Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Dilemma

It's D's birthday on Friday and I'm having a tough time figuring out what to do about food on that day. The focus of the day definitely won't be on food - I have other stuff planned for us - but part of the day will be about food. We're having our best friends over and he's requested one of his favorite meals, which actually happens to be a tuna fish salad (not the kind that involves mayo or another other creamy dressing). The whole meal will be healthy, but they'll include some ingredients that are not allowed on the Whole Life Challenge.

The Whole Life Challenge is not about perfection. It's about being aware of the choices you make on a daily basis.

I know that the homemade dinner I have planned for us is not unhealthy. However, as I said above, it'll have some ingredients in it (such as mozzarella cheese) that are not allowed on the challenge.

At the moment, I've earned full points on each day of the challenge and also have 3 bonus points. These bonus points are to be used to make up for any points that you may have missed. So technically if I join the group and eat what they're eating, I will break even because the 3 points I'd lose for food will be made up with the bonus points. Does that make sense?

I know it's not all about the points, but for part of me, the points matter.

I don't want to lose points unnecessarily. I already know that the changes I've made in this challenge are ones that I like/agree with/feel good about -- there's nothing that I'm craving - no sugar, no cheese, nothing. So I'm not worried that if I have a bit of something that I'll want to eat more of it the next day. I think I'm officially over that.

So here's the dilemma:

Do I just enjoy the day with D and our friends and not worry about food (because despite the forbidden ingredients it will still be quite healthy)?

or

Do I make a separate meal for myself so that I don't lose points? [and hope that he and our guests understand and don't feel like I'm serving them something that's unhealthy!]

I could make the whole meal WLC-friendly, but I want to make the salad the way he likes it and not substitute the ingredients. It is his birthday after all. Plus, it's a damn good salad!


I know it seems like I'm making a big deal of this; to be honest, it has been on my mind a lot. I want to do what feels right to me ... I just haven't figured out what the 'right for me' move is.


Aside from this dilemma all is good. The menu for the week is planned and the fridge is stocked with fresh produce. Tonight's dinner is grilled shrimp with bell peppers and sugar snap peas - I can't wait :)

I did Yoga + Abs this morning & then I went to RPM class after ages tonight - it felt so good to get back on that bike!

Day 11 of the Whole Life Challenge, and I'm totally on track! :)

14 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. There's no doubt that I'd love the salad, but I'm not sure it'll be worth the point for just a few ingredients that are not WLC-compliant.
      Thanks for the advice x

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  2. I say make your own food. I don't think other than some momentary taste enjoyment you really be able to "enjoy" it. This is a great time to prove to yourself and people around you that food does not have to be part of a celebration, it's just food.

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    1. That's true - it's just food, and the people that I'm going to be with are so much more important!

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  3. I suppose I would think about how important it is to stay on the plan. Would it ruin my day if I did eat with my husband and guests and use my bonus points? If so, I'd probably make separate food for me.

    I do understand the dilemma because by Friday you'll have two perfect weeks under your belt. Either way, do what makes you happiest. I'm sure everyone will understand if they even notice. :)

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    1. That's good advice Caron.
      I'm just trying to figure out for sure what I want - and have no regrets about my decision.

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  4. Also - remember that bonus points can't be banked. You either use them or lose them at the end of the 8 weeks. So if you used up one point at dinner on Friday, you would still have a perfect score, just one less bonus point to play around with.

    I went out to dinner with several WLC peeps tonight and believe me, points was a topic of discussion for most of it!

    Just do what feels right to you!

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    1. I know I'll definitely be tapping into the bonus points next week when I'm in Germany ... so we'll see whether or not I'll use any now. I know it's not the end of the world, am just trying to figure out what feels right.

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  5. Ultimately, you have to do what feels right... Part of the process for me is finding a way to live my life that is full of fun, joy, celebration, etc. and food is a part of that.

    Since it is D's birthday, I think your gut instinct to make whatever he wants/enjoys is probably correct.

    Also, I think whatever choice you make, you need to make peace with it... It will be a day of celebration, of friends, etc. So regardless of whether you eat your own food, or eat the food with everyone, as long as your spirit is light, and joyous, because you are doing what feels good for you, that is important...

    It is sad to see so many moments for celebration dampened because of the internal struggles of our lives... So when you make that choice, be proud, be strong, be happy, and then forget all about the food and enjoy the moments with the people you love.

    RY

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    1. I know. I never thought I'd be spending so much time figuring out whether I want to partake in a salad! Still, I'm taking it as a discovery process for me. This eating style is so new for me, and I'm so happy it's falling into place. I want to be able to enjoy my food and my time with the people I'll be with. I know I can do it :)

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  6. Anonymous3:00 PM

    Snap - I've got exactly the same problem as you this weekend. It's J's birthday tomorrow and it's going to be a struggle all weekend to eat healthily.

    You are doing so well with your challenge, and the fact that you're having a healthy homemade dinner means you've got complete control over the ingredients.

    Like everyone else, I think you should do whatever you feel most comfortable with. If you serve your guests plated portions (as opposed to everyone serving themselves from a big dish in the centre of the table), they probably won't even notice you are eating a slightly different meal.

    It does sound like making it to the end of the WLC without cheating is really important to you. No-one else but you will remember you eating a different meal by Day 30.

    Good luck!

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    1. That's so true. My favorite part of cooking at home is that I'm in charge of all the ingredients :) Plus I know our friends are very supportive of my choices, so that makes it easier.

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  7. It's a tough decision and only you can decide. Oh by the way, I caught up on a backlog of posts and hope that your shoulder blade is still good. I think you were very brave going to Crossfit that day.

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    1. My shoulder blade is much, much better though there's still a slight twinge of pain. I knew my Coach would design a workout that wouldn't aggravate my shoulder so I was good to go that day :)

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Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! I can use all the support I can get :)