McDonalds is evil.....

My very favorite chef in the whole world has an introduction in one of his cookbooks Everyday Mexican and other information on his PBS show. Rick Bayless - who I adore, adore, adore - is a lean, beautiful man. He lost about twenty-five pounds in his mid forties. His exercise routine includes yoga and strength training. However regarding eating he has an interesting take on things.

He believes that one of the reasons we all eat so willy-nilly is that we have forgotten the difference between "everyday" eating and feasting (and he doesn't use the term "cheat" meal because he doesn't make eating wrong). He lost his weight by eating "everyday" food (in our terms this would be clean eating) that was flavorful and healthy - nothing packaged, no real sweets, no cream in the coffee or sugary, fatty drinks of any sort. He ate moderate portions and never overindulged. Then ONCE or TWICE a week, he would eat a feast meal - dinner out, or friends over. He didn't act like a glutton, but he allowed himself to be a bit more full than in the "everyday" mode. He believes that we physically NEED to feel this sense of fullness and it keeps us in check - we don't get wild cravings this way. He lost all the weight - you should see him!:rolleyes:

He believes that human culture thrived this way for many, many centuries and it is the loss of feasting that has caused us to feast all the time and brought about our obesity problems. I will tell you - my best results have been when I consciously think in this way. Then I don't feel deprived and then I don't end up ravenously eating McDonalds (not my first choice but it would be something similar, of course). I can really show restraint when I know that I can plan up to two feasts (usually with friends) in a week.

Just some thoughts - and please don't beat yourself up. It isn't worth it. You are wonderful and perfect even after having your "feast" at McDonalds!!

I agree with you Lisa and I love, love Rick Bayless. I've been to his Chicago restaurant a couple of times and it is wonderful. One time he even walked through the dining area saying hello. Have you seen him on Top Chef Masters? He seems to be such a nice person.
 
LisaB99 - I like your avatar. When I was younger I watched Kate Mulgrew in a soap opera named Ryan's Hope. She played Mary Ryan. I always loved her voice, so distinctive, at least back then. :)

I also loved Ryan's Hope! I thought I was the only one in the world who used to watch it.:)

To the original poster, I also say don't beat yourself up! Life's too short to constantly deprive yourself. So if you give in to that occasional craving, enjoy it, be happy, then get right back on track to healthier eating immediately.
 
If you only do this once a month, you'll be fine. :) One meal won't ruin your 7 lb. weight loss.

Totally agree. It really won't be worth it if you beat yourself up over eating it. If you are going to eat it...ENJOY IT!!! Then, keep it clean until the next free day!!
 
I like the fries...when they're fresh and hot, but then I always feel like I need to scrape the roof of my mouth to rid it of the grease that is hardening!

I still go back though...not very often, maybe once a year, if that. When I have that craving, I'm a sucker for chips and salsa, guacamole, nachos, etc.
 
I agree that an occasional treat or splurge wont hurt. ;)
I used to like the very rare double cheeseburger. Then I heard something like there was sometimes uh cow dookie in the meat?? anyone know if that is true? and also that they add meat flavoring to the fries?
I also watched a show called "super size me" online. He ate mcdonalds everyday for bfast/lunch/dinner for a month I believe. OK that is GROSE! I can only eat it rarely and it does sometimes make me feel icky or have a tummy ache afterwards. That much I'd be really sick. In the end he had gained weight and drs who had been monitoring him told about the damage to his health. I haven't craved it since. So if you want to avoid it try watching that. ha. But I think most here are guilty of the occasional fast food splurge. Just as long as you don't go all the time I'd think your fine.
 
Hi Cindi - I love Rick Bayless!! I've been to his restaurant one time and he was there! I didn't think he would be there - and then I saw this brunette near the front. I realized it was his WIFE and he HAD to be there if she was there. I nearly got whiplash looking around the restaurant and he was RIGHT BEHIND ME! I could have touched him - but I didn't because I didn't want to be arrested!! :D But it was very late and he and his wife sat down for dinner. So I always get to say that I had dinner with Rick Bayless - he was two tables away - but that is not the point. My husband, BTW, is very supportive of my crush because he benefits from all the delicious, spicy, yet surprisingly light food!! hehehe.

IKI - I also love Kathryn Janeway (Kate M.). I used to have a lifesize cardboard cut out of her in my office, but it kept scaring everyone because it looked like someone was always in my office - which is disconcerting when it is dark. I am currently watching season 4 of Voyager right now!!

And back to the thread - I lost my taste for McDonalds french fries - I used to love them. I don't know why. . . .
 
Hi Cindi - I love Rick Bayless!! I've been to his restaurant one time and he was there! I didn't think he would be there - and then I saw this brunette near the front. I realized it was his WIFE and he HAD to be there if she was there. I nearly got whiplash looking around the restaurant and he was RIGHT BEHIND ME! I could have touched him - but I didn't because I didn't want to be arrested!! :D But it was very late and he and his wife sat down for dinner. So I always get to say that I had dinner with Rick Bayless - he was two tables away - but that is not the point. My husband, BTW, is very supportive of my crush because he benefits from all the delicious, spicy, yet surprisingly light food!! hehehe.

I need to use my Rick Bayless cookbooks more. I'd love to go to one of his restaurants.

Lisa - I had a similar celebrity chef experience at Ming Tsai's restaurant Blue Ginger in Wellesley. I was there at a table with about 7 other women and when he walked out of the kitchen into the dining area we all did a synchronized whiplash move in his direction...8 heads at once.

It was so obvious...he kinda looked at our table and said "uhh...hi". We were sooooo NOT subtle. :D
 

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top