Still, we have to balance healthy eating habits with
enjoying life. Just because a food is good for us, doesn't
mean we have to like it. I've almost been thrown out of
parties for daring to utter that I don't care for avocados
or their ugly stepsister, guacamole. I also don't enjoy kale.
To me, it tastes like how I imagine that stuff you pull
from the bottom of the lawn mower would. Of course,
enough ranch dressing can make anything palatable.
What I've discovered over the years is that I can't be trust-
ed to go out into the world for my sustenance. Not if I wish
to stay on any semblance of a healthy eating plan. I wish I
could drive thru the Golden Arches and ask for the healthiest
thing on the menu. But even if I have the willpower to order
a salad instead of something super-sized, I still can't help
adding a "few" fries or a "tiny" dessert to my order.
The keys to maintaining a healthy eating plan are planning and
mindfulness. Pack your snacks and a lunch. You'll likely find the
health benefits outweigh the extra time it takes to plan your meals for
the week. Don't be beholden to the cafeteria or neighboring restau-
rants. Eating out should be a treat. Instead of hitting the vending
machine during that inevitable mid-afternoon slump, reach for string
cheese or a piece of fruit.
When your jealous colleagues comment on the new "pep in your
step" and want to know your secret, just tell them it's a good night's
sleep, avoiding junk food and a daily dose of Lactobacillus-bulgari-
cus-Streptococcus-thermophilus.
OSM
Ms. Frances (kay@kayfrances.com) is a motivational speaker, author and
former professional standup comedian who's been seen on NBC, Lifetime and
Comedy Central. She'll be the opening keynote speaker at this year's Virtual
OR Excellence 2020 (www.orexcellence.com).
J U L Y 2 0 2 0 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y . N E T • 1 1 1
