Well, I made it more than half-way through this challenge following the rules, but I’ve fallen off the wagon. It started last night, after finishing my rather unsatisfying repeat dinner of diced potatoes with canned tomatoes, mushrooms and melted cheese on top. I only say “unsatisfying” because what I really wanted was sushi. Specifically, tuna sashimi. I used to think that I was a carb-happy person, but I’m finding that I am missing my protein this week.
So there I was, watching So You Think You Can Dance, tummy grumbling (I have an unhealthy association between prime-time TV and snacking)…and I caved. And the sad part is, I didn’t even cheat by eating food! I had had a long and difficult day, and nothing seemed to be more enticing than a bottle of the Lemon Sanguinelli Bassano Hard Soda (which, on a foodie level, I totally recommend). The ironic part is, I probably drink alcohol twice a month. Why it seemed worth breaking “A Week In Their Kitchen” to have an adult beverage last night, I don’t know.
I woke up this morning, guilty and remorseful. Back on track, I had a bagel for breakfast – from the hamper. I was sure I would get back on track for these last few days of the challenge. But then…it happened again. After 45 minutes of cardio followed by an hour of weightlifting at the gym, my legs were wobbly and I was getting dizzy as I headed for the change room. Desperate, I grabbed the first edible thing I got my hands on – half a protein bar. It was not from my hamper.
Judge me all you want – I deserve it! I signed up for this challenge ages ago, and especially considering how important I deem the work of the Calgary Food Bank, I figured the least I could do would be to walk a week in the shoes of a Food Bank client. But I didn’t make it. I totally understand the difficulties of Connie (one of the bloggers on this project), who is a personal trainer and also teaches dance/fitness classes – it’s tough to be involved in the health and fitness world and live off a low-fibre, highly processed and often high-sugar diet.
But here’s the kicker. If I were actually a Calgary Food Bank client, my indulgences would not have been possible. An alcoholic beverage costs the same amount of money – often, even more – than a full meal. And that shaky, dizzy feeling after my exercise? Well, first of all, I probably wouldn’t have had a gym membership if I were a client. Juggling work and family life might not even make regular exercise possible. And if I did manage to squeeze in a workout and found myself exhausted – well, it would be back to the hamper, trying to scrounge up whatever was quick and easy to re-fuel my body.
So, it’s back to the hamper for me. I’m going to try to stick to the hamper for the remainder of this challenge. When I read about how the other bloggers are faring, especially those with children, I think that I don’t have it so bad. At least I don’t have to contend with conflicted, questioning youngsters or preparing meals for others. There’s two more days to go…wish me (and all of us) luck! I think we’ll need it, especially over the weekend!
– Caitlin.
A Week In Their Kitchen 2011 