Comments on: Free Food That Isn’t Free

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 16:44:17 +0000

In all of my past attempts at losing weight, and they’ve all been using the WW points system, I was consumed with getting as much food as my points would allow each day. The idea that there were 0 points foods (free) thrilled me to no end because I could eat as much of those as I wanted and still eat other foods to use up my points. After so many times trying and failing with this system it finally dawned on me that 0 point foods are not free. If you eat enough of them then the calories add up and you are using points. So now I never count anything as 0 points. I always round up. It has helped me reign in the portion sizes.
Kimberly´s last blog ..A Lazy Day And A Smarter Choice

By: Diane

Diane — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:57:23 +0000

@Steve – You are right about the high-glycemic content in the free foods. Good opinion!

By: Diane

Diane — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:56:46 +0000

@Babbalou – That is so great that you realized that restaurant food was appealing because you didn’t make it at home, and then even better that you found a place you like, and can make good choices. Thanks for commenting!

By: South Beach Steve

South Beach Steve — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 01:31:32 +0000

The interesting thing about the free food is that it is usually a high-glycemic food, which in turn makes us hungry, thus we tend to be ready for dessert when it comes around. At least that is my opinion. I try really hard to not eat the “free” food any more.
South Beach Steve´s last blog ..Ready for the Weekend!

By: Babbalou

Babbalou — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 22:44:34 +0000

Thanks for another great post, I really relate to this one! I also love to go out to eat (but also fortunately like to cook since I’ve got kids in college). After many years of failed attempts to lose weight, I finally decided that in order to succeed I needed to really analyze my eating – to see what worked for me and what didn’t work and figure out why my efforts kept failing. One thing I realized was that often when I wanted to go out to eat it was because I wanted a food (chips, something fried, dessert) that I had eliminated from my home cooking. Realizing this was one of my big breakthroughs. Knowing my weaknesses, we ended up pretty much sticking to the same pub for our date nights during my weight loss – it’s a great friendly place and they have really interesting salads which all come in two sizes. I decide before we go what I’m going to order so that the evening out doesn’t turn into a feeding frenzy or a test of my portion control. Boring I know, but it works for me. I have the pleasure of sitting in a booth across from my husband, I can enjoy a glass of wine or a glass of beer if I want, and then I eat my delicious salad. I don’t even look at the menu.

By: Diane

Diane — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 10:55:42 +0000

@Hadley – Thanks for the compliment – I like your blog too. It’s interesting about the cocktail party, because there it’s easy for you to turn down the food, but not as much with the restaurants. I’ll bet if you employed some of the strategies in my post, and that the other people have suggested, you will be able to do great next time you go out to eat!

By: Diane

Diane — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 10:54:03 +0000

@MamaBearJune – Free does have a cost. I’ve never heard of Mimi’s Cafe – it’s probably a good thing I haven’t!

@Tammy – Silly you – there is nothing wrong with your brain. You are just like many, many of us. The association between food and a good time is strong isn’t it? You have made such great progress on your choices. The occasional bread or chips isn’t going to derail your long term success. You are really working on changing your relationship to food. Good job!

By: Diane

Diane — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 10:51:46 +0000

@teresa – What a good friend she must be! You are lucky to have her. I agree with the difficult in passing up the freebies. This wasn’t a habit I conquered overnight! Thanks for coming by.

By: Diane

Diane — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 10:50:38 +0000

@Ehren – It is rewarding when you realize that you have turned the corner, and can say no to those foods you previously couldn’t. Good job!!

@2Bmeagain – Oh, what a nice compliment. Thank you so much. I can so relate to the story you shared. That was John and I – right there with you! It can be really hard to be able to learn how to say no to foods we honestly enjoy and appreciate. You will get there. I never thought I would, but I did!

By: Diane

Diane — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 10:48:17 +0000

@Jenn – I’ve never heard of a restaurant that served popcorn before. My kids would love that! If you go there a lot, sitting outside is a wonderful strategy to avoid that temptation. I’ll bet that smells great!

@Sana – It is good that the free samples are small. Unless you eat every single type they are offering!:) Thanks for coming by!