B.Y.O. Protein

For the past few weeks, I’ve shared different behavior modification techniques and how I’ve worked them into my life. But this week? I’m going to admit how I didn’t follow one.

“Choose small plates and utensils whenever you eat.”

On paper, it sounds simple enough: swap a big dinner plate for a smaller one, grab a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon. Easy, right? Well… not if someone else (say, your mother) is in charge of packing your dinner.

Last week, I mentioned my busy schedule, which included a family dinner. What I didn’t share was that it was at my aunt and uncle’s house—not exactly a Program-friendly restaurant. So, my mom and I brought salads. She handled the veggies, I brought the protein.

NEVER let this woman pack you a salad. I wish I had taken a picture. Each of us ended up with a Tupperware bowl the size of my head—easily enough salad for two. I’m fairly confident it contained an entire romaine heart (maybe two), four radishes, a whole bell pepper, a cup of carrots, and more. Add in six ounces of ground veal, four ounces of corn, sautéed veggies, and salsa (all veggies, of course), and you’ve got a monster-sized “salad” that took serious jaw strength to chew through.

I needed salad tongs just to eat the thing!

The upside? I was way too full to even glance at dessert. The downside? So much for the “small plate” technique.

That experience rolled right into something similar this week at one of my favorite spots—Tox Brewery, during their Oktoberfest celebration. I love their stein-holding competition (though I never win—it’s harder than it looks!) and, of course, their beer and pizza. And let’s be real: everyone knows how much I love pizza.

Here’s the problem: Tox pizza is no ordinary slice. On Program, a regular slice usually counts as one bread, one protein, and a third of a fat. But Tox’s version? In my humble (non-Dianne) opinion, it’s two breads per slice. Which means I could only have one slice. And pizza is like potato chips—I can’t have just one.

So, I made the smarter choice. Instead of pizza, I brought my own protein. Just like at family dinner, I mixed up my favorite taco-style meat, packed salsa, measured out my dressing, and paired it all with Tox’s Garden Salad.

Because here’s the truth: no one can make us eat food we don’t want, and no one can pull us off Program except ourselves. We make the choices. And this week, I chose to take care of me—even at a brewery surrounded by pizza.

And the proof is in the pudding:

This week’s loss: 2 pounds

Total loss so far: 36 pounds

While my typical costume did not fit - YET - I still dressed for the occasion!