Guilt-Free Eating!

It’s 2:30 in the afternoon and I’m sitting in my “office” (Starbuck’s) in West Hollywood.  I read a little of the paper, talked to a friend for a bit, and started to get hungry.  I’m trying to be good about saving money so I packed a meal before I left home today.  I began eating while I continued to read the rest of the paper and I heard from a guy sitting with his friend in the big comfy chairs next to me: “That guy’s eating pizza?”

I immediately felt guilt and shame because yes, I was eating pizza.  I don’t know how many people here know that I’m a personal trainer but I felt like all eyes were on me at that moment.  “What kind of an example is he setting?  How can he be a trainer and eat that pizza?”  No, people didn’t say that, but that’s what I thought they were thinking.  I immediately tried blocking off the view of my eating by shifting my body to the side, and quickly finished off the first slice.  Yes, I said first slice. 

But then I thought, why am I so embarrassed?!  I made the pizza from home with whole-wheat dough, low fat ham, low fat cheese and pineapple.  This wasn’t an unhealthy pizza!!  It was a great pre-workout meal that had a good source of complex carbs that will sustain my energy, protein to build muscle, and a low amount of fat to slow down the digestion and allow me to feel full.  So I pulled out the second slice and proudly ate it in full view, mmmm-ing and licking the sauce off my fingers!   Even if it was a deep dish, extra cheese and pepperoni pizza from Pizza Hut I would still have every right to not feel guilty about eating it because I eat pretty healthy overall and I work out at the gym 5 days a week.  So screw you gentlemen next to me! 

There are many ways to turn one of your favorite meals into a more healthy option. White processed flour goes through your system quickly, causing a peak in insulin, which results in those calories being stored as fat.  By using a whole-wheat product such as bread or pasta you slow down the absorption, allowing those calories to be used for energy.  Put non-fat milk into your coffee instead of cream.  Bake a chicken instead of frying it.  Use egg beaters for your omelet and sprinkle low fat cheese over it.  There a loads of substitutions you can use in order to make a meal healthier without sacrificing taste. 

If you too are dedicated and consistent with your overall eating and workouts then you are definitely allowed to treat yourself to a meal that might not be ideal every now and then.  Don’t feel guilty about it!  In fact, you can use it to motivate you more.  Set up certain goals and when you achieve them treat yourself to that meal dripping in a cream sauce or that dessert pooling over with hot fudge.  As long as you get back to your regular healthy eating habit.  Remember, weight gain occurs when you are taking in more calories than you are burning.  So one meal shouldn’t push you over the edge.  Enjoy and be proud.

(Photo: Getty Images)

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A.C.E.- and N.A.S.M.-certified, Bobby Solorio has been personal training for 10 years. You might recognize him from Bravo TV's "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List," where he trains his now-A-list client. For more info check out Bobby's website. 

Comments

[Blake Sheridan]

Recently I stubbled upon a new little treat called EBOOST. I too struggled with the temptations of junk food as a source of energy to get through my day. But recently I have been taking this daily health booster instead of my normal Starbucks or Redbull. It only has five calories and gives me the kick i need to keep going. Heres the link if your interested. Hope this helps! www.eboost.com