The Fast Food Diet

                                               

            Fast food, the word its self brings to mind: salty, sizzling hot, crispy French fries. The fast food industry and I have a long history. As child, I had two parents that were employed by McDonalds. I would often inundate my parents with requests for “Chicken nuggets” (I didn't really fancy their burgers much, except their chicken sandwiches). As a family we would mostly indulge in fast food meals during the weekends. After roaming the hallways of the mall, it became customary to have either breakfast, lunch or dinner at fast food place. Our family favorites include “El Pollo Loco” and “Carl's Jr's.” We would usually gather around a family meal which was composed by ten pieces of citrus marinated grilled chicken, Spanish rice and pinto beans. Our plate also included a small bundle of warm corn tortillas and fresh “Pico de gallo” (salsa). At Carl's Jr's each person in my family had different pick. Personally I would order the chill cheese fries or a Guacamole turkey burger or their chicken tenders with ranch dipping sauce. I really enjoyed these times with my family, while enjoying our meals we would have conversations about our week and often crack jokes share many laughs.

 

                  Currently my fast food habits have shifted a bit. After visiting my doctor, I was banned from all dairy products, spicy, sweet and sour foods. So when ordering from the menu, I take into consideration my new dietary restrictions. After having my weight yo-yo up and down the scale last year, due to stress and the holidays, I decided to really watch my caloric in-take. I can't promise to completely ban fast food from my life, but perhaps only eat half of my portions. I don't really rely on fast food; I try to pack my own lunch to school. The allure of a great bargain may prove effective on me, with the prices of groceries spiking up from previous years it sometimes hard to resist. For me, a home cook meal is far more appetizing than a “Big Mac.” I guess it has to do with knowing what is in your food and taking part in cooking and preparing it. I like to think about my as self – proclaimed “wanna - be foodie”.I Often having my mother and aunt have a fit for dirtying a whole sink with pots, pans, spoons, measuring cups . One thing is for sure, I enjoy cooking and trying new foods from different cultures. Perhaps this year I may want to introduce new flavors and embrace a rather healthier diet. I know the struggles of trying to lose weight, there's no easy way to do it. It's childish to think that one can take a couple of pills and wake up looking like super model. Losing weight shouldn’t be exclusively for vanity reasons ( althought most women think this way), but it should also be with the intent of bettering your overall health.

My Past, My Present and My Future

          The name is Ana; my close friends refer to me as "Chati" (Nickname given to me at birth by my beloved aunt). I recently turned twenty-two years of age as of couple days ago (January 9th was my birthday). My family consists of my two parents, an older brother, and my aunt. I was born in Ventura, California but raised in the sometimes-boring city of Oxnard. Our neighborhood is quite crowded and the police department addresses domestic disturbances regularly.

            I had a relatively “normal” (The word normal has different meaning depending on who you ask) childhood. I attended Kamala Elementary where things got a tiny bit complicated. I noticed there was an evident difference between my fellow classmates and myself. I was taller and chunkier than everyone in class. As time passed I became a little shy and awkward. I was always craving to "fit in" with the rest of my classmates when all I could do is stand out. Bullying became a part of my daily life, causing me to be self-conscience about my looks. It was not until the culmination of my high school career that I come to my own and develop a rather healthier self-perception of myself.                                                                                                                                         

             After seven long years working in a small library in Port Hueneme, I decided to move on to become a full-time college student. This is after reconsidering my priorities to place a higher level of dedication to my education. I recently became interested in the field of Art Therapy. I've always had an infatuation for anything that relates to the arts (as a kid I owned buckets full of crayons and markers). I believe this career would definitely fit my personality and my interests. It combines my caring nature and desire to be of help to others and of course art!

           As for my future, I would like to complete my studies.  I want to help those who are hurting through Art Therapy. I hope to one day meet the man of my dreams and fall in love and married. I envision myself owning my home and hosting dinner parties for my friends. I anticipate having a rather financially stable household and safe and warm environment for my future children. I'll pray to God and will do my best to fulfill my dreams and goals. In the end of my days I’ll hope to have the satisfaction to say that I gave it my all.