Who's Holding a Gun to Your Head?

Who's Holding a Gun to Your Head?
Several years ago I had the opportunity to work in an
assisted living community. My job involved talking to
people who had nutrition problems (diabetes, heart disease,
high blood pressure) and to give short lectures to the
residents.

The talks were always fun, because the topics were
interesting (to me anyway). They included how taste
changed with age, how to be active while sitting in your
chair, ways to add fruits and vegetables to your daily
diet. Then there would be a question and answer
session-again, always fun, because I got to think standing
on my feet.

One question that seemed to arise on a regular basis was
"why do they always serve dessert?" Usually followed by
the comment "I have gained ten pounds since I moved here!"
After the first few talks, I felt like I was dealing with
college freshmen, although now I understand that, with
inflation, the "freshmen ten" is now the "freshmen 15."

I could understand their frustration, because, after having
worked in several facilities, I felt like I was on a cruise
ship. Along with three meals a day, there was always some
type of snack around-cookies, fruit, cake. And, along with
salad, vegetables and a main course, the meals always had
dessert.

You probably feel this way as well, especially when you eat
at a restaurant, or at a friend's house. You want to eat
what is in front of you, and you feel as though there is no
choice. Then, when you discover you have gained weight,
you wonder why.

Let me tell you what I used to tell the folks at the
assisted living facility-and it is this:Did someone put a
gun to your head and tell you that you had to eat dessert?

I realize this is a bit harsh, to you, and to the folks I
was lecturing. But it makes a point-no one is forcing you
to eat dessert. In fact, no one is forcing you to eat
anything. My concern for the elderly is that they eat
adequate amounts of food to stay healthy, and if they eat
dessert, it's their choice. Well, my friends, when you are
at a restaurant, or at your friends' house, the same hold
true-it's your choice. You may feel guilty for not wanting
to eat dessert, but no one is holding a gun to your heading
and forcing the food down your throat.

My suggestion, to you, and to my former residents, is to
watch what you eat-that's all. If you know you are going
to have dessert, then cut back a bit on some of the foods
you eat during the day. Or try to be more active.
Activity helps to increase your metabolism and to burn
calories. Whatever you consider, though, do NOT skip meals
the next day-that sets up a dangerous cycle of starving and
overeating.

The folks at the assisted living needed a bit more advice,
because dessert was offered at every meal. We did need to
discuss more strategies for watching their intake during
the day, especially if they weren't active. The bottom
line still holds-no one is forcing you to eat, you are
responsible for what you put into your mouth. Unless, of
course, someone is holding a gun to your head.

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