As an unashamed narcissist . . .

You do steamed veggies a disservice because, as you rightly recognize, meals are what you bring to them. I was only half joking with my earlier tea ceremony remark. If you take pleasure in drizzling the olive oil and balsamic, in slicing the lemon, in pinching the oregano and thyme and salt or lightly dusting the cumin and turmeric, you'll be in a good place.

I note that the "French Women Don't Get Fat" lady promotes compromise and how you can't have every indulgence you might want with every meal. She also promotes walking, which none of us do enough of in our day to day. And, though she doesn't mention it, she probably chains Gitanes.

I've been talkin' bout Galco's for YEARS- it's down the street from the house I grew up in, and I used to take Rose there when we were first eating, for real Coca Cola and damn yummy sandwiches.

Actually, it is more like turning on a switch, but one that you turn to the "on" position many times. It usually does get easier but it is rarely, if ever perfected. It takes daily manipulation of said switch.

As far as a person doing what works for them, I agree - if it happens to work. Most of the time I see people "doing what works for them" which translates into "making excuses for not making changes". I think everyone want the road to change to be soft and easy. It's not. It's abrupt and difficult and takes daily manipulation of the switch.

We all seem to want an easier, softer way with lots of pats on the back and acknowledgment from others. Too bad. You take control of the problem and deal with it head on and you'll get results. Otherwise, you're just going to convince yourself that "you're making progress" when, in actuality, nothing much has changed (but you may fool your friends for a while with all of the talk.)

I know I'm hard ass about this, but I take change seriously. Quitting drinking, using drugs, over eating, smoking, any bad behavior - these are all serious health issues that don't need a "feel good" solution. They need immediate change applied now rather than later. And, it is up to an individual to take action (and by action I don't mean just talking about it.)

Hey, I thought of a new saying: "You have the face for a discussion board."
:D




Oh, wait...

I am glad that you explained that, because the "turn on the switch" metaphor concerned me, as though it was super-easy to just, one day, stop. I believe - and I think both of you (NA and BTD) do as well - that everything is a decision, and every day a new decision requiring you to make that same good choice you did the day before. But when it comes to it, I will always know and say that I am fighting this fight; like any other addict, I will never be able to say "I was a food addict," only that I am in the process of recovering.

A switch has 2 positions..on or off. You're either sober or not. You're either listening to your "feelings" or your not. You're either eating right or your not. It's a switch. But certainly not one that only gets manipulated once.

I know I should be jumping in with my feelings about diet, obesity, and healthy living... but instead I will share that I just came back from my local Costco, and they're selling Mexican Coke.

Damn you MP! DAMN YOU! :p Costco I shake my fist at you! SHAAAAKKKKKEEEEE!!!!!!!

One doesn't need to drink alcohol to live. But one needs to eat food to live. So the difference is learning to eat to live, and not live to eat.

Where can I buy one of these "wherewithal's" and do they come in pink?

Sorry Lashie, there isn't a big enough market for custom colors. Just the standard black, white, red, and silver.