Tipping Out Without Tipping the Scale

Welcome to the Good, the Fat and the Hungry. I'm Karla and I have been -- or am -- all those things. Here, I will share with you my lifelong struggle with my weight, and I hope you'll follow along on with my determined attempt to lose the last 40 pounds. I promise to tell you every Wednesday about every win and setback along the way.


As a single person, being accountable to myself can be tricky. I can always give me an excuse to get what I want. Would I disagree with me? When it comes to accountability, it's just me and God. Since He's not going to descend from the throne and smack a slice of red velvet cake from my hands, I have to depend on me to keep things in check with my eating. Self policing doesn't always work, since my desire for something has a way of drowning out that still small voice, also known as my conscience. Who needs a conscience when you've got cake! I do.

An evening out in New York City with my friends can easily end with breakfast at our favorite 24-hour spot in Chelsea. When we go out, we go hard. Because none of them are familiar with the concept of being overweight, they have the luxury of eating whatever and whenever they like. I do not. Having shared my weight loss struggle with them, they have all been deputized to police me when we are out. They help keep me in check and I humbly allow them to.

Here are a few tips I have picked up along the way to keep eating and drinking to a minimum.

• I get a take-out box and separate half of my food before eating. That way there's less on my plate, and I don't feel wasteful because there's nothing visibly left on the plate.
• All meals start with a salad. After eating a salad, I eat less of the entree, and I don't miss the half I've already boxed.
• I have a glass of water between each drink. This is not only a good way to avoid intoxication, but it's also a great money saver.
• I skip the gravies and sauces. Ketchup, mayo and other condiments may not have many calories but at 2 a.m., everything counts. I opt for mustard where possible.
• I avoid ordering anything that says fried, au gratin, crispy or stuffed. As much as these words are music to my ears, these things tend to be high in fat and calories.

I'm the first to admit that when it comes to healthy eating and fitness, I'm no expert. But these tips are the mainstays that keep me focused when going out. My primary purpose when out is to socialize with my friends. The meal itself, albeit important, is not the sole purpose. I'm slowly learning that the "good" in good time doesn't have to mean food.

I am honored to be on That's Fit in the company of such knowledgeable people. Here are articles you might find useful: Eating Out the Right Way, 20 Tips for Eating Out and Eat Out Smarter. Every thought counts -- so feel free to leave your comments, tips and suggestions.

Keep the faith!