We just had our nephew and his close friend, Ryan, stay with us for a week. Our lovely house guest, Ryan, never got the memo that she has to clean her plate. When we served dinner, Ryan didn’t feel she had to eat all that was on her plate to show us her appreciation or make us happy. She almost always had food left on her plate.
Ryan brought a miniature meal home each time they went out, which was at upper scale restaurants, and ate it later at snack time. She even enjoyed and left her yummy tiramisu birthday cake. Being full took precedence!
Even at a family gathering in which we were gushing over strawberries that we dipped at the table into melted dark chocolate with vanilla bean ice cream plus apple pie, Ryan enjoyed a little and was happy to stop. There was no idea of needing to partake further in dessert in order to be part of the group, nor concern of what we’d think of her if she wasn’t as gluttonous as the rest of us. (And me? Even though I participated with great enthusiasm for decadence, I was being mindful, receiving every iota of pleasure and tuned-in to my body.) Ryan joyfully participated socially, feeling comfortable within herself while staying true to her body.
Wow, what an example of someone who has no food/weight issues! When I later pointed out what I observed, she confirmed what I was seeing. And, shared that she does worry that she won’t get enough because when growing up, the family didn’t always have the means. So, she keeps her kitchen well stocked for the comfort of knowing that there is enough should she want it.
I first noticed Ryan’s ideal way of eating last Christmas and felt compelled to take this picture. In this photo, Ryan and her mother had finished eating and remained seated while talking with us. Note the array of enticing food in front of them, the food still left on their plates and their age appropriate weights. Though elementary, this is advanced stuff!