Rosalee Brown
We have all made plans to be even healthier, to make manageable health goals and to stick to them. We all have very good intentions, but, unfortunately, we often fall short.
One reason for failing, especially in a family situation, is when you fail to achieve a 'buy in' from the other family members. It can really be devastating when you are all pumped up and raring to go but you are deflated by loved ones who fail to get on board. You have to win these persons over or become extremely focused to go it all alone.
Two ingredients which can really trip you up are fats and sugars. This may even happen when you honestly vow to eat little or no fat or sugar.
Ways fats and sugars creep in
A trusted housekeeper: Most times this person is not convinced why less or a little oil, fat, coconut milk and other forms of extra fat should be used. They vow to only use a small amount and they, in their estimation, are using a small amount but the rice will be bland without a 'small' amount of butter added, the steammed vegetables must have some butter, the rice and peas must have adequate coconut milk.They can prove this because when the right balance of this ingredient (which is a flavour enhancer) is expertly added, the compliments flow and when it is not used, well, not much is said about how good the meal is. Your trusted helper assumes that you really and truly prefer when the meal is tastier.
The same is true of other family members. When the magic ingredient is missing, or not enough, then less of the meal is consumed, there is more left over and some persons may even pass the meal with an excuse for having a late lunch. These family members often may snack on preferred foods saying that they only need a little something. With episodes such as these, the initial resolve is relaxed and weight gain starts to set in.
The same thing can happen with sugars as, instead of the proposed drink once or twice a week or less use of sugar, drinks are served more often and sweeter than initially planned. To get past this hurdle, the resolve cannot be with yourself alone, unless you live alone. If you have a family, you must sell the idea to them and ask them to 'buy in'.Can we plan to be healthier this year by eating less fats and sugars in order to reduce body fat, feel better and be able to do more physically? This could be a bargaining argument. For us to achieve this we will have to have fried foods only twice per week, for example, or sweet drinks only twice per week or only use quarter of the amount of sugar we used to use.
Get the feedback of the family and the persons helping with the cooking. They should be instructed exactly how much fat or sugar to use in dishes. You will be shocked how in a year, having 'drinks' two to three evenings per week versus water or adding fat to your vegetables and rice instead of fresh herbs can make a big difference in your waistline. To prevent the heartache and health risks from the extra fat, sit down with your family and helper and share your dreams for a healthier life. Also, do let them see their role in all of this.
Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
