I’ve never compared my diet to that of my friends much, but since starting to lose weight, I’ve done so more – not in a judgmental or advisory way, but more as an observational exercise. Nutrition and the like are on my mind more so it naturally occurs to me to notice those things.

I have always paid attention to eating speed, for very different reasons. I’ve always eaten faster than maybe 75% of people I eat with, but I didn’t like to finish first because I was liable to be distracted by their food, especially if they were dawdling and seemed like they might not finish. So I would try to slow down or make finicky preparations before eating so as to let them get a head start. It’s less of an issue now.

I DO watch what my thin co-workers eat. I grew up in a house where people ate like birds (how I became a pig is something my therapist and I dug through). But that was a long time ago. I have been married for 7 years to a sweet but nutritionally challenged guy and I think I have lost perspective. So, I learn from my 45 year old, thin, fit co-worker. Sometimes she eats a big fat tuna sandwich for lunch but more often she eats a rice bowl, lean cuisine or a PB&J with some chipsm maybe carrots. Not always the healthiest but she isn’t eating a TON. And, she swims a lot. And she goes hiking every weekend. I hope I don’t creep her out with my watchful eye.

It was lovely meeting you at “IT Girl” Ellen’s dinner Tuesday night. Hope you weren’t too overwhelmed by our very loud, very opinionated company.

Everyone has a different metabolism and nutritional needs so while my friend might be able to eat a cheeseburger and fries for lunch, I can’t do that regularly without gaining weight.

thanks

i do have the book

just wondering what has worked for you

with phase one

i fall off of it before day one is through

thanks -

What I do pay attention to is what people are drinking. Mostly b/c I cannot understand how people — skinny or not — can drink regular soda. Usually, though, the people I lunch with either have water, diet soda or iced tea. So when someone does order regular soda, I notice. And I usually notice that they are skinny!

Sometimes I feel I have to prove to people that I do eat (because I’m really thin) so I end up ordering more food than I can actually eat. I don’t do this as much now, but I really did a lot before. Some people didn’t believe I ate at all.

Now I don’t care much, especially if I’m in good company. I just eat what I’m in the mood for. My eating habits have changed over the past two years (I’m eating a lot more healthy) but that doesn’t mean I thrive of salad and rice cakes.

I LOVE CHEESE SO FRICKEN MUCH!

Plus, I’ve got this whole triathlon thing going on and if anyone gives me a sideways glance I just say, ‘training’.

It made dating hard because the guys would marvel at what I could eat, and it was hard for me to feel comfortable eating what I wanted (that is, I’d always order the steak which is often the most expensive thing on the menu).

So, I watch what people eat, but not because of portion or quality. I eat what I want generally when I want, and they can kiss my ass.