Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

The power of choice

When it comes to our nutrition, we often think we are bound by our circumstances, but really that’s pretty far from the truth. So many times, we may feel like we don’t have a choice around food when it comes to socializing, going to a friend’s house for dinner or eating out with friends. But we do. This is where the power of choice comes in and how you can leverage it in your own life to achieve your health goals.

Eating out can be a great way to socialize with friends and family, try new foods, and take a break from cooking at home. But I get it, it can also be a source of stress when trying to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The good news is that with a little bit of planning and mindfulness, it's possible to enjoy eating out while still making choices that support your overall health and well-being.

One of the most powerful tools we have when it comes to eating is the power of choice. While it may be tempting to indulge in all the delicious foods and drinks on the menu, making mindful choices can help you feel better physically and mentally. 

It's important to remember that making healthy choices doesn't mean we have to sacrifice taste or enjoyment. Many restaurants now offer healthier options that are just as delicious as their more indulgent counterparts. And even when there aren't specific healthy options on the menu, there are often simple substitutions we can make to create a healthier meal.

I was out for brunch with my kiddo and we ate at a Polish/Portuguese restaurant. I love a good pierogi, and theirs were amazing! To balance out my PFCs, I asked to add grilled shrimp and their homemade kraut to my plate. Was it perfectly balanced? No. But it was pretty good and it was definitely better balanced than a plate of pierogies with a side of fries, right? Yes, it definitely was.  And it was delicious!!

Are you struggling?

Here are some ways you can exercise the power of choice:

1. You can choose to order an appetizer like a shrimp cocktail to have with a slide of bread and butter (yes, you can eat bread!) instead of just diving into the bread basket and the cocktails so that you can make better choices later on during dinner.  

2. Plan ahead: Look up the restaurant menu online before you go and decide what options you will choose from. That way you don’t even have to look at the menu, you can just enjoy your dinner companions.

3. Don't be afraid to ask for substitutions: Most restaurants are willing to make substitutions to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. Ask for things sauteed in very little butter/oil, light on the salt, sauce on the side - so that you can control what you put into your body.

While making healthy choices is important, it's also important to remember that balance is key. The magic happens in the middle. Eating out should be an enjoyable and social experience, and stressing too much about every little food choice will take away from that experience. It's okay to indulge in your favorite foods every once in a while, and it's important to listen to your body and give it what it needs. Do both, it’s totally possible.

So I'm challenging you to make choices that serve both -  your body and your health goals. 

Make choices that support your overall health and well-being. By making mindful choices and finding balance, we can enjoy eating while still taking care of our bodies and minds. 

As I am sure you know by now I'm not a fan of being hungry or feeling deprived, So enjoy your food, keep it PFC balanced, and your future self will thank you!