I've been asked a number of times how long I'm planning to live without fries. A few months? A year? No, friends. I am giving them up for life.
Before anyone gets self-condemnational for not joining me in such an extreme decision, you need to know that my french fry consumption was far beyond normal. I clearly cannot handle fried potatoes in moderation. My maiden name is Moore, after all.
I started jogging after I weaned Annabeth back in October. I had high hopes for quickly losing my leftover ten pounds. Alas, all that came off were two measly pounds and I'm sure it was just the result of weaning. The running helped shape up my backside, which had been ravaged by my girl-pregnancy. (It was nothing like that with Jackson. Good grief!) But the pounds were not coming off and let me tell you how discouraging that was. I was busting it 3-4 mornings a week and my body was tired! With barely any results!
I've always loved food and have worked out so that I could eat what I wanted. But I realized that at age 30 my body is not going to let me get away with the constant abuse. Especially not after two pregnancies. I've accepted the fact that I have to make changes in my diet. And by changes I mean no more french fries. That has been so radical that I haven't even attempted anything else.
I'm not a fan of dieting. I feel like if I can't eat in a restricted way forever, why should I do it for any amount of time? Let's talk about bread, for example. There is no way on earth I could ever live the rest of my life without bread. To me, being a size whatever isn't worth the sacrifice. So I'm not gonna go on a carb restricting diet because I can't possibly keep that up. If there's an occasional worthy short term goal in mind (like a beach vacation or a wedding) that's different. But overall, I think diets stink. Isn't it proven that it's better to keep the 10 pounds on than to lose and gain them back over and over again?
So goodbye to french fries. Not hasta la vista. Not hasta luego. Just plain old, severe and permanent adios. It's been hard but not as hard as I expected. Curtis gave them up about a year ago and it has helped both of us to be on the same page. We are eating MUCH less fast food (and drinking much less Dr. Pepper) because it's lost much of the attraction. The hardest moments are when we're out to eat and Jackson gets something with fries. My instinct is to reach across the table and pilfer a few. I even had a bad dream that I did that a few nights ago and blew the whole thing.
My first test came when we were in Missouri visiting Curt's family. Ironically, it happened on the very first day of my french fry-less life - January 1, 2010. We drove through Chick-fil-a for lunch and I ordered fruit instead of fries with my combo meal. I was immediately tested when I looked in the bag and saw an extra thing of fries, which caused me to yell, "Get behind me, Satan!" and scare Curt's dad. They got thrown away.
Every Wednesday night after church, we drive through Sonic and get drinks. This habit started in the hot summer months when it was still 95 degrees at 8:30 p.m. Even though it's winter and we're no longer dying of thirst at all hours of the day, we've kept up the tradition. On one recent night I was having a horrible craving for Sonic tots (also gone from my life) and their picture on the menu was taunting me. I probably should have recited some Scripture or something, but I fought the temptation by ordering a Frito pie. Just keeping it real, lest any one of you is tempted to think more of my will-power that you ought.
The past couple of weeks have been super busy and I haven't jogged as much as I've needed to. Nevertheless, my body has started to shed some weight. PTL! I honestly don't think it has anything to do with the fries. I think it has everything to do with hitting the one-year-post-partum mark. (This happened after Jackson turned one, but I was weaning and starting to work out all at the same time and I never knew which factor caused the weight loss.) On one hand it's really discouraging that I couldn't make it happen before now, but on the other hand I'm just glad my waist is finally coming back.
I whine about the effects of pregnancy on my body but I know it's a small price to pay for these two.
Also, I'm thinking about writing a book called So Long French Fries, You've Been a Bad Friend to Us. I think my mama would be real proud.
65 comments:
i have recently gave up fries to for the new year, i am too cowardly to say it out loud in case i have a sudden moment of weakness but my husband knows. i have lots of weight to lose so i gave up quite a few things but fries were the first to go....
LoVE it! I have been dealing with the same final 15 pounds for me.
I read somewhere about fried food especially french fries causing cancer and that has always freaked me out enough to alwys order an alternative and if there is none then I only eat a few and throw the rest away.
I am discovering I have zero willpower in regards to certain foods, too. Not fun! The kids are adorable!!
I love your creative writing style. You gave me a good laugh this morning sister. 'Get thee behind me...' LOL I too am not a fan of dieting - like to eat whatever I want - I'm a fan of eat when you're hungry, stop when you're satisfied (not stuffed...), etc. French fries (or anything fried for that matter) have never been a love of mine so I can't relate to giving them up but I know your arteries will be thankful in the long run :)
As one who has recently broken up with Cokes and donuts (not together), I'm feeling your pain.
(And your babies are adorable!)
Sister, I am proud of you! I have yet to give up french fries, or their oh-so-dangerous brother, potato chips, but I've come to the same place. It's time to say goodbye...4 days at the gym a week for three months, and I weighed MORE at my last weigh in than I did when I started there. Sheesh. I would like to be the first one to read "So Long French Fries." In fact, I'll be happy to be a consult if you need to talk to another addict in the process of writing it.
Just wanted to encourage you - You can do it! I gave up all sodas in high school over 12 years ago and haven't looked back. I lost a lot of weight when I did that too. Now, it doesn't even phase me. It's just a new life style.
Your last line made me laugh so much. Yes, your mom would be proud of you. lol
Your children are precious!
Way to go!! Good idea!! I have hit a big wall in my weight loss, may think about cutting out the fries as well. :) Like the title of the book!
I had to do that with Dr. Pepper's a few years ago. Cold turkey. I still miss them every now and agin, but it wasn't worth the price I was paying. Proud of you gal, knowing full well where your strength comes from. He is so good to us!
You are so funny!
Bravo on your french fry resolve.
For me it was caffeine a few years ago.
Stay well!
Blessings,
Sister Lynn
You are a stronger woman than me! Stay strong girl =)
I think you've got the right idea, Amanda. Sometimes, we need to make the break-up forever and ever, amen. Moderation is just not going to work.
I gave up soda in college when I noticed that I didn't feel great after drinking it (while the iced tea I occasionally drank didn't have the same affect). It's been years since I've even wanted a Coke. So it is possible.
As long as we're no talking about bread.... ;-)
Thank you so much for such a healthy, Godly perspective, a "non-dieting" perspective!!! Meredith
Way to go Amanda! Fries are the bane of my existence as well. I freaking love them! Maybe I should ban them. but...maybe not today :)
The picture of the two babies to cute and those are priceless
then I laughed when you said you were going to write a book about french fries you've been a bad friend to us that was to funny.
I am trying to give up coke it is tuff I can say that I try not to keep them in the house so if I need one I have to go to the store. But that doesn't help. I need to drop about 10 pounds also. So we need to get together all of us and pray for us all that are trying to get the bad out of our lifes. Proud of you girl for kicking fries to the curb they are a bad friend.
Love ya
Carol
Amanda, I totally LAUGHED out LOUD at your story of scaring you FIL to death!! :D
I know what you mean about giving things up. My cholesterol was high (and I'm only 34 and normal weight) so I've had to REALLY chill out of the fatty stuff, myself. Booooo.
ITA about diets. If it isn't a permanent change, there is little point.
I'm going to write a book called "Cheese is My Frenemy." It pretends that it loves me and just wants me to be happy but it really wants to make me chubby and contribute to an early death from heart disease, et al.
I've banned it from my shopping list because I know that if there is any quantity of cheddar cheese in the house I'm going to eat it. I still do pizza occasionally, but order it with light cheese, just to show cheese that I'm on to it's unfriendly ways and that I'm the boss of it, not the other way around.
You have a lot of will-power, Amanda. I just don't think I could ever part ways with French Fries. I love them too much. However, I have all but abandoned soda except for an occasional splurge. At 38, I, like you, am having to deal with the fact that I just can't eat whatever I want to anymore. And I'm trying to walk our treadmill more but being a mom can sometimes get in the way of that plan.
My new goal is to 1. eat less than my husband at dinner time (I love to eat!) and 2. Try to start parting ways with my beloved chips. Easier for me than french fries but still tough in a chip-loving family. I'm going to healthier options first liked baked and some Costco veggie chips so that I can slowly adjust.
I have a hard time with self control with food - luckily I only need to lose a stubborn 5-7 lbs.
Wish me luck!
Hysterical about the extra chick fil a fries and scaring Curtis' Dad with "Get behind me Satan!!" I am very proud of you! I am giving up meat for a year to "celebrate" my 40th birthday next month. I still have to prepare it for my family, but I will be substituting other items for myself. Everyone thinks I'm nuts, I think it will be interesting. Just want to see if I can do it.
Debra Parker, who is consistently inconsistent, needs to make a permanent eating change. I am so scared my pounds are taking permanent residence.
That is very inspiring! Fries are one of my loves (along with Diet Coke). I am turning 30 next month and may have to rethink some birthday resolutions!
I'm with you, Amanda! I gave up sugar in early December, and my sister thinks it's crazy that I'm so all-or-nothing, but I told her that sugar was my downfall, and I can't eat it in moderation! So yay for no fries, and I'm cheering you on!!
You are so hilarious! I love that you gave up fries. I have given up fast food, too, and you are right...you realize it just isn't worth it. I gave up my beloved Dr. Pepper, too, but not totally. I still have one every now and then. And I still LOVE it. I wish I didn't. Wish I liked Diet. But I don't. Oh well. Glad to hear the report about the post-partum "year" mark...because I have a few pounds still hanging around...but AK is only 9 months and I am still nursing. So we will see! Have a great weekend!
....real proud, indeed!
Oh my gosh, I almost choked to death on the fries I was eating, while reading your post.
"Get behind me Satan" I seriously almost died laughing.
I wasn't really eating fries, but I wish I was.
Sorry for your loss-more for me to eat. Now peanut M&Ms and I need to part ways-I'm not strong enough yet. You inspire me to try. :)
You are so funny. I think I am going to join you. I have gone back and forth, but am realizing that if I want to see results, I need to make a REAL change.
As long as we don't have to say adios to chocolate!
Your my hero.
Girl...I am so proud of you!!! I don't eat french fries either. Oh I just lied. I eat all the ones that fall into the bag and the ones the kids don't eat. I swear I think I crave the salt from those stupid things. ;)
You go girl! And yes, your momma would be proud! :)
Aaaaaahhhhh, the joy of french fries. I too, have ALWAYS adored the fried goodness of potatoes. You are very admirable for this willpower, and this is definitely a band wagon I need to aboard! Good luck with your journey and maybe I can start mine on...Monday. :)
I haven't had them in a long timne, though honestly...truly? I hadn't thought I was giving them up. I just haven't been choosing them. I like salty, though. I posted a recipe for pretzels on my Martha blog, if you find a salt craving. They are not too hard if you have a bread machine...and they are as good as Auntie Annes.
You are a blessing!
Love the last line! I just read the first two chapters of the book today. I feel I am a secure person for the most part, but I am very self aware of my weight after having 2 babies almost the same ages as your kids. I gave up all desserts for about 6 weeks last year, but I seriously need to think of something to give up permanently so that I too can shed these last few pounds. I am running a sprint triathlon (never have I run a race before) in May. This is my motivation for getting back in shape.
BTW - I started reading your blog a little over a year ago when a friend told me you posted some things about Kristi Walker. She was a friend of mine and we actually taught school across the hall from one another. Her mom Anne and I are very close friends.
I blogged for a while. I too love to write. I do think I'll start back sometime soon.
Cheers to sticking to your goals!
I hope your book takes awhile to write, because I'm not ready to read it yet.
That picture is gorgeous. Do you have more??
Thanks Amanda..I totally relate to this subject. I have the same 10 lbs after 2 babes and am 31. Did the whole South beach, lost 8 and couldn't really maintain. Frustrated now, but wanted to send you some encouragement on your journey, sounds successful and I commend your willpower and insights :)
And I just ate the Chick-Yay waff'fries for dinner. Sorry. I guess I'll have to buy your book. ;)
Amanda, I am so proud of you! French fries are my kryptonite. I gave them up for about 6 months after I had my baby and I'm once again attempting to say so long to them. The other day I rode with my family in the Jeep smelling 5 small french fries from McDonald's and went home and ate my 1 point soup. So sad. :(
I started reading your Mom's book today and would have totally already finished it if I could've sent my 7 year old to the grocery store. :) I think it is so great that you are so proud of her and not resentful of the things she shares. I'm sure it is hard at times, but I know God uses it in so many lives. Thank you!
I am so proud of you for giving up yo fries girl! I"ll keep it real and say I need to lose 20 pounds and it's not shifting. Living in the land of the free is not helping me one iota. Dang. It's not fries for me, but Coke. I hate diet coke.
Love the pics of the kids!
I loved this post. I am dealing with the last 10 pounds.........glad to know I'm not the only one!
That's awesome. I kind of have had to do the same thing because we moved to Scotland a year and half ago and the "chips" here just aren't the same.
I am drooling as I read about Chick-Fil-A and SONIC- I am a Rt44-aholic. They charge like 2 or 3 pounds ($4-ish) for a TINY not even wort mentioning Diet Coke, so I won't. Sigh.
Love the picture!! They are just precious.
Last summer my doctor strongly suggested that I drop caffeine, sodas, and artifical sweetners. Oh my goodness! I think that is the hardest thing I have ever done. God has helped me through the transition to a healther lifestyle. Do you know that I had to pray not to be mad at people drinking my favorite soft drink? Crazy! But I got through it.
Best wishes with your French fry-less lifestyle!
Have a great day!
I just had my first baby 2 months ago and had no idea what it would do to my body! It IS worth it though! Best of luck with the fries!
I am proud of you. It is so hard to give up any shaped fried potatoes knowing that about any kids meal comes with them. You go girl!
This post had me laughing out loud. The part about scaring Curts dad. I am still laughing. I still do your praise clap and were you the one with "God spots" for the car? Love those! I dream all the time and can see you having a french fry dream. I love fear dreams because I can get into agreement that I don't fear that anymore. I think your fast is neat. I have a crazy fast. I've gone almost a year without getting on the computer during the day. Call me crazy but I don't trust myself to be the mom I want to be with facebook and all that right there staring at me.
Love ya!
You are funny and inspiring at the same time. I never lost the last 8 or 10 lbs. after having Noah, but I am determined that I will get back down to normal after this baby is born.
I found your blog through Travis and just love it!
I am totally on the same page--although I am currently pregnant with twins, when I do need to lose weight, I typically do best just cutting things out completely. Way to inspire us all to eat healthy and cut out the crud!
I could have written this post, although not nearly as funny, and titled it, "So Long Diet Coke". Oh yes. I did. Back in June I gave it up, and I've only had one can of it in August when I was truly desperate for some caffiene and there was no coffee around. With time, it's gotten so much easier to aviod it. My temptation? Mexican Food. Oh, it's just not the same with water or tea. You go girl!
This is one of the saddest blogs I have ever read.
I am glad you provided a little joy at the end with that picture because honestly, I'm just so grieved for you.
Keep fighting the good fight, sister. {SOB}
I too am making some dietary changes, so I feel you pain...and last night when I flipped on the tv, it was on Food Network's The Secret Life of....yep, you guessed it. French Fries. I said a prayer for you right there and then!
Thanks for the encouragement and the laugh. I swear the day I turned 32 (not 30 for some reason) - my metabolism dropped. Then on my 42nd birthday - it stopped! No warning. Ahhh. I have been working on the same 5 lbs for the last 3 years. The only problem is that I haven't lost 5 - I gained 3!
Glad to know that I am not the only one who hates diets and exercise. Working on the healthier lifestyle overall and your Mom's Living Beyond Yourself bible study was also a great help.
Thanks for the inspiration. You are such a blessing and very funny!
there is a theory that fried foods are not really bad for us, If we prepared them ourselves. Because if we prepared them ourselves, we wouldn't eat them NEARLY as often as we do in America today. Real true home made fired chicken for example (my weakness...okay ONE of my weaknesses) is a LONG process involving standing over a hot stove for at least 45 minutes. Which is WAY longer than a typical American wants to wait for any delicacy these days.
I admire your restraint though. and I wish I had only 10 pounds to lose. *sigh* However, thanks to your mom and God, I REFUSE to be insecure about it. ;-)
Totally worth it!!! Great pic!!!
Love the picture of your kiddos...
French fries are from the devil. That's why they taste sooo good.
I hate the devil.
Your Mama is REAL proud, I'm sure! I'm very impressed with your giving up the fries...that's something I'm needing to do. After moving back to College Station, we discovered Koppe Bridge burgers!!! Their burgers are wonderful but their fries are to die for...well, maybe not 'die for' but you get the picture! I've asked them several times to leave them off my basket, but somehow they're there!
maybe I just haven't hit my "post-partum mark" yet..... oh, wait... I haven't had a baby! So maybe that's not it???
I wish I was one of those people that were blessed with being able to eat whatever I want and never gain weight. But I'm not. Boo!
Good for you and your self-control. I've GOT to get some of that!
French fries are very evil...very evil indeed!
This was good to read today. The Spirit has been convicting me lately of certain foods that have become idols in my life (sugar/desserts foods), and other habits that need to stop (swinging by Starbucks every time I'm in the car, needed to eat every time I watch TV, etc.). My mom was always overweight AND always dieting, so my whole life I've believed the lie that if I ever gained weight I'd never succeed at "dieting." And now here I am after four pregnancies in 5 years and I'm at least 60 pounds overweight. But the Lord is showing me that it is not His will for me to live imprisoned to food, feeling so defeated all the time. He is walking me through it...I haven't officially started "dieting" yet or anything; I've been seeking His direction and waiting for His conviction...obviously I can't totally give up food altogether! (Although some days I wish I could!) Anyhow...thanks for sharing this. We need to encourage each other in these things and be freed from these prisons so we don't pass them down to our daughters! :) Happy Monday, Amanda!
I know this is probably a crazy question but I was wondering where your mother got the top she has on for your daughter's first birthday. The one with the diamonds. I just love it.
I'm trying to cut back on the sugar and work out more. Once I'm in the routine I am fine but if I get out of it then I have such a hard time getting back into it. Your kids are darling.
Thanks
ChicfilA has the best fruit cups ever. I'm learning to love them as much as the fries.
If I keep saying that one day I'll believe it..:)
I think you are brave and have a courageous heart to break up with french fries forever. I know that there are certain foods that, if I start eating them, I cannot stop, so I have to avoid them altogether as well. For me, it would be a package of Oreos with milk. If I started eating those, I could literally eat the entire package in one sitting. The problem with trying portion control is that if I just have 1 or 2, I end up just feeling frustrated, not satisfied. So better to just leave them alone entirely. It's actually easier that way.
Several years ago, after a miscarriage, I went through a phase of eating bagfuls of those fun sized 3 muskateers. We had a bag left over from trick or treating, and I found them one day and just ate and ate them. Then I started doing that daily. Sometimes with peanut butter. It was a phase, and I was trying to cure my grief. I gained about 10 lbs, but eventually let myself grieve and also lost the weight. I have not been tempted by one single stinkin' 3 Muskateer since.
You are brave; keep it up. The Holy Spirit inside of you will give you strength. He does every day. Amen. (sorry to ramble so long.)
Hats off to you, because I really don't know if I could ever give up fries completely. Let alone how much I heart Chick-fil-A.
Good for you, Amanda! My husband really has a thing for fries. Mine has been diet soda.
I know what you mean ... if it has a hold of us, we need to just let it go.
Trying to cut out fries and diet sodas, we've stopped eating out so much. "Eating out" has really been our addiction ... and we are saving so much money!
Amanda, I am so proud of you! Just don't ever go near an In-N-Out Burger! Their fries far surpass Chick Fil A Fries (in my humble opinion!)
Amanda,
I haven't had a fry in almost a year! I started a big DIET on March 5th and realized after about 5 months that I hadn't had one french fry. I decided right then and there that if I could go for 5 months without any, I could do it for a year. So, in just 11 days it will be a year without fries. Guess what? It hasn't been that bad. McDonalds fries still get to me sometimes when I order them for the kids, but usually I'm not even tempted any more. I will tell you that one time I put a potato wedge in my mouth and then realized it was really just a giant french fry so I spit it out on my plate. hahahaha
You can do it! :)
Kris
I just want to say, good for you, Amanda. I agree. The French fry HAS been a bad friend to us. I'd buy your book! ;) I probably shouldn't do this to you...but here's a movie you should see sometime...you know, just for a kick: Food, Inc. (I apologize in advance.)
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