I CAN EAT ALL OF THE GOOD THINGS!!!

Since beginning my 'TransFORM' Boot Camp I have paired down the list of foods that I include in my daily life.  When I originally saw the list of allowable food, I will admit I was a bit worried about my loss of sweet potatoes and brown rice.  I acknowledged I would miss the creamer in my coffee.  I was more than a little nervous about options for the occasional night out at a restaurant.  There was a morning period for bagels, breads and other carbs I was deeply attached to.  I may have even whined a bit about corn on the cob being an integral part of summer.

After just a month of eating differently, I have encountered a large amount of skeptical curious thinkers.  At least once a day I am offered something at work or at a friends that I CHOOSE not to eat.  These foods, which they present with such glee, which they are determined to have me try, come with explanations of their nutritional value, their healthfulness, and their lack of 'bad things'.  When I politely decline, people automatically assume I must have some food allergy... or worse they jump to the amazing conclusion that I am starving myself!!  It is impossible to believe that I CHOOSE not to include some foods in my diet!

I am entirely sure these kind folks mean to be helpful as they explain to me (often like I am a small child) that an exclusionary diet and a lifestyle of depravity is harmful and will only lead to a harmful unraveling.  They tell me the benefits of (insert food of their choice here).  Sometimes they even ask if I have developed an eating disorder...  Make no mistake, these friends, coworkers and complete strangers must be coming from a great place but most of them did not know me 60 pounds ago.  They never met the girl who felt terrible about herself and rarely smiled.  They don't know I used to sleep until an hour before I had to be at work, and go to sleep within an hour of arriving home, all to avoid food.  These are the same times I ate one meal a day and couldn't understand why I wasn't losing weight.


So to all of these people, I appreciate your help!  I value the fact that you care enough about me that you share your concern.  I love that you want me to be happy!!  All that said, please hear me as I beg for your help here:  I EAT LOTS OF THINGS!!!  I AM NOT STARVING!!!  I PROMISE!!!  Please, please, please, please, please:  Trust me when I say that I eat lots of things, all of them delicious and fun and exciting for me.  I enjoy each meal I eat.  These may not be choices you would make but I believe in your right to be happy and enjoy your meals.

 If believing me is beyond your capacity, I beg that at the very least you keep your judgmental helpful thoughts to yourself.  I have made some tough choices on my journey to the strongest, healthiest me possible and your words hurt.  Perhaps you still don't understand.  Let me paint you a picture.. Criticizing my healthy eating is the equivalent of sitting next to bed and telling me that running is bad for me knees as I crawl out of bed to head out in the morning!  You wouldn't dare do that would you???

I will continue to be polite, smile and explain my choices when you approach me.  I vow not to doubt my choices because you do so often.  I will not get caught up in justifying bad choices with the 'everyone else is doing it' attitude!  I just want you to know that everytime you offer well meaning advice, critical thoughts or unabashed judgement, or ask me "WHAT CAN YOU EAT??" I am screaming in my head "I CAN EAT ALL OF THE GOOD THINGS!!!!"