at special occasions (or everyday occasions!) lately as I find myself once again mindlessly (that’s the key word!) partaking in all of the courses – apps, drinks, a big dinner, dessert. Because it is normal. Because everyone else is doing it. Because I’m a grown up and it’s fun to partake.
I previously wrote:
IF YOU DON’T PAY ATTENTION, IT’S EASY TO OVEREAT SIMPLY BECAUSE IT’S THE DEFAULT.
It hadn’t occurred to me that one should choose which of those foods and drinks to have on a special occasion. As an adult, I figured everyone was supposed to have little of everything.
This was my healthy tipping point and the start of the path to reaching a normal, healthy weight over a year later. It was the start of more mindful eating.
What my aunt said is true: if you do have appetizers, the bread basket, a few cocktails, a rich entrée and dessert, you’re absolutely going to eat more than your body needs in one evening.
I think everyone should regularly overeat.
It’s part of enjoying life. But “regularly” is dependent on the squiggly line effect. And what defines a special occasion? What happens if “regularly” is every weekend? Twice a week? Every night? I am thankful to have great friends who throw lots of parties. I have the opportunity to overindulge quite often and that is a privilege. But if we’re being honest, it means that every other night can’t be a special occasion.
I’m still up a little bit of weight since having Birch. And per the squiggly line, I need my downs to happen more than my ups if I want that to change. Lately I’ve felt like there have been a lot of ups, even on weeknights at home. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t have at least something small for dessert. Lunch dessert has become a thing. I look for any reason to celebrate, and that often involves food and drink.
Weight Change Starts With The Extras
I have long thought about my own diet that my weight goes up and down not because of what I’m eating for my three meals but based on what I’m adding to those meals. My meals are generally pretty balanced, nutrient dense, and consistent. But my snacks, drinks, desserts, apps, etc. is what tends to fluctuate depending on what’s going on and what habits I am in at home. Weeks when I don’t snack much or have any good desserts in the house feel very healthy and vice versa.
So my goal over the next few months is to focus on the extras. Everything that goes in between meals, on top of meals, and after meals. I need to learn to say “no thank you” to extras that I’m not totally craving and choose some – but not all – to fully enjoy.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I’m going to take on this challenge with you! Too often I find myself snacking on unhealthy things…
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Allison says
Lunch dessert . . . that is so me lately. Periodically I have to check myself because if I’m not careful, sweet treats start to become part of my everyday fare. And I agree that everyone should really strap on the ol’ feed bag now and then. Yes, because life is to be enjoyed, but I also find that after a really good pig out, I feel so gross that it actually helps get me back on track.
Ellen says
Give yourself a little grace. I held on to about about 5 pounds while I was breastfeeding. No need to stress.
KathEats says
I’m not stressing at all! Just sharing and processing.
Tonya says
That was the wrong pic for that “You can’t have it all” caption ‘cuz I’m totally eating everything on that table! Are those dumplings or potatoes?? doesn’t matter! Munch munch munch munch munch! LOL!
KathEats says
Hahaha!
Amanda says
I dont know what’s been happening with myself and all the extras that come with eating. I’m 8 months postpartum, breastfeeding and strictly dairy free for my sons milk allergy. Anyways, I find the extras are the ONLY things that seem to help me get to a stopping point with eating. Maybe because I’ve had to shift out so much of my diet going dairy free but I’m eating constantly. Not necessarily losing weight( I’m shy about 5lbs from prebaby happy weight) but my point is, why does my body think it needs all the extras just to get to that point of satiated satisfaction? Is that a mental or physical thing? I’d love to stop after what would be a nutrient dense meal but am grazing before, after, etc. Just a bad habit? Would love to know your thoughts.
KathEats says
I TOTALLY get where you’re coming from. I’m similar. I think it’s mental! Maybe instead of trying to eliminate the extra, swap it for something healthier. Like some summer cherries instead of chocolate – that kind of thing.
emma says
This was a big aha for me! My meals are mostly healthy, it’s the constant “yes!” to snacks and desserts, and treats that have been too often for me where I no longer FEEL healthy or myself! I’m on the other side of baby, 29 weeks pregnant and I find pregnancy body cues incredibly hard to read. My first baby measured small, so I was encouraged to eat, which messed with me following my internal hunger cues (turned out she was just small and I was gaining weight!). Now I never quite know, am I hungry? Should I eat now even if I’m not hungry yet? Last night I opted for a “munchy” veg-heavy dinner to counterbalance the wealth of smores and ice cream last week that occurred with visitors in town, only to wake up at 3am sick and hungry. Trying my best to ask my body what it needs or what will feel good physically, not just mentally to say yes to indulging!
Stacey says
Kath
I TOTALLY needed to read this post today. I am really trying to learn to say “No Thank You”
I am like you the meals I do eat are very balanced..I need to be more mindful of the other stuff that some how finds its way into my belly 🙂
Ali says
Thanks for this post! Totally with you! Are you still tracking macros? I recall you were using Carrots N Cake’s program.
KathEats says
I was working for them a few years ago, but I haven’t ever counted macros. I did some calorie counting this year to reset my portion habits but these days just doing intuitive eating and focusing on making good choices when it comes to desserts, extras, wine, etc.