For many people, staying on track and achieving their goals means never, ever slipping up. That idea may work for some, but for me, I find that striving for balance in all areas of my life, including my nutrition is the best for me. And that includes eating at restaurants, and even enjoying a delicious brunch like the one above.
I had a lovely brunch with my beautiful sister-in-law this past weekend where we caught up on our lives, drank dark coffee and bright tea, shared an incredible cauliflower appetizer (jumpin’ on this brunch appetizer bandwagon- this should be a more common thing!) and allowed ourselves to slow down for a bit in the midst of our crazy busy lives.
Sharing a meal has long been a social experience, and many studies show that when we enjoy our meals with others, we show decreased signs of stress and often better digestion. We have to eat, so we might as well do it together right?
I believe that leading a healthy, vibrant and full life will often include eating at restaurants, and sometimes you can control this and sometimes you can’t. What you are always in control of however, is what appears on the plate in front of you and how you feel about it. It doesn’t do you or your body any good to feel guilty or like you’re ‘cheating’ by having something off your usual plan.
Swap the potatoes for fruit, add some veggies, put the dressing on the side, or… don’t!
Enjoy the company, enjoy yourself, slow down and really taste your food, experience the moment and the meal for what it is. Know that you are nourishing your body with not only good food, but good conversation and happiness and that it’s ok. Tomorrow you’ll have that fresh smoothie or that kale salad and everything will, as always, remain in balance.
