Is This Really Worth It?

In the ongoing quest for long term weight control, how do we decide what is worthy of the calories when we have the chance to eat foods outside our standard fare?
Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you make that decision:

Is this a quality food? – A lovely dark chocolate truffle; a rich creamy bite of Brie; a crusty warm slice of homemade French bread. Let’s look at the antonym of each of those options – a massed produced Hershey’s bar; a plastic tub of cheese spread or a store bought loaf of garlic bread. Instead of eating around what we really want, we may end of eating less of true quality and be immensely satisfied.

Am I a guest in someone’s home? – It’s much easier to pick and choose at a buffet table than when the host and/or hostess are welcoming us to their home and table.

How often do I have an opportunity to enjoy this food?  – It’s typically not the one time of year holiday foods like a mound of mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving that leads to lapses.  It’s usually the every week challenges of movie popcorn, dinner out with friends, and entertaining clients that starts to impact our weight. This is the type of relaxed eating that requires our continual attention.

Where will I get my most pleasure?  Are you a sweet or savory food lover?  Your preference will help you decide what you can pass on and what you will really enjoy.  For sweet treat fans, the offer of chips and dip is not tempting.  The anticipation of a sliver of homemade chocolate torte is worthy.  For savory aficionados a crunchy bruschetta with Kalamata olives, tomatoes on crisp toasts is a lovely way to relax.

This week, since we can’t have it all, make sure that your special dinner or dessert is worthy of the occasion and calories.