Cultural influences

I found out today that our cultural influences can be an obstacle to be overcome. It doesn't mean we have to say no to everything, we just now need to think ahead and plan out the entire day. I want to be able to enjoy this traditional PIECE OF ART--a homemade, church cooked pasty!!! Yes, I realize that pasties are pretty much lard and starch but finding out the nutritional value of an 8 oz. pasty (filled with lots of meat) is approx. 600 - 650 calories, 42 g fat, 36 g carb, 18 protein blew me away. We will make this work by cutting the pasty in half and add plenty of veggies to this meal. Wait...can I stop at half? And how do I refrain from eating the very best part--the outer edge crust? I will keep reminding myself of the slogan from Nike, JUST DO IT. I know I will be happy with my right choice to enjoy half of the pasty along with plenty of veggies.