Enjoy eating out again

By Lissa Wohltmann

I’ve been trying to last a week without dining on anything other than what I prepare. And when I say week, I really mean a five-day business week because I know every weekend I go out to breakfast either at Java Dave’s in Edmond, The Full Cup off of Classen Blvd. or some bagel place. It’s just one of those things I do after a run (runwalk) with friends, or a long bike ride. Everything tastes better after I’ve burned off several hundred calories. Plus, I know I’ve earned that naked bagel and coffee, or old-fashioned soy oatmeal – it’s all guilt free. Remember, doesn’t matter if you walk or run a mile, it’s still about 100 calories. Therefore, just one little 5K is a bagel and coffee. A nicer 10K lets me have a bagel, coffee, and a ton of fruit. Anything more…. well, you get the idea.

However, during the weekdays, I only get to run walk maybe 15 to 20 miles and cycle the same. Every Monday, I have delusions of grandeur and think I can make it through Friday by not eating out. By Wednesday, I’m back to saying, “OK, next Monday, I’ll start again.” There are always friends to lunch with, a spouse who likes to eat out, or some other tasty morsel to share with others. Therefore, I’ve decided to drop that crazy idea of only eating my preparations (plus, the fact that I hate to cook and would rather clean your bathroom, all helped me come to this conclusion). Instead I make sure that the restaurant where I spend my dollars offer good, healthy food. Contrary to popular belief, there are many eateries where you can enjoy healthy food in Oklahoma. Simply take a look at their menus to determine what foods they stock, then create your own meals. Think plants. Think fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes. Usually the chef will create something just for you. Avoid the cheeses and fried foods as much as possible unless you need to gain weight and you’ve got an extra heart you can spare. You can eat just about anywhere; you simply need to be creative.

Please share your restaurants and food concoctions with us all, below.