Comparison Trap

One of the biggest issues that I still struggle with is the comparison trap. The scenario always plays out the same. I’m feeling good about what I’m eating. I’ve been to the gym pretty regularly, maybe just walking for 30 minutes but I’m still going and I feel great! And then something happens. I eat lunch with a friend and I order what I’m really craving, a Rueben sandwich with sweet potatoes fries. Because I've been eating healthy most of the time, I feel good about my order because it’s what I really want and I know I’ll be completely satisfied.

However, after I place my order and wait oh so patiently for my greasy fries to arrive, my friend orders a salad with no cheese and dressing on the side. Now, my attitude completely changes! Instead of being excited for my food and confident that I’m making the right choice for me, I’m second guessing and feeling guilty. Am I unhealthy because I didn’t order a salad? Should I have asked for no cheese on my sandwich? Should I have skipped the fries?

There are days when a salad will absolutely fill me up and satisfy me. I’m actually eating one as I type this. My salad is delicious. It has lots of leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and big piece of breaded chicken. Today, I wanted a salad and I know adding a piece of breaded chicken would make the salad AMAZING! And you know what? It doesn’t make the salad “bad” and I don't feel the least bit guiltly about the breaded chicken.

We get too caught up in “bad” and “good” food choices. And that bad versus good mentality really kicks in for me sometimes when I’m with others and I feel like I’ve made a “bad” choice and they’ve made a “good” choice. This is where confidence plays a role. You have to learn to know yourself and what food is right for you. If you order a salad because you feel like you should or because you’re eating with your super healthy friend and you don’t want her to judge you, then you’re doing it for the wrong reason and you’ll just end up miserable and probably eat more later that day to make up for it.

There is nothing wrong with ordering a sandwich with fries. What would life be like without a burger here and there?? Plus, just because you order a burger with fries doesn’t mean to have to eat every last bite. Pay attention to your hunger. Eat until you are no longer hungry, but not stuffed, and take the rest home! Now you get to the enjoy the burger twice!

The lesson that I’m still learning is that I know myself better than anyone else. I know what food I like and what food makes me feel good. I still hold myself accountable and try to make mostly healthy choices  with what I eat. I try to get as many vegetables as I possibly can each day. I eat at least two servings of fruit every day. I eat whole grain bread and pasta instead of white bread or pasta. However,  I know that when what I really really really really want is a piece of cheesecake or an order of wings, that’s okay. I will eat it and I will enjoy it. It doesn’t make me weak and it isn’t going to make me “fat” and it isn’t a “bad” choice. It’s all part of eating moderately and learning not to beat yourself up. Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean eating bland food. As long as you are mindful, eat mostly healthy foods when you can, and learn to listen to your body, you are on the right path. 

So enjoy your indulgences and don't worry about what anyone else is eating. Have confidence that you are making the right choice for YOU!