A Healthy Diet Can Include French Fries

I get asked about my diet a whole lot. As my peers are getting older every year (because I am…and you are, too), it’s become progressively more difficult for lots of my lady friends to keep the figures that they want. But, some way or another, it’s become easier for me.

I used to eat whatever I wanted and exercised only when I wanted to. My metabolism was sickly fast and I just figured I was healthy because I was skinny. Over the past few years, I have slowly learned to eat right and to exercise right, too. Now that it’s a part of my routine, it’s easier than ever to be healthy.

BUT I still need to be unhealthy here and there. Some people I know can eat healthy 24-7 without any screw-ups. I am not one of those people. My diet regime that I get asked about so much actually DOES include days where I eat all of the wrong stuff. I have these days maybe once every week or two and nothing sets me back on track for healthy eating faster than a day filled with fried food and chocolate treats.

Are they good for my arteries and liver? Hell no.

Am I being unhealthy by indulging in these days? Hell yes.

But I still feel as though I am better off throwing these days in here and there (and savoring my sweets) than to always wonder what I’m missing, or living a bland life full of carrots and bottled water.

Here is a typical day’s worth of food for me:

BREAKFAST

1 or 2 packets of oatmeal and Iced Coffee with nonfat creamer.

LUNCH

Fruit: 1/2 a cantelope, an apple, a banana, strawberries, or whatever else. Water.

DINNER

Huge Salad: Spinach, hard boiled egg, tomato, cucumber, mushrooms, string beans, reduced fat feta cheese, low fat or nonfat dressing. Water.

SNACKS

If I want snacks, I usually go for carrots and hummus or nuts. Lots of water.

As you can see, I am typically pretty on cue with my health. But every so often, I throw days like the one below in the mix:

BREAKFAST

Turkey Bacon, Eggs, Cheese, Croissant, Coffee with *regular* creamer

LUNCH

Cheeseburger, Fries, LOTS OF KETCHUP, beer/wine spritzer

DINNER

Lots of pizza, wings, tons of beer

SNACKS

Beer. Chocolate. Cupcakes. Cookies. You name it.

Somehow, I feel like adding in these days makes me complete. I feel like I live my life to the fullest and yet I’m still BASICALLY healthy. I feel like if I didn’t have a beer or a burger smothered with cheese every now and then I would die.

What do you guys think?

(Photo from: besthangovercure.com)