For me, one of the hardest times to eat right is late at night when I’m out with friends. Particularly if we are in a diner. You are tired and hungry after a night of frivolity, and the menu is full of fatty, carb-laden goodies.
Me, I’m usually a sucker for disco fries, which is sort of the American bastardization of the French Canadian dish poutine. The Canadian version combines a rich brown gravy with fresh cheese curds over a heap of perfectly crispy fries. The US version is usually just some crappy gravy out of a can with cheese whiz over some wilted home fries. Still, I love them both, particularly after 1AM in a diner with friends.
Last night, I was out with some dancers after a concert and dance class, just hanging out in an East Village diner. I was sorely tempted by the disco fries on the menu, but somehow found the strength to order a fruit cup, and was much happier actually. The fruit was filling, refreshing and didn’t make me want to pass out after 30 minutes.
Which doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t go for the disco fries on another night. But it’s more of a special occasion thing, like after a big performance or celebration. Which is what eating healthier is about for me: not totally abstaining from awesome foods like fries and milkshakes, but indulging in them smartly and strategically.