As a kiddo, eating out was a HUGE treat! Once or twice a year, my folks would pile at least 8 of us girls all in to our big white van, and we’d hit up a place like the Golden Coral or a local Mexican restaurant and eat until we were STUFFED.

I still remember filling my pockets with gummy bears from the ice cream bar at the Golden Coral, so I could still enjoy them later! LOL

Because it was such a TREAT and so rare to go out… as an adult, I absolutely LOVE eating out at a nice restaurant.

I LOVE being served. I LOVE having a variety of yummy choices. I LOVE the entire experience. Add in the unlimited drinks and chips or bread, and I’m in restaurant heaven.

What I’ve found over the last couple of years, is that these little trips to my fav Mexican or Italian restaurants were REALLY kicking me in the behind when it came to staying on track with my health and fitness goals.

Every trip out became a “special occasion,” and in a matter of an hour, I would forget all of my  goals, and I’d have consumed well over a thousand calories in chips or bread, soda and some massive pasta dish or burrito. Afterwards, I’d find myself going home feeling bloated and mad at myself the next day.

Over the past two years, all of this has changed. I’m still not perfect, but I’ve learned a LOT. Small changes over a long period of time Continue reading →