Smart Food Choices Make for Great Weight Loss

Avoidance is not necessarily a bad thing.
I recently invited a friend out to dinner to a Mexican restaurant. A large group of mutual friends is planning to get together after a two-hour fitness fundraiser. We are going to be tired and very hungry.
But my friend kindly turned me down.
And I couldn’t be happier for her.
In the past month, she’s lost nearly eight pounds.
Mexican food – chips, refried beans and tortillas – are really not ideal food choices for her.
Let’s not forget the margarita. It can have as many calories as a Big Mac.
Of course, you can eat healthy Mexican food at a restaurant. Fresh guacamole – in moderation – is loaded with numerous vitamins, minerals and monounsaturated fat – the kind that’s not bad for you if don’t eat too much.

You also can order a dish with meat that’s grilled, not fried. And just because an entree comes with rice and beans doesn’t mean it can’t be replaced with a salad (dressing on the side).
But let’s face it: sometimes it’s really hard to watch other people eat food that you’re trying to keep off your plate in order to lose weight. It can be unpleasant, really.
My friend said her willpower is weak.
I think her willpower is strong.
The easiest thing would have been for her to reserve a spot at the table.
What would you have decided?

Alice Warchol is a freelance health blog writer and fitness instructor.

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