A Check-in about Decisions Regarding Fat Consumption
Consuming fat is a balancing act; It is for everyone, not just those with LCHADD. The holiday's are just around the corner that doesn't make it any easier!
Making the decision to eat something or not is a decision each an every one of us has to make. But the consequences can be much higher for those living with LCHADD or some other metabolic disorder. So for this blog post, let's take a minute and check in with ourselves and pay understand and analysis the decision we are currently making.
So MANY Choices:
According to a study conducted by Cornell University, the average adult makes 226.7 (semi-conscious) decisions per day just on food alone (Wansink and Sobal, 2007).
You may have noted per the publishing date of this academic study, that the sited statistic is over 10 years old. While I normally do not like to use such out-date statistics, I want you to view the number 226 as a reminder of how complex life can be and hopefully walk away from learning this fact being in-aw by this number rather than regarding the number 226 as a steadfast fact. I want you to be impressed at the decision skills you already possess and practice every day - even if you're not fully aware of it!
Lets All Try to Stress Less About Those Choices:
While it is impressive just how many decisions we make; It is important that each one of us takes a beat and think more consciously of our own daily decisions/choices surrounding food. When you have a rare metabolic disorder, the impact of those choices regarding food can easily lead to real-life consequences over time. Food choices can lead to unnecessary stress, doubt or regret for anyone. But for those with LCHADD and their family members food choices and decisions can become all-consuming - This is something I want you to avoid.
Food Fits Into Our Lives - Not the Other Way:
The activities we choose to participate in should not be dictated by the food options available to us; Rather we should learn how 'food' fits into those activities. You should be empowered to make food choices whether that is at a school picnic in which you can 100% control the options by bringing in your own dish; Or while you are traveling through a foreign country and going to a small restaurant that only has one set plate as an option and you have no control over the choices available to you. Embrace that Jambon, Indian curry, Paella and warm spanish olives on a roof-top restaurant and leave the granola bar at the hotel for breakfast or in your bag for another day.
Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, you must eat something. And while you should always aim for a low-fat option, know that not eatting is never an option. Our experience with food can be incredible even if the surrounding environment does not lend to a perfect low-fat meal. You can still make the perfect choice available to you in that particular moment.
Stop...breath....Reset
It's time to reset. Think about today and ask yourself these following questions:
1. What did you eat? At the coffee shop - What delicious treat/drink did you order?
2. Was consuming those calories on that option worth it to you?
3. How did you decide on what to eat today?
4. Did you have a plan?
5. Are you able to or willing to pay closer attention to the food/drink choices you make on a daily basis for yourself or those you care for?
6. What sort of rules do you put on yourself or your child?
7. Are those rules ultimately kind and responsible to yourself, your long-term health and/or those in your care?
Even More Questions to Consider:
It is so easy to get stuck in a routine and to become over regimented in the options you give yourself or your child. As you read this I want you to sit with yourself, ask your child, spouse, sibling or whomever: if they can remember what they ate yesterday? last week? What they are planning to eat tonight? and if you feel it is an acceptable choice for you or your family right now....... How good have you been sticking to a low-fat diet (20% of daily calories or less)? Do you have an event coming up that will not allow for easy access to low fat options (birthday party/ friend’s sleep over/ football game/ date night eating out)?
Finally....
I want you to allow yourself to eat out, even have a higher fat meal and go home and eat 'low-fat' or 'no-fat' for the next two meals to re-balance the overall fat consumption from that one meal. Because that is BALANCE.
This post is a reminder that we all need to be more conscious of the common decisions we make every day. We need to learn to adjust our decisions for our own health based on those previous decisions. You are your own boss - dietitians or doctors can’t make those choices for you.
The Conversation of Fat Continues:
Over the next few postings I will be discussing this macro-nutrient in a continuing 3 part series: "‘Where fat is Hiding in unlikely Places". What it means when I say "Fat by Percentage not by Gram" and "Learning to Eat Out in Confidence".
The Big Take-Away:
After reading this post, I want you to always remember this: Your food decisions matter each and every day. So, let's remind ourselves to continue to check-in with ourselves. Not to punish, but to become more aware of those 226 some-odd food choices we are making for us and those we care for.
You are able and capable to make smart/informed/decisions that will impact you over the years not just today. My hope is the majority of those choices will promote health, be low-fat and varied in nutrients.
"Life is a balance and if a meal is not perfect that DOES NOT mean you're not PERFECT. Because you are!"
HAPPY FOOD CHOICES!
