The Best Diet in the World -- And, It Won't Cost You a Cent!
Posted: Saturday, November 28, 2009
by Nancy Daniels
Voice Dynamic
My mother was strict, firm, and, at times, hard; but, there was one lesson that she instilled in me which is one of the best pieces of advice I have ever been given.
From the earliest age I can remember, my mother taught me to get up from the table feeling like I could eat more. What her teaching inspired was discipline. Her theory has not held in all areas of my life because on any given day you can always find some dust in my house or some tumbling tumbleweeds from my Black Lab's coat; but, when it comes to food, her rule of thumb took hold of me and has held tight ever since.
Part of my mother's success in instilling this discipline was that she never cooked for more than the five of us and I don't remember leftovers aside from a roast of beef, ham or turkey. We had to ask for cookies and were allowed only three at a time. (That rule, in itself, was another one of those great lessons in life!) Our refrigerator was never stocked with soda, although my dad made a mean ice cream soda on occasion. We drank milk with our meals and were allowed fruit anytime. Mom always had bananas and apples as well as fresh peaches or plums when in season. This is one of the reasons my freezer is currently stocked with fresh-picked peaches, blackberries, blueberries, cherries and raspberries. I love homemade pie and have enough fruit to get me through the upcoming winter and spring.
As much as I love dessert, I don't eat it directly after my meal but instead wait a few hours. (In addition, I keep no cookies in the house, although I will bake hundreds over the Christmas season.) The secret with dessert, however, is to eat only one serving and not the whole pie! The other secret is not to have it every day. Should I feel a need for a sweet in the evening, I may have some cereal or a small bowl of ice cream but again, not every day.
Drinking soda with the meal is also something I never allowed my when children were young. Unfortunately, I was unable to continue that rule with my second marriage because both my husband and stepson were drinking Coke during their dinner. Part of the problem today is that people are drinking too much soda. Why do you need a quart of this beverage when 16 ounces should suffice? If you are that thirsty, try drinking water. It does the trick and has no calories to boot!
We have become a huge society because we have not learned how to say No to our many wants, desires, and wishes. We have become a huge society because we lack discipline: we lack motivation to get off our LazyBoy or to walk away from our computers. We have become a huge society because of the huge portions we are demanding and because restaurants are providing for our wants.
If you would learn to eat without stuffing yourself, snack on healthy foods, try a bit more walking or exercise, and get up from the table feeling like you could eat more, I guarantee you will shed the pounds. Avoid the cookie aisle and stay away from Dunkin Donuts. The beauty of my diet is that by using common sense and not overindulging, I can occasionally have that Dunkin' Donut! Then, it is a treat!
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Top-level comments on this article: (10 total)Great article. Well done.Sounds like a good idea. However, I fail at this - I get up for the table thinking "what else is there to eat".Connor,I loved your comment. Made me laugh out loud!!! Connor, try this. 6 days of the week, get up feeling like you could eat more and then on the 7th, go for it!
Your mom sounds a lot like my mom...but then, they probably grew up 'round the same time. My kids only got milk or juice during dinner, never soda either.Richard,My mom was like a lot of moms of that era. Unfortunately, too many moms today are unaware of good nutrition (or discipline). Thanks for your comment.
We were at a buffet recently and it actually sickened me to see people continually filling their plates even though they had to have been full. The amount wasted was disheartening as well, when so many people are going hungry. You offer some very good advice Nancy, your mother taught you well!Brianna,The one that bothers me the most are the Chinese buffets. Their clientele often includes many 'robust' people. It is not definitely disheartening.
Sounds like not only a reasonable eating plan but a good lesson in self control! Thanks for sharing this piece. MarijoThank you Marijo. Actually, just common sense.
Very good the second time around in Reader's Club! Thanks for writing this. Marijo
We were told to "clean" our plates.Oh well.Oh, Ken, I was taught to clean my plate as well. The point was not to keep filling it up on seconds or thirds!
Right this is probably the best ways to stay thin
For the first time in a long while I read an article and had a belly laugh! It was interesting! Thank you, Nancy. If we could all make sure we take care of our needs whilst only occasionally indulging our wants it would be a better world all round!
Wonderful article - this is why it is said common sense is not that common. I am going to take a print and just read it twice a day - till the principles get firmly ingrained. Thanks again for putting it so succinctly.
I agree! My point of view after being on every diet known to man is five easy things. 1. Making better food choices. 2. Portion control. 3. Drink more water (we are the onle species on earth that drinks anything but water after we are wiened). 4. Get some exercise. 5. Stop eating after 7:00 pm.
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