Can’t believe we’re already ten days in! I’m actually kind of disappointed that I haven’t been more ambitious in the kitchen. Don’t get my wrong, my meals have been delicious. But they’ve been simple. Most of the time this is good. Not every meal has to be this extravagant experience, nor should it be. I’m way too practical for that. But I’m starting to find myself getting a little bored. Maybe it’s because I follow so many awesome people on Instagram that post pictures of their delicous food. Or maybe I’ve just had steamed broccoli a few too many days in a row. Either way, it’s time to experiment with some foods I’ve never tried.
So I bought some drumsticks from the grocery store for the first time. I ended up making pesto drumsticks and oh man, they were good. Plus, drumsticks and thighs are SO much cheaper than buying chicken breast (plus you get the bones for bone broth ;)). How did I not know this earlier? I’m definitely the type to find something I like, get comfortable, and see no reason to change. I mean, I eat a kale salad almost every day. It’s been two days since my last salad and I’m actually craving kale right now. But I have chili in the crock pot, so the salad will have to wait.
Anyways, I’m not a social scientist or anything, but looking around the grocery store, understanding food marketing, and frankly just looking at other people’s grocery carts, most of our society is still fat-phobic. Not a big surprise with how to FDA has handled things for the last 50 years. Plus, with the chatter of macros and IIFYM, it’s no wonder fat isn’t as beloved as say, sugar.
I was once obsessed with tracking my macros and keeping my fat intake low, which ultimately led to my overall caloric intake being too low. I’m not even joking, I’d try to count the beans in my freakin burrito bowl from chipotle. I had anxiety about eating out and eating at home was a process of weighing all my food before I could it eat. God forbid I have 15 extra grams of carbs that day.
Here’s my problem with IIFYM. Many fans of the diet craze pride themselves on filling their diet with pop tarts and oreos, while maintaining their set macronutrient breakdown. Because fat has more calories than carbs or protein, it’s often kept as low as possible so you can have more carbs (i.e. more sugar). Many people brag about their ability to lose weight while still eating the foods of a 90s kid and spout basic “science” to back up their claims. I’ve actually gotten in arguments comparing the nutritional value of an oreo to olive oil. Who knew there was an argument to be had there? How can someone possibly think having an oreo is better for you than cooking your chicken in some extra olive oil??
I think two things are going on here. Some people find a real mental clarity in dieting without having to cut out any foods they enjoy. Portion control is key here. But that doesn’t work for everyone. It clearly didn’t work for me. So what else is going on here? Honestly, I think it’s my generation’s obsession with instant gratification. You can eat an oreo right now and enjoy it. But will you really enjoy the extra olive oil on your salad? If it wasn’t there, would you even notice? And with so many so-called “health” products still peddling the low-fat jargon, it feels hopeless.
The only thing that has worked for me is a paleo diet, initiated by my first Whole30 a few months back. I don’t have to think about how many calories are what I’m eating. I’m just eating. Lots of protein, lots of carbs, and yes, lots of fat. I fuel my body with what I know will feel good. Some days, that means digging into a jar of almond butter and other days, I have three salads. But there’s no stress, no anxiety, and no regrets around what’s on my plate. This is my food freedom.
So when I bought those drumsticks, it was kind of a big moment for me. I didn’t see it that way when I bought them, I just saw that they were on sale. But you know, retrospect. Michelle of early 2016 never would have bought anything but chicken breast and broccoli. But I’ve come a long way in the last six months. BRING ON THE FAT (and carbs and protein, I don’t discriminate).
I had no intention of writing a rant when I sat down. So I apologize for that. But if you made it all the way through the word vomit, good for you! Here’s what’ll be in my toilet tomorrow.
Meal 1: rainbow hash with 2 scrambled eggs, salsa, and smoked salmon
Meal 2: pesto drumsticks with roasted brussel sprouts and butternut squash mash
Snack: carrot ginger soup
Meal 3: turkey vegetable chili topped with tessemae’s ranch and a side of steamed broccoli/cauliflower mix