Goodbye, Rogers Bar-B-Que, Burger King, Bojangles’ and Checkers. Adios, Taco Bell. Sayonara, Hibachi Buffet. Farewell, Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme, at least for a little while.
If you haven’t guessed, I eat everything except black olives and licorice. Oh, and this sushi thing called uni (aka sea urchin). Why somebody eats this, I have no idea.
I will be a contestant in the United Way’s Biggest Loser competition, which starts this week. Going in, my problem is that I like food, and quite honestly, I abuse it at times.
That is harsh, but it’s a reality. If work gets a little stressful, I usually have something by my side to munch on, and it’s not carrots or celery. As it does in many families, life gets real busy, and it’s very easy to pick up pizza, Chinese food, fried chicken, burgers, tacos, fries, etc. (Man, I’m getting hungry.)
I expect to return to all the places I mentioned above, but less frequently, and when I do, I will make better choices or just treat myself.
Kitty Finklea will be the group’s nutrition consultant. She has been a registered dietitian/nutritionist for more than 25 years and has been with McLeod Health for more than 10 years.
“Nutrition is my passion, and I enjoy keeping up with the science, which has changed rapidly since I started my career,” she said.
“Most people know how to lose weight, but the big challenge is not gaining it back (and usually more after going off a diet). My goal is to give the participants tools to navigate the food culture and help them develop flexible methods and strategies to create a healthier food environment that works for their lifestyle.
“By finding ways to incorporate healthier food options and move more, they not only lose weight but will learn how to keep it off.”
Finklea believes the United States promotes a toxic food culture.
“Americans are constantly bombarded by triggers to eat cheap, unhealthy food that is very tasty to most people but also very high in calories, fat, sugar, sodium, preservatives and additives,” she said. “This type of food can be extremely hard to resist for many people. Without a solid eating plan, it is quite a challenge to eat healthy and keep weight under control.”
I’m very excited about competing in the United Way’s Biggest Loser contest and having the opportunity to share my thoughts here each Sunday.
Of course, I want to lose weight and win that $1,000 prize. But really the ultimate goal is to establish and maintain a healthy eating routine.
The 10-week contest starts Thursday. I plan to weigh in after lunch, so email me your favorite buffet. The restaurant that gets the most votes is where I will enjoy my last buffet … for at least 10 weeks.
And, oh, by the way, Golden Corral was my last buffet for 10 weeks.
John McElwee is the regional controller at the Morning News. Contact him at [email protected].