Last night after teaching my step/toning class I realized that I had not eaten enough food for the day and I was starving. I had so much to do the day before and like a lot of women did not take the time to eat and ignored the fact that I was hungry. By late afternoon, I realized I needed to eat but it was too late as I had this class to teach and did not want to take the chance that I might get sick or weighed down with a full stomach as I rarely eat at least 1 hour before my classes. By 7:30pm I was famished and decided to GRAB something on the way home.. Even for me that could be a big problem. When I have not taken the time to eat properly, driving past pizza parlors, convenience stores and fast food take-out can be dangerous. As I passed by McDonald’s I remember seeing the commercials and ads for the new ANGUS BURGER that was on their menu. I thought about it and decided I wanted an Angus burger and the convenience of buying it was right in front of me. Now the question became, what would I get with it? I knew that if I did not think about the calories, fat and salt content I could really be in trouble. Mentally, I knew that most FAST FOODS places were loaded with calories, fat and salt but I was so hungry that emotionally I really did not care at that moment. I pulled into the parking lot and at that moment I told myself to think about my choice before it was too late. As I waited in the drive-through line a light bulb went off in my head and when the girl asked me what I wanted I ordered 2 plain burgers for Hannah, my seven year old yellow lab, and one Angus burger with the works for me. Then as they usually do she said ANYTHING ELSE? You know they say that for a reason…you might order more. I said to her that is all, but to myself I said,I REALLY WANTED FRIES AND A MILKSHAKE to go with my burger. As I drove home to eat, I told myself that I listened to what I teach and practice, MINDFUL EATING. If you are not sure what mindful eating is, it is taking the time to THINK about the choices you make when ordering out or cooking at home or even food shopping. It allows you the time to really realize you can eat better and not feel so guilty or horrible after perhaps eating too many calories, but not making good choices. Do I practice MINDFUL EATING all of the time? I wish I could say YES but alas I do not. I do have my “eat whatever” moments but thankfully they are rare. However, I have practiced it enough in my journey to remain a size 12 for nearly 20 years. Mindful eating is a great tool to learn when you are losing weight. It allows YOU to take control of your life and choices. Next time, think before you order, you will be saving hundreds of calories.

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