Summertime = Food, Who Knew?

I am not a fan of the dog days of summer. The summer heat is particularly difficult on heavier people. But one of the things that I look forward to is the abundance of incredible fruit that is available during this time of year. Obviously, food has been important to me for a while, but for one time a year, an excess of this type of food is not usually problematic. After all, one does not become a person of size by pigging out on watermelon and cherries. That being said, I thought that starting a healthy lifestyle effort during summertime would be easier. The fresh fruits and vegetables would make it easier – or so I thought. What I had not realized is that so many Summer activities are centered around food.

This past weekend was busy and full of potential food disasters. On Friday, my mother, daughter and I drove to Milwaukee, WI to attend their annual Festa Italiana. As you can probably guess, the Festa was full of food. Finding healthy choices was a challenge, but I managed well as I started by sharing some fresh grapes with Ava, then eating a children’s portion of pasta and about two bites of a sausage sandwich. The next day was “date night”with my husband. We attended a fund-raising event for a local community theatre entitled “Taste of the Arts.” Although we knew that there would be restaurants with food tents, we thought that the evening would include some entertainment as well. Imagine my surprise when I learned that the entire event was centered around the food and spending money. It would not have been bad if there were at least one or two healthy alternatives; however, there wasn’t really even one. I thought that at least Whole Foods would provide something, but they did not. Again, I managed to get by. I found my best alternatives – fortunately in taste portions – and did not return for seconds, restricting dessert. As if this weren’t bad enough, I had invited a group of friends over to brunch. I carefully planned selections that were tasty but healthy. I never realized how much of my life was circled around food. Surely there are other things to do!

I am very proud of the way that I am learning to manage my addiction. There is always an opportunity to go wrong, but I am finding that as long as I remain mindful and plan, I am doing well. I live in the moment. I don’t lose sight of my goals. I haven’t weighed myself since last Monday as I want to resume my Friday schedule, so the results remain to be seen; however, I am feeling very confident with my eating efforts. My exercise is another story! My goal for the coming week is to get a more solid schedule for exercise and stick to it.

Many thanks to the readers who have inquired about my journey and continue to support and follow my efforts. I feel your love, support and prayers and sincerely feel you with me. You are my inspiration to continue.