WOW! It's been almost a month since my last post... what does that tell you??? I have been very unmotivated to write anything since the scale has not been my friend lately. But tonight, while I was out to dinner with my husband and son at Maggiano's, I was talking with our wonderful server who we have become friends with about my blog and dieting and all the woes that go with it. She inspired me to come home and write. Thanks Erin!
It seems that all we do is eat. I don't just mean three meals a day with snacks in between, but everything revolves around food. Last weekend I attended two events where food was the center of the celebration. Saturday we went to Santa Anita Racetrack to celebrate a great friend's 40th birthday. There was also a food truck festival with over 50 gourmet food trucks. This was my first experience with these wondrous eateries and when we walked in my 14 year old son told me he must be in heaven. So many selections and I couldn't decide! I wanted to have a taste from every truck. I knew I could easily overindulge but I only ordered from one truck. I had the most wonderful grilled cheese with asparagus from the Devilicious truck. It had goat cheese, brie, caramelized onions and tomato, (I did pass on the bacon which they highly recommend - yeah me). My daughter was into fries from the The Fry Girl and wanted greek food from George's Greek Truck. She ordered pita bread and hummus and I, of course, took a taste. My son ate bacon wrapped hot dogs with chili and chili cheese fries, and had a waffle with ice cream peanut butter and carmel topping - so healthy! My husband just took bites of everyones food because he couldn't decide. His ADD kicked in big time and there were just too many choices. I finally got him tacos with spicy shrimp and orange chicken. I wish I remembered what truck they were from. Then there were birthday cupcakes for everyone! Yum. Well, my point is that there was an abundance of food and even though the ponies were going around the track, people seemed more interested in what they could consume than what was happening during the races. I left there feeling stuffed and lazy.
The next day we attended a party for a family friend who was retiring. The event was at the Odyssey Restaurant for their Sunday brunch. Again, there was heaps of food. They had sushi and a fish station, fajitas and all the fixings at the Mexican station, fresh made omelets and pastas, eggs benedict, sausage, bacon, potatoes, carved meats, bagels, cheeses, dessert bar, a chocolate fountain, and more! The food is good but I realized for me it's about trying a little bit of everything. I have to make sure I am not missing anything wonderful. No, I didn't take everything. I wasn't interesting in any sushi or fish, and pasta didn't sound good. And I didn't take any meat from the carving station. But I like the omelet and pastries and different salads. Again, I left feeling stuffed and lazy.
It seems the only thing we do these days for social interaction is eat. My family often goes out to dine as a way of doing something together. I'm trying to make better choices while I'm out to eat. For example, tonight at Maggiano's I just had their sausage orzo soup. I don't know what kind of calories it has but it had to be better than a bowl of pasta. What's more, I didn't have a bite of dessert. I was very proud of myself because they have the most wonderful cheesecake. My husband ordered a slice but I let him and and my son polish it off. Oh yeah, the bread! Yikes, I forgot I ate several pieces of bread dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I guess I didn't do as well as I thought. Focus, Karen, Focus.....
I know I'm not the only one who thinks of food as a social event. My mother has always had way too much food at any family gathering. She would not have thought of herself as a good hostess if we ran out of anything. And whenever we get together with friends for a night of cards the food comes first and is dessert is extravagant and decadent.
I know I have to make better choices when going out and socializing with family and friends. Bad habits are hard to break. But breaking bread with friends is so much fun!
Peace,
Karen
