OK………..you know it’s going to happen at least once over this holiday weekend and plenty more times as we head into the winter holidays.  You will have all of your meals and snacks perfectly planned because you only eat real food and then you will find yourself in “a situation”.  It happens a lot of ways.  You might be too tired to make that meal you planned on because you shopped all day or maybe you are out shopping and Aunt Martha declares she is hungry and going to such and such restaurant.  And………gasp!  It’s a fast food restaurant.  You look for an escape, but there is no way out.  You either eat with Aunt Martha or you hurt her feelings.  We don’t want any hurt feelings or grumbling bellies.

 

We’ve had this discussion on the Juggling Facebook page and here is some of the great advice you came up with.

1.  Look for a restaurant that is better than some of the others.  I try to choose Chipotle when I can because they have some pretty good ingredients.  They buy local produce where possible and are starting to label their ingredients which potentially are GMO.  There are others.  Do some research and be ready to make a quick suggestion.

2.  Be clear what is most important to you when it comes to eating real food.  What “rules” are you not willing to bend?  I try to eat 80% real.  In reality it is probably closer to 90% or more.  However, when I get invited to a party or to eat out I am clear that I want  to limit artificial colors for my children.  Choose foods that keep within those “most important to you” rules.

3.  Avoid sodas.  Every restaurant that I go to has water.  There is no need for my family to drink sodas.  When my family drinks milk or water we are limiting our beverages to real food approved beverages.  Sure, it’s not always organic milk, but at least we aren’t loading up on tons of sugar and artificial coloring.

4.  Skip the fries.  I can usually find some fruit or vegetable to eat instead.  Not always, but most of the time.  I can feel good that I am getting some nutrition when I am happily munching on carrots or a salad.

5.  Don’t order off the children’s menu.  Some restaurants have a nice selection on the children’s menu, but most limit their selections to hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken nuggets.  I have found that when I order off the adult menu for my kids that there is a greater selection.  My daughter loves to eat a baked potato and salad.  It doesn’t  usually cost any more than ordering off the children’s menu when you order side dishes.

By this point you may be thinking………..”That is all well and good, but why can’t I just eat the hamburger and fries?”  You can if you want.  It is OK to have a cheat meal every once in a while.  After all is said and done, it’s how you eat most of the time that really matters.  If you eat a primarily nutrient dense diet then you are doing better than most folks.  However, for some of us………..we actually get sick when we eat foods that are chemical-laden.  My digestive system just can’t handle it.  I prefer not to spend my holidays sick.  I really want to have the energy and health to enjoy the holidays with my family.  If you are in the same boat as me then I hope these tips help.

Thanks again to my Facebook community for supporting our real food journey with all of their great advice.

I promise to keep bringing you the best and most accurate information on nutrition I can find……….and hopefully with a little bit of humor along the way as well. You can find lots of great information on this blog (check out the tabs above and the archives). Make sure to subscribe by email so you don’t miss anything. You can also find lots of great tips, tricks, advice, and fun on my Facebook page and my other social media. Please join us and share us with your friends!