This has been a great food week for me and the tweedles. No eating out. I’ve packed my healthy lunches for work, haven’t been doing dessert (except for the occasional Red Vine, but those are fat free), we’re sticking with the No Soda rule. It’s been good!
But I’m not the world’s healthiest eater. Oh, I know what to eat, and what not to eat, but I don’t always make perfect choices. Thus the reason I’m a Not-So-Fit Girl.
Today I was sitting in the break room, munching on my salad of greens, grilled chicken, almonds, and blueberries, when one of my co-workers was leaving work early for a doctor’s appointment. “My sugar’s high, my cholesterol’s high,” he told me. I just know the doc’s gonna spend some time lecturing me.” He went on to say that he was diagnosed with diabetes two years ago. After that, he cut a lot of sugar out of his diet, and dropped close to fifty pounds. With the weight off, and the diet adjusted, Bobby was able to wean himself off most of the diabetes medication.
But he works ridiculous hours as a small engine mechanic, and life at home is stressful as he works to support a wife on disability, and sister-in-law dying of cancer. He has difficulty sleeping, and he usually eats on the go, and on the fly.
So he asked me if I would be willing to help him come up with a diet plan. He’s sure the doctor’s going to tell him what NOT to eat. He wants me to help him determine what he CAN eat. I made sure he knows that I am NOT a dietitian, but that I can certainly help him come up with a game plan. I don’t know whether I’m qualified to take on that role. Check that: I KNOW I’m not qualified to take on that role. Sometimes I feel like such a hypocrite in this attempt to become one of the fit people. I love fruits and vegetables and lean meats, but I love Red Vines, too. I don’t want to be all, “Do as I say, not as I do” with my co-worker. Though, I was glad that I was eating a salad and yogurt today! I had a light bulb moment this evening” I may be the most healthily knowledgeable person he has access to. I guess that means it’s time to start cleaning up my own eating, so I can be a good example for Bobby, and anyone else in my circle of influence who may need some inspiration when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle.
Have you ever encountered a situation where you discovered that you were a healthy lifestyle ambassador of sorts?
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