Over the last few years I have watched the emergence of what I can only term as "health concious grocery stores" across the country, most notable being Whole Foods (
www.wholefoods.com).
While I have always tried to maintain a healthy balance with the food that I eat I have noticed in the last few years I am more aware of what I am eating. Gone are the midnight runs to Taco Hell or Mickey D's and infact if we do stop at these places I am the guy in front of you ordering a plain chicken sandwhich and a diet coke. When we eat out we have certain restaurants that we frequent because we know they will have something on the menu to suit our diet. Applebee's is an example, they have rolled out the new weight watchers menu, which is suprisingly good.
We shop more healthy but not to the obsession that I have seen some people do. We try to plan for a balanced day with very few days of straying away. I admit, last night it was just myself and the youngest so I ordered a small pizza from Domino's. I had to laugh at myself, 5 years ago it would have been a large and I would have eaten the whole thing by myself. Last night it was 2 slices of a cheese pizza.
Looking back on how I ate as a 17 year old PVT versus what I eat today I would like to think that I made these decisions for myself but more for my family. To teach my children that just because it did not come from Mickey D's does not mean it is gross. It seems to be working for the oldest, but we are ever mindful of his perceptions. We would hate for him to think we are doing this because he is fat (he isn't but you never know what is going on in thier little heads).
How have your eating habits changed as you have grown older? Do you plan your grocery trip and meals around buying and making what is healthier for you and your family? I think when I say healthy I should also point out that it does not mean removing some of the favorites from the menu, but understanding moderation as part of the diet plan.
Or is this another "fad" that will go by the wayside?