Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Diet Envy

Since I've began to change my lifestyle habits, I've begun to experience what I have termed "diet envy." While in New York celebrating New Year's Eve, my friend became offended when I declined a pork chop, and told her that I no longer consume pork. Her reply was "What did you turn Muslim on me or something? Tell me why you don't eat pork!" I didn't feel like I had to eat the pork chop or explain why I wasn't...and I did neither. I've been force fed enough things in my life, which probably is part of the reason I'm in the situation I'm in now. I grew up in a "eat all the food I put on your plate" household, which makes it hard to leave things, even when I'm full.
For my birthday, I was allowed to drink, but didn't have much. After my birthday, I began to decline drinks or offers to go out and drink. People become almost irate "What are you on a diet?" Almost as if they are disgusted. Like how dare me be on a diet. I would explain, but again, I don't feel like it's necessary. In my mind, I am making lifestyle changes, that will help me lead a healthier, more productive life...and hopefully win some cash in the process. ;) This weekend a friend invited me out for Mexican food and margaritas, but then didn't return my text when I said I wasn't drinking. I became really amused. I'm not ashamed of what I am doing, by any means. As a matter of fact, I'm very proud of myself. I think it takes a lot of courage to change your habits. If nothing else, the process is teaching me who's really in my corner and who isn't. I'm also learning that it's really psychological. Changing your mind goes a long way in changing your habits. I hope that everyone else is holding up well, and not experiencing diet envy. :) Keep up the great work!

1 comment:

  1. Good on you, Fabulous Ms. Cat! Have you seen the research on obesity that revealed we eat "up" or "down" in quantity based on whom we're around? We are social animals, for sure, and must stand our ground as you have courageously done. And you're right: this isn't about a three-month friendly competition. It's a lifestyle meditation!

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