Going to the Food Court - Then and Now!
Went shopping in the city yesterday with my wife, her sister and our nephew. We ended up at the mall food court for lunch, since there’s something there to suit everyone’s taste. Before cleaning up my diet I’d eat whatever I wanted at the food court. Yesterday I walked by all the food stalls, looking at the menus, wondering what I could order that would be good for me. The unhealthy choices were endless! French fries, poutine, burgers, onion rings, deep fried fish, chinese food, fried chicken, pizza, pasta…I don’t want to eat any of those food anymore, especially when I have no control over the ingredients or the cooking methods. I’m determined not to let all of my hard work and progress be set back even a little by having an unhealthy food court meal. I went to a stall that sold custom-made sandwiches and wraps. I had a roast chicken breast (real chicken, not chicken roll) on whole wheat with lettuce and tomatoe, with a dill pickle on the side, along with a bowl of home-made turkey vegetable soup. A pretty good choice considering what the alternatives were. For dessert I had an apple that I brought from home.
I’ve had many meals in food courts over the years, either on a lunch break or shopping trip, alone or with co-workers, friends or family. All those meals had a common theme of ‘eat whatever I wanted, as much as I wanted, regardless of the impact on my body’. Those days are over forever. It’s just not who I am anymore. A lot of people (not into bodybuilding) would read this post and focus on what I am missing out on by not eating any of those delicious and satisfying foods anymore. My focus is on what I am gaining by not eating that way….a lean and muscular body, improved mental and physical health, and an increased quality of life. After years of unhealthy eating I’ve got my priorities straight, and it feels good.
February 10, 2008 at 11:27 am
I don’t think that anyone reading you post will think that you missed out. This seems to be a very enlightened place to blog.
*pats coleyspoint on the back*
Happy Sunday!
February 17, 2008 at 9:20 am
I agree that you are not missing out. Sometimes people need to mind their own business. Eat what makes you happy (Like you are doing) and let them deal with their own choices. You and I have both found out that you can eat well in this fast food society we live in. It just takes some imagination and patience. I have also found that if you ask many places have alternatives not on the menu. e.g. veggie burgers, low-fat cheese etc. Kudos to you for your new outlook and know that you are not alone!!!