Just Add on the Bacon

Dear Angela,

I am sorry to hear that your amazing, nutritious, life-changing salad ended up in the trash! I hope my previous blog entry did not inspire you. Did you maybe consider covering it with bacon or selecting the deep-fried salad options instead?

I am joking, don't worry! Besides, deep-fried salad can only be found in the South. But as for bacon...

I can relate to your feelings on emotional eating. Sometimes I might feel so exhausted or stressed out during the day(!) I find myself going through the Starbucks drive-thru. And on super stressed days I sometimes utter the words, "Venti."

"Venti" translates to: DID YOU REALLY JUST ORDER THAT? I am slightly scared that in some places Starbucks also offers the Trenta. Thank god my city does not. (For readers who are wondering: I always limit the amount of espresso to only shot in my coffee drinks. But as for the milk... well, I love the milk.)

I should also add: drive-thrus are sooo friendly to the life of a new parent. Your baby can be napping peacefully in the backseat and you can just drive and drive and drive- pull over for a Starbucks latte and then keep going. NPR on the radio. Sunglasses on. It is a bit like wrapping yourself in absolute bliss. Of course I do realize the dangers here. And drive-thrus are not exactly designed with a healthier lifestyle in mind.

I also have the fear I might be SPOTTED at a drive-thru, which is a kind of shame I don't think I can just casually brush off. I read today in the New York Times about college students "toning down" their Spring Break wildness because of the fear such photos or videos can be uploaded on Facebook or other social media websites. Well, I have a similar fear: it just involves myself caught with a Venti latte and looking like I should obviously be at the gym instead. I don't exactly know who are these people who might "catch me" either.

Wait, I do know. But all names will remain unidentified on this blog.

I have also found myself using food as a reward system. "You made it through the work week, today is Friday, you deserve a chocolate covered donut for all your efforts! Great job!" But after I devour whatever forbidden tasty treat it is- I never feel a sense of happiness follow. Usually that donut is followed by deep, empty regret. And the question, "Why did I just eat that?" I don't have these feelings when I put something more nutritional into my body. I feel empowered, strong, like I am making all the right choices for my future.

So why the attraction to sugary delights in the first place? I know my BFF Gwen might suggest sugar addiction and there are a million other possible explanations out there. I just know: I might be drawn to that donut or that cupcake or strawberry shortcake or warm rhubarb pie but I do not have those same pulls toward broccoli. I do have an educated mind that sometimes kicks in and says, "Hey, eat this piece of broccoli. Good. Keep going. Don't look back," which makes all the difference.

Until next time,
Rachel