Thoughts About Eating Out

Eating at a restaurant is one of my favourite things to do – and nope, it’s not because of the food, it’s because when I’m going out for dinner I’m usually going with my family and/or friends. It’s fun, it’s a ways of socializing, a way of enjoying each others company, it’s relaxed, you get to dress up, you get to enjoy the environment, you get to be served and catered to. Dining is an experience.

Years before I started my new lifestyle, I would hit up McDonalds, Dairy Queen, Burger King, etc. on a regular basis. I would order a Big Mac and fries and a diet pop (LOL). I did this 2, 3 maybe even 4 times a week. During the process of eating I was like “Omg this is so good”. 5 minutes later – all regrets. But yet I kept going back. WHY?

Because it was what everyone else was doing. Almost like I would let people down if I said “No, I don’t want to go to McDonalds” or I felt like I was being judged if I said no. Complete subtle peer pressure. Even at a restaurant where I could eat healthier options – everyone else was getting the huge entrees and in my mind I wanted a chicken breast salad, or the salmon with fresh vegetables. I was struggling to find the confidence to actually order it. WHY?

Because again, no one else was eating it, so I felt like I couldn’t.

Looking back, I laugh. I don’t care what anyone else thinks. I know what is good for me, what makes me feel healthy and I know what I want. So, I no longer get frustrated or dread going to eat out with friends or family. I love it because I get to spend time with people I love, but I also love it because I can be picky and I can order what I want.

This means if I want the dressing on the side, I’m going to ask for it on the side. This means if I want a cheesecake dessert, then damn right I’m going to get cheesecake.

Eating keeps you alive, yes. But it is a lot more than that. It is about feeding your soul with happiness and healthiness. It’s about trusting yourself and fueling your body with what it wants mentally and physiologically.

This goes for anything in life. Be strong and confident enough to do what makes YOU happy. Don’t ever do anything for someone else. Be your own person. Make your own decisions. Soon enough you might even positively influence others to do the same.

Thoughts?