Five Things with which I Am Moderately Pleased, Part 1
In other words, Loving Lately‘s slightly less pleasing cousin.
(1) Weight loss and relationships.
This article in Today’s Dietitian gave me both hope and disappointment. It supports (with a very small sample size) my impressions of the success of weight-loss efforts when relationships are factored in. When someone seeking to lose weight has a supportive spouse or partner who is open to to communication about needs and desires related to weight loss efforts, these efforts yield excellent results. It’s so much easier to pitch the refined snacks and fill your fridge with fruits and veggies if your partner is on board.
Unfortunately, I often speak with clients whose other household members, whether intentionally or unintentionally, disregard or even undermine the clients’ efforts. For example, a spouse might bring his partner’s favorite ice cream home as a treat despite knowing said partner is working to lose weight. As you might imagine, weight loss is more difficult to achieve in these environments. And that makes me sad. When someone is trying to lose weight to live healthier or reduce his or her dependence on medication, these changes benefit more than just the client.
There are many reasons why a significant other (or friends or other family) may not support or will undermine a client’s efforts. The bottom line? Lacking support doesn’t mean automatic failure related to weight loss, but efforts will be harder.
(2) This.
It could be so much worse, dear reader. So much worse.
(By the way, we may have been repeatedly misusing the headline-grabbing term “polar vortex”. Snappy, though, innit?)
(3) I swear I know how to knit.
I have three knitting projects on the needles: (1) the sweet little thing pictured in this post, (2) a sweater for Peter, and (3) this.
Knitting requires faith that whatever snarls you may encounter, whatever raw seams offend your delicate constitution, whatever random pieces look like they’ll never add up to a cohesive garment, the final product will be worth it. And then you have this.
I love knitting, but my faith needs a little reassurance sometimes.
(4) These lamb rounds.
We got these back when Bonnie didn’t have much appetite because they were one of the only things she would eat. Now she’s developed a taste for them and will eye the bag longingly between meals (for which she has fortunately regained a voracious appetite). These treats are fantastic and I’m pleased as pickled punch that she gobbles them down.
The problem? They smell like a latrine on a hot summer’s day. In the middle of a sulfurous swamp. Surrounded by a population of people whose diets consist entirely of asparagus.
(5) Discovering awesome juice.
I’ve been craving fruits and veggies lately, likely due to the fact I haven’t been eating enough of them. My recent schedule has been so packed and changeable that my planning has fallen by the way, way side. In a moment of desperation, I juiced up some kale, apples, and ginger.
The problem? While juicing is a fine one-time fix that satisfies and makes you feel “healthy”, it’s a poor substitute for whole, real foods. Juicing fruits and veggies removes fiber, as well as nutritionally-valuable vitamins and other micronutrients. Juices should never be used to replace complete, balanced meals for a long period of time. Where’s the protein? Many vitamins and minerals?
I can see why people go for juices, though. They’re easy, they don’t take a lot of thought, and they make you feel “healthy”. And they’re very popular this time of year, especially among those who feel they need a detox (despite having a body that doesn’t need outside help). Huge industries have been built up around expensive juicing diets. I’ve had people say to me that I’m flat out wrong about detox juicing diets, despite my showing them science-based evidence supporting my statements.
One of the hazards of being a dietitian, I suppose.
If you want to “detox” after the holidays, make it a priority to eat more fruits and vegetables (like I will). Check out quick and easy recipes packed with veggies like the ones on this page. And if you have trouble incorporating more produce into your diet, chat with a registered dietitian. We want to help. Trust me.
Love the title! 🙂
I think relationships where there are very different ideas about health and food are difficult. I’m lucky that Andy has pretty much completely changed what he eats and likes over the year. And I didn’t nag him, I promise! It just happened slowly over time. He still eats some foods I don’t eat, but it doesn’t bother me as we overall eat the same foods and health is our number one value.
Good points about juicing. I eat lots and lots of vegetables but don’t juice very often, especially not this time of the year as it is so expensive (and there is so little juice in many veggies). I do sometimes get on a juicing kick, and I like the way it makes me feel. But you definitely need the fiber, etc. in the whole vegetables. I do have a green smoothie pretty much every day though.
Your green smoothies look amazing 🙂
I recently sent a PR person a very mean email about why I think juice detoxes are ridiculous. She was not too happy with me. But whatever.
I can’t imagine why 😉
For a long while we’ve been really pleasantly surprised with the temperatures here in Toronto too. Now it’s a lot cooler than, say, a week ago, but still this winter has been a big surprise for Torontonians (what most of America calls a vortex is a usual winter here :)).
I think I am joining you on both the lamb rounds (no matter the sulphur!) and the juice, it’s important to get some immunity during the winter.
Be well!
Adam
Lovely post Jessie! Do you know why you are good at knitting? Because there is photographic evidence my dear friend! Getting it wrong sometimes is part and parcel of trying to do new and challenging things.
Hhahahahhahha I really love your description of the lamb rounds! The asparagus comment was top!
I will be honest and say that I drink a lot of juice because my stomach is small and fills up pretty quickly so too much fruit and veg means les protein and other things. When I went to a RD asking for help with gaining weight he said drink juice instead of water, and I do that a lot. I now find I crave orange juice after a meal, but I try to also have fruit. And it’s very sad that people really think detox juicing is a thing. We have lost faith in our own body methinks!
Thanks, Christa! You always know how to make an unsure knitter feel better 😉
I feel your pain with regards to the weather…I am SO OVER the negative temps. And it’s just January?
You are super talented my friend…the sweater looks amazing. I mean that!
Thanks, Ameena! 🙂
Wow -2 F, that’s super cold! I think we had a temperature -7 F two months ago, but not for a long time! I hope you guys stay extra, extra warm and prepare hot soups! I just made a Chinese radish & ginger soup with rice…so hearty and warm, have you ever had it before? Nice shot of the green juice, I really need to get back to juicing. I used to juice every other week last summer and combine it with plates of raw fruits & veggies, a light summery soup, cashew cheese, etc. I agree, I can’t do “detox” all the time or the after the usual holidays, but I like having to juice and pair it with a plate of healthy goodies on it.