Let THEM eat cake!

For all the bragging I’ve done on the past couple of entries about how easy it is, and how strong I am, I have to tell you about my Wal*Mart trip yesterday.   I left work at noon yesterday to run errands (none that couldn’t wait, but what the heck?)   I didn’t eat lunch, I got my driver license renewed (I think my face is fatter now, after a 30+ pound loss than it was 4 years ago) ran my other errands…and by the time my tummy really started to fuss, I made it to Wal*Mart.  

I walked in on the food side…right beside the bakery.   They were icing the cakes.   I could see them, I could definitely SMELL them.   (I do love me some birthday cake!)   As I glanced at that cake, I thought how I might like to bury my face in it!   As I walked on, I saw the mini cupcakes that I used to buy, to eat each and every one by myself…and cookies!  I was always eating cookies.  I kept walking, past the sweets and bread, and I began to remember the desperation that came with eating whole packages of cookies or donuts or candy. 

Desperation.  Discouragement.  Hopelessness.

Obesity can be a very lonely thing.  It serves as insulation.   The more I pack on, the more I insulate myself.   The more insulated I am, the more self-isolated I become because I don't get involved with activities or people, even when I'm invited, I usually say no.  I would, however, pick my poison, often eating it in the car on the way home.  I’d either hide the package under my seat until I could get rid of it, or I’d stop at a car wash and do a drive by dump.  Didn’t even have to get out of my car.   If ever I brought donuts to work, I would have already had my half dozen or 8, so that I was pretty sick of them by the time I got to work, and could actually stop on only one or two. 

A lot of life has passed me by, and I allowed it.

No more!  I pray that I never see a day like that again.   On diets in the past, I usually felt like I was just barely hanging on.   Waiting for the weekend, so that I could give myself a free day.  I remember going off of diets that I’d been on for a week or two, and being relieved that I was off the thing so that I could eat my way into oblivion.

For the past seven weeks, I have not one time felt as if I am barely hanging on…nor to do I ever plan a “free day.”   I may have planned to eat catfish…but I will never again plan to gorge myself.

The whole trip through the bakery area and the gamut of emotion than went with it last about 45 seconds.   I promise you, the next time I thought about those cakes and cookies was when I thought that might make a good entry…that stuff does smell sweet!   My freedom tastes sweeter.

PS:  I have never buried my face in a birthday cake…or any cake, for that matter.  

Now…as promised…”Grilled Okra”  

My little garden has really given us the okra this year!   I’ve been using fresh (I’ve never used frozen, but I probably will this winter.)

·      Preheat grill to the high setting*

·      Slice okra…or open the thawed bag

·      Add some diced or sliced onion

·      Drizzle with olive oil (unless you are watching fat intake)**

·      Stir until okra is lightly coated.

·      Toss on grill.   (I work with it a little and try to get most of it so that the sliced side is face up (with seeds showing.)

·      Salt and Pepper to taste.   (I use seasoned salt and a peppercorn grinder)

·      Cook 15-25 minutes, depending upon your grill and desired tenderness.  I cook mine until it’s good and browned.)

*I usually spray my Foreman Grill because it’s old and things stick.  It may not be necessary for you, but I suggest it anyway.  Spray right before you add the okra, not while preheating..

**(You can use cooking spray, but the taste is not as good.  If you are using spray, after you spray the grill, toss your okra on it, and then spray the okra before seasoning it.