Can Owning a Dog Trim Your Waistline?
Did you ever think that owning a dog can help you trim your waistline? Yup, folks, this may be true.
Photo credit: Ruth Fremson/ The New York Times
According to "San Francisco Chronicle" restaurant critic, Michael Bauer, who recently an article about how he is losing his "unwanted" pounds, shared that he finds dining out every night helps him to remain trim and healthy. He does not visit chain restaurants. He only dines at independent establishments. Since he is eating food prepared by "talented" chefs who have a passion for creating not only delicious meals, but those that are nutritionally balanced and very healthy to boot he thinks he is onto a very easy and painless method of losing weight.
He wrote, "I have a feeling that if I didn't eat out every night, I'd be one of those fighting the battle of the bulge."
So what does that have to do with keeping those unwanted pounds at bay? He explained his theory to the "Summer Tomato Blog" that his strategy for overeating is to always set aside part of his meal in a "doggie bag" to bring home to his beloved dog. In fact, he feels guilty if he doesn't follow his nightly ritual which began with Bella, a rescued pound Australian Shepherd mix. She particularly delighted in chicken, according to Mr. Bauer, who said, "She loved chicken and other leftovers. She had the most expressive eyes, and if I didn't bring her something she would give me this soulful, questioning look." While Bella has now passed away, Sheba, a rescued Brittany spaniel now shares his heart and home.
Sheba had food allergies at one time, but with careful choices of appropriate protein, she now has a wider variety of meats that she can eat and enjoy. Apparently, Mr. Bauer brings home pieces of chicken, lamb, beef or pork to his happily awaiting Sheba.
But of course not all table scraps are good for any of our pets. Cooked chicken bones, chocolate, caffeine and raisins are but a few of these foods that should always be avoided.
Dogs can enjoy a wide variety of lean meats, grains and vegetables, however. But for our feline friends, a rich diet of grains is not easily digested and can cause gastric disturbances and other medical problems as well. Some nutritional experts suggest that canines should avoid grain as well.
But I suspect that if Mr. Bauer is walking to and from these elegant restaurants that serve such mouth-watering fare that may be one of the other reasons that his waistline is shrinking. After all, there is nothing like an after-dinner constitutional to fight those bulging tummies, in my opinion.
What do you think of this weight-controlling method? Would you care to give it a try? Leave a comment and share your thoughts with us.
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Comments (2)
Vicki August 11, 2009 1:59 PM
Well I think Mr. Bauer needs serious counceling. I have seven dogs, and have always had multiple dogs. But I have never lost one ounce because of them. When we go to a restaurant and bring home leftovers, it goes in the fridge. I would be afraid to feed my dogs anything that might upset their stomaches. My vet bill looks like the gross national debt anyway, and I can't afford to risk getting them sick.
Amy August 11, 2009 2:53 PM
Hum a very interesting thought going on here. Yes the dog is eating food cooked for humans but if Mr.Bauer is really health concious he is not feeding the dog anything harmful. If think if he is able to afford this then I say go for it. He is able to control his weight by walking to and from and the dog is being fed great food. Not everyone can do this thats for sure, but hey if he feels good and the dog is not ill why not? Sounds like he could afford vet bills if they happen to come up. You go Mr. Bauer!
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