Partner for Positive Eating

Southern Living, Jan 2004 by Dueffer, Leah Haney

This couple finds fun ways to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Several years ago, I decided never to diet again. The word "diet" has such negative connotations; it makes me think of deprivation and lots of rabbit food. Instead, 1 started what I call a Positive Eating Plan, or PEP. I learned new eating habits to replace my college days of late-night pizza binges, and I began to exercise. Recently, though, I entered a new stage that I needed to adjust to-marriage. I had heard that when you get married, you gain weight. "Not me," I thought. "I'll make sure that doesn't happen." Well, it did. I didn't gain much, but I knew that I couldn't keep putting on a few pounds every year.

Before getting married, I ate a lot of low-fat frozen dinners because I didn't have to worry about anyone else. When I started cooking for two, I got into trouble-my portion sizes weren't controlled anymore, and I prepared recipes that weren't always healthy. My PEP needed revamping. So my husband, Heinz, and I got into gear by being healthy together.

Light Cooking on the Go

My first plan of action was cooking lighter meals; they had to be quick too. By the time I get home from the gym in the evening, I'm already pretty hungry. So on weekdays, I plan healthy dinners that don't take much time to prepare, and on weekends, I make more labor-intensive dishes that can be reheated and eaten later in the week. For dinner we may have salmon, chicken burgers, pork tenderloin, or even a meatless entree, and I make it a point to serve these with fresh vegetables. I don't deprive myself of sweets either. Just about every evening I'll make a float, putting ½ cup of light ice cream in a diet soda (such as root beer or chocolate fudge), or I put the ice cream in a plain wafer cone.

We faced another challenge with our plan because Heinz and I enjoyed eating out. When we first married, we'd go to our favorite Mexican restaurant every week. all the waiters knew my order-cheese enchiladas in a sour cream sauce with more cheese on top. Plus, we'd eat a couple of baskets of chips. When we decided to live healthier, we realized we couldn't be regulars there anymore. We still go, but only once in a while. Instead, we usually choose someplace where we can get a light sandwich and soup. Also, I discovered that I can cook dinners at home that are tastier and better for us than most light menu items at restaurants. This realization was a major turning point in our PEP.

Getting Active

Although Heinz and I both exercised, we wanted something we could do as a couple. Now, we love to go hiking together. I don't mean all-day mountainous treks-sometimes we just go for a walk in the woods. Hiking does not have to be intimidating; you can go to a local state park or a nearby botanical garden. In addition to being great exercise, it's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors without spending a lot of money.

PEP Equals Positive Benefits

Since being on a PEP, Heinz and I have lost about 20 pounds each. I'm glad that we're taking care of ourselves so that we can enjoy a long, healthy life together. Besides feeling wonderful from the exercise and nutritious food, the biggest benefit is the quality time spent with my husband. Every night when we eat dinner, we sit down at the table with the television off and talk about our days. When we're hiking, we discuss our future together-places we want to travel to and things we want to accomplish. It's easier to follow a PEP when you have someone in your life who's encouraging you every step of the way. So find a partner who will help you get moving, get positive, and get healthy.

LEAH HANEY DUFFER