We went out for our anniversary dinner last night. I worried about this dinner for three days, already feeling guilty for what would undoubtedly be an early failure and the ultimate derailing of my new way of life.
As expected, I didn’t really hold back. The restaurant we picked was known for its martinis, so I had a yummy pear martini. We shared an appetizer (artichoke with cheese baked in filo dough). I ordered the restaurant’s famous parmesan-crusted halibut (served atop of a bed of spinach and garlic mashed potatoes). And because we’d mentioned that it was our anniversary, the waiter brought a candlelit dessert at the end of our meal (warm chocolate bread pudding with vanilla ice cream and strawberries… not the strawberry dessert we planned to have later, but so very, VERY good).
So did I freak out as a result of my obvious indulgence?
Nope.
That worry that started a couple days before the dinner proved valuable. I was very aware of what I was putting in my mouth. I ate fruit for dessert. I made sure that I did my run/walk both yesterday and today — and went a little farther than normal today. I made a big batch of the 0-point soup from Weight Watchers today, which guaranteed a healthy dinner tonight and for the next few days. There were no stroller trips to Mrs. Fields for my fave M&M cookie this weekend. I brushed my teeth A LOT.
This is an interesting experiment for me. Usually, I eat a meal like that dinner and figure I’ve ruined everything. I then continue to eat like a maniac for the next several days (weeks). But this time, I aimed for balance. I think it’s truly possible to enjoy a fabulous dinner — to indulge in an occasional treat — to eat the dessert — as long as you make up for it. I finally get it.
And that’s the kind of permanent lifestyle I can actually live with.
August 17th, 2009 at 10:14 am
You go girl! Remember, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about making smarter choices. It’s ok to splurge sometimes, especially on a special occasion. As long as the special occasion isn’t “dinner”!