Savoring Health

The best advice is to just not pay attention to what your friends eat. Don’t look at what they eat, and don’t plan your meals around the times they like to eat. Planning is a big thing. If I allow myself a couple of cookies as a planned treat earlier in the day, it’s easier to say “no, I’ve already had a dessert” when all my friends go for ice cream after dinner.

If you’re going out with friends, just be sure to go to places that have options for everyone. Many restaurants have healthy options if you look for them. When my friends and I go out to eat, I find the low calorie options or order a half portion, or take half home. If they go for coffee or ice cream after, I get the “skinny” latte or the frozen yogurt. Just do research beforehand and look for those healthy choices. Again, planning is key.

When you start to feel deprived because your friends are eating whatever they want, remember that actions have consequences. It’s not that you’re not allowed to eat what they’re eating, it’s that your’e choosing a different end: health and a desirable weight. Feel strong and powerful in your decision to do the right thing!

And don’t get discouraged. It took me a LOT of screwing up to figure out how to do this thing right, and I still make mistakes. It’s just important to keep working for it each day!