What is Normal Eating? (43 Days Left)
I had a solid week of training and focused eating. I weighed in this morning at 152. Which comes in 5 lbs less than last Monday. It’s mostly water weight, but with the amount of cardio I did this week, coupled with the clean eating I’m pretty sure there’s 0.5 – 1 lbs of fat loss in there… ha-ha.
I had every intention of hitting the gym this morning for a 60 mins cardio session, but have decided to stay home and get some more sleep instead. I trained Monday – Friday straight, so I believe I’ve earned this day off. I have to hit the gym with Camillia tomorrow so I’ll save my bonus cardio session to then.
Here’s a question to all the fitness / health fanatics out there. Have you ever been asked ‘When will you start eating normally again?”, or “Are you still on your special diet?”. It’s funny, but these are two questions that I am asked quite a bit. It made me start thinking about what we here in North America consider normal eating. I asked a colleague of mine, and he said he considers my diet ‘special’, because I’m always bringing my food to work and I don’t eat out or indulge in chips, chocolate, fast-food, etc. We had this great discussion as to why he feels that’s what normal eating is and why to him my meal choices are ‘abnormal’. In the end, we both agreed it comes down to choice. We have both chosen what works best for us, and the way he and I eat is no different than someone choosing to be a vegetarian, or to eliminate meats from their diet etc. It was a very enlightening conversation. He said that he’s always viewed the way I ate as ‘special’ and that I am depriving myself and not truly enjoying life.
What do you think?
Anyhoo… just finished my first meal, gonna clean up the kitchen and then go back to bed for an hour or so more. Have a great day! Cheers, Nke
August 25, 2007 at 7:14 am
You know, a lot of people say the same to me..I personally feel the western culture has no idea how to eat "normal" compared to the rest of the world. But of course I too am told I am not enjoying life? weird, because the way I eat I enjoy life more because I look and feel good everyday! Just my 2 cents.
August 25, 2007 at 7:16 am
I love this question!
What is normal today in the United States is very different than in the past and very different from how much of the world eats. Growing up in rural GA, fast food and eating out were very rare occurances. When I moved into a larger town, I ate an abundance of "normal" food - fast food, soda, junk food-and went from a thin petite girl to a plus sized woman from it! I can tell you, eating healthy may sometimes feel like deprivation up front, but being overweight deprives you of so much more. It takes away your self-esteem!
August 25, 2007 at 11:03 pm
Why does it have to be abnormal to eat healthy? I think it’s ok to over indulge in whatever…to be able to go out with frriends and have what ever you want. However, we must realize that doing that on a regular basis isn’t healthy. I did it and quickly gained back the weight.
For the fitness minded folks, I don’t think we should beat ourselves to death if we go out and have a slice of birthday cake with a friend/ family member. I think it becomes a problem when you overly obsess about one cheat meal. And I think it’s a problem when your eating like crap on a regular basis. I think if everyone just practiced some form of moderation society would be much more healthier.
August 26, 2007 at 4:44 am
I am loving your responses. They all ring true and familar.
The one sent by NC_Fitdiva, makes me feel bad about my blog today …. coz’ I was all about cheating yesterday and feeling like crap today. Perhaps not beating myself up about it, but definitely not impressed with my lack of self-control.