Friday, 16 December 2011

the tale of two vinnie's


I listened to someone today as they told me about their weight loss story.  I won’t say who it is because I don’t want them to be embarrassed but I do want to share their story because I believe they have valuable stuff to say and share. 

For the sake of convenience, I’m going to use the name of Vinnie in this story.


Vinnie 1
Vinnie works in the service industry where they are on their feet all day and have one-on-one contact with multiple clients throughout the day. If Vinnie sleeps in of a morning, it’s not uncommon to skip breakfast and rush off to work without it.  That means Vinnie will rely on snacks of easy-access food during the day, which is usually junk food.  Clients often bring gifts, especially now at Christmas time, of homemade bickies, cakes, and snacks which Vinnie eats.  Vinnie is often too busy to take a proper lunch break, so the reliance on snacking and quick-access foods like cakes and slices is usual.     

Vinnie has worked in this way for years.  Recently the doctor told Vinnie to lose weight.

Vinnie 2
Vinnie works in the service industry where they are on their feet all day and have one-on-one contact with multiple clients throughout the day.  Vinnie wakes up and 6.30am every day and eats a protein based breakfast – usually omelette with vegetables with wholemeal toast.  Vinnie keeps a lot of easy-grab good quality snacks at work – raw nuts, fresh fruit, sliced lean meat, vegie sticks, yoghurt.  Clients who like to bring Vinnie presents of sugary food, are thanked profusely, while their gifts are shared with co-workers and other clients, with an occasional indulgence.  Vinnie doesn’t get over-hungry, so the temptation to chow down junk is lessened.  Vinnie tries to take a lunchtime walk every day, but if that’s not possible, Vinnie always eats a salad roll or buys a chicken salad nearby.  

Vinnie has worked this way for years and has energy to burn.

The value of planning
There’s no denying that in order for Vinnie 1 to become Vinnie 2, some serious planning needs to take place - planning of meals, times and food choices.  These things don’t just happen.  And I can guarantee you, that preparing a proper healthy meal, is quicker to prepare than going out to buy so-called ‘convenience’ or ‘fast-food’.  

Which do you find most attractive?  
One of these lifestyles has a high chance of providing a long, healthy life for Vinnie.

Comments?  Input is welcome.


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