Sensible Holiday Meals

An excerpt from my book, I Present Ingrid: If Oscar grouch had a mother, it might’ve been Ingrid. Ingrid walked in from the beginning with a grimace & never seemed to be having a good day. Granted, I don’t know the inner details of people’s lives. As they open up, I’m offered access to personal information that helps explain their destructive relationship with food. So, giving Ingrid the big benefit of the doubt, I tried the ‘shine it on’ approach. At 75 & 4’ 11”, 30 extra pounds was enough to be concerned about. With her health on the line, we linked arms together. Sounds chummier than it was. Ingrid didn’t drive & came on the senior transportation van. They never seemed to be doing their job right, either. Most people didn’t seem to be doing their job right for Ingrid. I’d get her weekly sneer while I tried my best to act happy to see her. Strangely, I was happy to see her. Usually, negative people are to be avoided like poison ivy in my book. But, this was different, as this was in a work related atmosphere. Being old school suited us as a pilot & copilot. Her biggest dilemma was with the dining commons at the facility she lived in. They weren’t doing their job to her satisfaction, either. The place served crappy greasy food she would never have in her own home. She brought in the weekly menus as proof. This wouldn’t do We discussed food alterations she would require of the facility manager. That was my specialty. I combed menus & gave her questions to ask. Ingrid could go back, find out what they were using & what could be changed. I smiled as I thought of the poor people who dared to say no to Ingrid. Ingrid loved to exercise that was anothersecret weapon. So many people use their age as an excuse for why they cannot. I’ve met many inspired & inspiring seniors who put them to shame with their dedication. The thought of Ingrid in red leotards, bright sneakers & a bandanna lifting weights made me have to stifle laughs in class when she talked about it. Ingrid did not take not getting what she wanted well. If Ingrid gained, I would hear about it. A quarter pound up would be treated like a 4 month long plateau that defied explanation. Foolishly, I tried logical rational thinking at first. Results - zilch. Ingrid just needed to vent. Ingrid made goal & when she did it, she actually smiled. I thought this was an evil set up. She was deservedly proud of herself. I offered her a chance to speak to the class. Ingrid wanted her moment. After the applause stopped, tiny little Ingrid in her blue jogging suit went off: “I’m 77 years old! I lost this weight! I’m tired of hearing people say how hard it is! It’s work! I get up every day & I exercise! I run! I lift weights! I swim! I watch what I eat! I track! No sitting on my duff! Just get up and do this! Oh, &, (glance my way) you’re the best.” Then she sat down. Ingrid‘s tongue lashing done, no one clapped due to do the dressing down they’d all received. Really mostly 100% true words. But, delivery is everything. Her complementing you was about as sweet as Ingrid would ever get. Sigh. Still, many lessons to be learned. Amongst them – if menus don’t meet your needs, ask for what you need. Also, exercise is crucial to keep you healthy at any age. If it isn’t given up, it doesn’t have to be restarted!