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Week Eight: And Then There was Cake...

Posted: 03/12/2012 2:41 pm

Inspired by the very public diets of Toronto's Ford brothers -- Mayor Rob and brother Doug -- a Huffpost contributor has decided to take up their Cut the Waist challenge, and shed 30 pounds by June 18. Our contributor will weigh-in every Monday (you can read his previous entries here and here) with his progress (including a photograph of his bathroom scales that morning). He would like to be less public, however, about his identity.

I awoke with only one question in mind: Where's the chicken?

I'm referring to the film The Hangover, and based on last night's festivities, I should've woken up, dragged my feet to the kitchen for coffee, only to find a chicken in my living room. To say that I overdid it last night would be like saying... ok, there's no other way to say it. I really overdid it. I remember eating -- let's not be polite here -- I was STUFFING a second piece of cake in my mouth, drunk out of my skull, and had a vision of some skeezy guy doing blow off a hooker's ass. Then HE'S the one who turns to ME and says, "Whoa Speed Racer, you might want to dial it down just a skootch. You are totally out of control, dude."

And this was after I fell flat on my back. But let's not jump ahead.

2012-03-12-Paul8.jpgThe celebration was a Bar Mitzvah for son number two of dear friends and they had rented out a bowling alley for the festivities. Now you might recall I'm trying to lose weight, hence the moniker "The Fat Diaries," the little piggy icon, the weekly weigh-ins. (This week I'm at 233).

These are all subtle clues to suggest the kind of person who is following a commitment to lose weight by carefully limiting his food intake, exercising regularly, and most importantly, planning ahead to -- ok, let's just get to the point: I had no plan. I didn't even bring a water pistol to this gunfight.

Before I could even formulate a plan as I arrived, I had first vodka drink in hand. "Wait, how did that get--?" and by the time I moseyed to the trough of chips to check out the guacamole, I must've been on my second. There was a third drink. Couldn't get to the fourth without the third, right? Somewhere in the middle of drink counting I recall eating a sensible salad. Aha! I really WAS in control, see? But not before inhaling a hamburger with a fistful of onion rings. But I was careful to show restraint and not order CHEESE on the burger. OH, that was rich.

I remember being asked to bowl. I remember somebody saying it was my turn. I don't remember wondering if I should be wearing bowling shoes. Before I knew it, I was ready to show off my Fred Flintstone bowling trophy form. Like the space shuttle at full speed takeoff, I launched that ball into the lane-o-sphere with everything I had. Then the whole room looked funny and I landed flat on my back with a SMACK!

A close friend with whom I politically spar looked down in concern and made two peace signs and asked, "How many fingers am I holding up?" He looked so much like Richard Nixon I searched my comedy registry for a good Nixon joke but came up short. So I bunted with "Obama 2012." He threw up his arms in exasperated Jackie Gleason style. "He's all right!" he reported to the concerned onlookers.

That should've been my cue that I'd had enough. But then there was cake. I knew better not to have -- suddenly I am eating cake. "Jesus, that's good!" I exclaimed to my fellow Bar Mitzvah guests. To myself: "Seriously. You've had enou--" and then I was offered a second piece from, I'm guessing, a graduate from Pusher School.

Second time same as the first, except this time I was producing a Crossfire segment in my head where both sides were debating whether I should eat the second piece while, in parallel, I was already eating it. Like a dog. Literally sliding the whole piece in like it was on a conveyer belt. Cue imaginary scuzball turning to tell ME that I'm the one with the problem.

Damn subconscious. See, this is why we're rarely on speaking terms. But this time he was right. I AM the one with a problem.

So this is where I turn to you, Dear Readers: If I have another gala event to attend in the coming weeks, what are some strategies you recommend?

 
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03:52 PM on 03/13/2012
Eat before you get there - a high protein meal will keep you filled up and reduce cravings. Drink a bottle of water on the way.

Look at the food offerings and decide (um, before the drinking commences) what you want- focusing on things like shrimp cocktail, meatballs, a bit of cheese, veg/fruit etc. - instead of nachos, chips and dip, any variety of fried crap and pastry type stuff.
If you can, use a smaller (salad size) plate and put the food on it, rather than feeding yourself directly from the buffet. Fill your plate and step away from the table. If you want to eat more, you need to walk back to the table and fill your plate again, rather than bellying up to the trough and grazing mindlessly.

Consider limiting alcohol consumption, but at the very least alternate each serving of alcohol with a full glass of water, still or sparkling, or at least a diet soda. The more you drink the less likely you are to maintain any semblance of sanity in terms of your food choices.

Remember that you are at the party to see people you like and to socialize with them. If you are planning instead to eliminate any potential for witty repartee by hogging out on cake and swilling debilitating quantities of beer (No judgment here - I've certainly done it!) keep in mind that doing it in front of your friends may indeed be an infringement of their right to know.
07:08 PM on 03/13/2012
Now THIS is a very sensible plan. My favorite paragraph is the last one, where one reminds themselves why they're there in the first place. This is a great summary. Thanks!

TFD
07:45 PM on 03/13/2012
Thanks. My favorite line: Remember that you are at the party to see people you like and to socialize with them.

This seems like such a duh'er but, of course, this makes so much sense. Remember the purpose of why you are where you are. I recall Grandpa telling me this sage advice. He said, "Sonny, always remember this: witty repartee trumps cake"

There are a lot of good ideas in your comment, thank you very much. I'm actually thanking you twice since my dog ate my first comment to you or something like that. Lots and lots of good advice here. Thanks for taking the time to write it all out.

TFD
12:08 PM on 03/13/2012
I would avoid the whole situation until you reach your target weight. If you can't, try to stick to a low carb beer if one is available.

Most are 90-100 calories, so you can drink 10-18 guilt free assuming you haven't eaten much that day. So if drinking excessivly is your thing, that's what I would recommend.

Also, ideally, if you can start smoking and taking either some ephedrine hydrochloride or clenbuterol (not both) before heading out that should suppress most urges to pig out. You might feel anxious, sweaty, and have heart palpitations, but you won't really want to eat. lol

So anyway, this is what "I" do if I feel like ripping out a full day party:

I run 30 minutes and do 45 of minutes of weights before eating anything. That speeds up the metabolic rate in the morning and buys me enough calorie space for a solid 7-9 low carb beers right out of the gate for breakfast.

Then, I take a bowl of 100% fat free sour cream and add a really hot Louisiana hot sauce and dip and eat low sodium pretzels throughout the day. They're surprisingly delicious and satisfying. And, it feels like you're eating all day. The combination of low carb beer and pretzels makes you bloated, and "'ya feel full and happy".

I can drink a good 23-30 beers, feel full all day, and still lose weight. Win, Win, and WIN!

I'll cover atrophy later. Good luck!
02:01 PM on 03/13/2012
All I hear is how to destroy your liver and feel bloated all day. I guess everyone has their own way of losing weight. But, if you want the win, win and WIN, you gotta do what you gotta do and do it the right way which feels good in your own conscience.

Mine's drinking water to supress apeitite and get your stomach used to that routine everytime your stomach starts growling.
07:12 PM on 03/13/2012
Hi Dusty,
Yup, I haven't been drinking my water like I should and I think this is key. Drinking my 8-glasses is my new goal this week. Thanks for reinforcing this.

TFD
07:11 PM on 03/13/2012
HA! (or should i say BURP!)

I am not a big drinker. Even girlie vodka drinks, I usually have 1-2 during a meal and this is maybe once a month. I drink beer a few times a year.

So.... my goal isn't exactly aligned with yours. I am not trying to game the system for maximum Duff. But I like your idea of the pretzel/Louisiana recipe.

Thanks!

TFD

p.s. seriously, 23-30 beers a day?
09:56 AM on 03/14/2012
Hey TFD,

Oh no. I wouldn't call this a daily thing. That would sort of get in the way of earning a living. :) I just do that 'every other' day! HA. Kidding.
It's a random semi-annual BBQ bender day where I have people over for a pool and hot tub party. It's not a lifestyle; more of an event! :)

ATD
09:08 AM on 03/13/2012
Wear a tight fitting pair of pants and a shirt to match. The shame and self-loathing (you can do this) will keep you away from the cheese balls. One drink and a couple carrot sticks and you're outta there.
03:23 PM on 03/13/2012
Interesting, not a bad idea. I do have some tight-fitting pants (what person who is dieting doesn't?) and that will act as Passive Uncomfortable Control (PUC, or "puke"). excellent!

Thanks for reading,
TFD
09:07 AM on 03/13/2012
1 drink, then water(stick a slice of lemon or lime in it, and people will think you're drinkin'). Eat light before you go. Take small servings of the things you really want to taste, and leave the rest behind. Keep fighting the good fight, and only have a SLIVER of cake.
03:20 PM on 03/13/2012
Yup. Next time, water only. I enjoy sparkling water, lemon or not. I can't be trusted to drink when there is an open bar/food. Sliver of cake is a good idea instead of obsessing about it.

Thanks for reading,
TFD
05:40 AM on 03/13/2012
before attending a banquet, educate yourself how to eat properly. Don't go and try to "restrain" yourself.

face it fatzo, you got a problem, for now, don't go, and instead of writing funny columns, go learn to cook for yourself like, organic, vegetarian, go learn apreciate food.
03:18 PM on 03/13/2012
Thanks for saying my column is funny. I agree that the "restrain" idea is a poor strategy, like driving without a seat belt and trying not to get into an accident.

thanks for reading,
TFD
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
legaleagle4
proudly scaring republicans since 1982
12:09 AM on 03/13/2012
Congratulations on maliciously reinforcing every single stereotype thin people have about fat people. Really, we appreciate it.
03:06 PM on 03/13/2012
You're welcome.
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HUFFPOST COMMUNITY MODERATOR
Gudrun
My micro-bio is empty
10:29 PM on 03/12/2012
I generally limit myself to one drink. When I arrive at a party, I survey all of the food and decide on one thing I really want to eat. I have some of that, and then I pass on the rest. Thanks for sharing your experience, best of luck!
03:24 PM on 03/13/2012
I like your surveying idea. Good idea. For now, I'm going on a zero-drink policy until I can trust myself.

Thanks for reading,
TFD
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HUFFPOST COMMUNITY MODERATOR
Gudrun
My micro-bio is empty
04:22 PM on 03/13/2012
Even better! It's easier to make better food choices when no alcohol is involved, for sure. Please keep us posted on your progress.
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10:16 PM on 03/12/2012
3/12/12
10:14pm
NYC

Invite me.
09:43 PM on 03/12/2012
50 year old male looking to drop 40 lbs by 7/1. Started at 220 on 1/3, at 200 now so I am on pace. I dropped 40 once before in mid 90's and maintained for several years. I went way off the reservation over one holiday season and have been gaining ever since.

If you've only dropped 6 pounds in 8 weeks, your need to get radical on calorie reduction. If you must drink at an event, consider the alcohol a "treat". Eat ahead of time, stick to the lightest beer possible, and NO food at the event. If you are like me, once you break the "grazing" seal, hard to stop.
07:15 PM on 03/13/2012
Congrats on the 20 lbs! And double-dog-congrats for about to break into the 100's.

I agree I need to get medieval on my calorie reduction. I'm trying a couple of things this week which I'll write about next time. I'm going back to a diabetes medicine that worked well for me in the past.

Let me know when you make 199. We'll have to have a drink - D'OH!

TFD
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Shauni Waterdragon
Squeak now or forever hold your peas.
08:43 PM on 03/12/2012
Live fast, die young, leave a good looking corpse. Was that John Belushi?

I love you! Are you married?
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Stevenson52
06:27 AM on 03/13/2012
John Derrick, 1949, Knock on Any Door.
03:03 PM on 03/13/2012
Hi Shauni,

Married here. But thanks for your enthusiasm. Me, I'd prefer to live a lot longer than Belushi. And how my corpse looks is the last of my concerns. Literally. It will be the last of my concerns.

Thanks for reading,
TFD
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08:42 PM on 03/12/2012
This is sad.Where has our compassion gone? I thought this article would be flooded with suggestions.I was looking for a few myself! I am a binger! If you put a bag of anything sweet in front of me I will make myself sick from eating it all! Anyway, I'm not the best person to answer this, I guess. Maybe there's a few people out there to help both of us! SOMEBODY?? (as well as Karissa. Sorry, I don't drink...)
03:16 PM on 03/13/2012
Thanks for the empathy. Never mind the others. There are lots of good ideas here.

Thanks for reading,
TFD
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ginadeoliveira2008
Seen a shooting star tonight and I thought of you
08:12 PM on 03/12/2012
Don't go! But if you go, stay away from the foods you know mean compulsive eating--like cake! Stick to drinking, in moderation!
03:15 PM on 03/13/2012
I considered not going. If i had just started sobriety than going to this event would've been off limits. But these are dear friends so not-going was not an option. But then I ask myself: really? Not an option? who was stopping me from leaving early? It's an interesting social conundrum.

Thanks for reading,
TFD
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
whyus
San Francisco native
08:05 PM on 03/12/2012
Drink a gallon of water before and during the event, and throw away your scale.
03:13 PM on 03/13/2012
A gallon of water...what a good idea. I was thinking of something similar: what could i do to serve as an uncomfortable alert if I swayed off the path? There is a diabetic medicine that sometimes offers a bloating feeling that would've been a good tool prior to the event.

Thanks for reading,
TFD
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Karissa36
Saving lost boys and fighting pirates.
06:25 PM on 03/12/2012
Eat before you attend, and watch your drinking.
03:10 PM on 03/13/2012
Thanks Karissa. I knew i should've eaten prior. And i did have a plan of every-other-drink a diet coke. But that got sabotaged after the first drink. I think no-drinks are the new policy.

Thanks for reading,
TFD
This comment has been removed.