When people learn that I’m a dietitian, they usually assume a) that I am silently judging them in the grocery store and b) that I have squeaky-clean eating habits at all times. Oh, and c) that I am constantly eating kale.
For the record, I am NOT looking in your grocery cart (I’m too busy watching YOU look in MY cart and feeling a little self conscious). And I’m just like everyone else: My eating habits aren’t perfect. They’re a work in progress–and there are a few areas that need more work than others. Like these five:
1. I skip breakfast.
I strongly believe in the importance of breakfast for kids. They need fuel for their mornings, especially if they’re heading off to school. Studies also show that kids who eat breakfast take in higher amounts of important nutrients like fiber and calcium. But I’m a grown-up and I’m never, ever hungry when I first wake up. Sometimes I eat mid-morning. Sometimes I get busy, forget, and am famished come lunch.
What helps: Foods I can quickly grab like these Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Cups and make-ahead smoothie packets.
2. I don’t drink enough fluids.
This is, by far, my worst overall health habit. I know that many of my minor complaints (like occasional headaches and fatigue) can be explained by my meager fluid intake. I’ve tried it all–lemon slices in water, water bottles that tally intake–but it’s still a struggle.
What helps: Putting a water pitcher and a glass right on my desk.
3. I eat lunch at my desk.
Like most moms, I burn the candle at both ends and try to cram too much into my days. One way I try to stretch time is by multi-tasking at lunch. I know that eating while distracted isn’t smart–not to mention the fact that I’ve dripped hummus into not one, but two computer keyboards. For real.
What helps: Eating lunch in the kitchen and treating myself to a show on Netflix while I eat. I’m still distracted, but at least my lunch can’t fall into my computer equipment.
4. I love to snack at night.
There’s just something about 9pm that says “salty” to me. Then “sweet”. Then “salty” again. Nighttime snacking is one of the first things I try to change when my jeans start to feel snug–but it’s one of the hardest changes for me to make.
What helps: Eating a piece of fruit and calling it quits.
5. I’ve got a mean sweet tooth.
I’ve had a lifelong affair with all things sweet. Thankfully my tolerance and taste for hyper-sweet foods like candy have all but disappeared (read My Number One Trick For Eating Right). But I still love to bake (and eat) dessert.
What helps: Since Easter, I’ve skipped sweets throughout the week and only eat dessert on the weekends. So far it’s been much easier than I thought it would be.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. I have a lot of habits I’m very satisfied with too. I love fresh fruit of all kinds, I never developed a taste for fast food or soda, I could eat piles of roasted broccoli and Brussels sprouts, and I actually crave salads, eating them out of a mixing bowl most days.
So what are YOUR worst (and best!) eating habits? And if you have any advice for me on my five, I’d love to hear it!
Hi! I'm Sally, a dietitian-mom.
I believe that EVERY mom can feel successful and confident about feeding her kids, lose the stress, and finally enjoy mealtime again.
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emily says
I loved this post! Especially because my personal version would match your almost word for word 🙂
Sally says
Emily– 🙂
Carla Valmorbida says
Mine too! Especially the part about being more worried about what others think of my shopping trolley (I always rightly blame my partner 100% for the chips and icecream, but only I have ownership for the chocolate being there!) and the late night munchies also strike hard at our house. Heaven help if there are cookies or cake around after 8pm!
Brittany says
This list spoke to me! 3, 4 and 5 are exactly me! I also eat some fruit in the evenings to satisfy my sweet tooth or popcorn if I am craving something salty. And like you, while I do have a sweet tooth I also enjoy my veggies! Having a shredded chicken and spinach salad for lunch today…probably at my desk… 😉 Thanks for sharing and for keeping it real!
Sally says
Brittany–thanks for your comment!
Elizabeth @ Enjoy Every Bite says
I have a mean sweet tooth as well. I mean seriously. I need to get back to eating a treat only on the weekend. I find that when I do that I appreciate the treat more and actually take my time to enjoy it!
Sally says
Elizabeth–Yes, I appreciate it more as well–feels a bit more special. And yet it doesn’t really tempt me during the week which is a relief. Good luck with taming your sweet tooth too!
Heather Mason @Nutty Nutrition says
I love eating breakfast! So number 1 is no problem, but yes I too love baking and eating sweets. I try also to mainly eat sweets when its a group thing or everyone is eating dessert, but its difficult. Usually I can just be satisfied by a small piece of chocolate or something healthy-sweet like yogurt with granola.
Sally says
Heather–that’s a good strategy to keep dessert a group activity. Thanks for chiming in!
Katie @ Mom's Kitchen Handbook says
I’m reading this as I sit at my desk eating lunch and NOT drinking my water. 🙂
Sally says
Katie–ha ha gotcha! 😉
Kristy at Chocolate Slopes says
Yup, #5 for me is the worst — I LOVE baking, especially cookie dough and enjoy it much better than the actual cookie. BTW – I love you being honest as an RD because so many people think that as dietitians we eat healthy all the time…so not true for me!
Sally says
Thanks Kristy. Cookie dough is a downfall of mine as well. And yes, there is definitely that misperception that RDs eat a certain way. But we are human too! 🙂
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
Omg, other than #1 (i love breakfast!), I think I could have written this post! Glad to know I’m in good company 😉
Sally says
Thanks Jessica!
Jennifer Lane says
Great post, Sally! I can definitely relate to eating mindlessly in front of the TV or computer. Haven’t spilled hummus but HAVE spilled Nutella on the keyboard hehe.
Sally says
Jen–I’d rather be spilling Nutella in my keyboard, believe me! 😉
Caitlin says
Love your confessions and thought I’d add mine as a fellow dietitian.
Drinking my calories–hard for me to quit my Starbucks chai tea latte
Not meal planning–I end up at the grocery store multiple times a week and still manage to forget key ingredients
Mindless snacking when the kids aren’t around just b/c I can, and don’t have to share! 😉
Sally says
Caitlin–I love chai tea lattes too (hot or cold!). Thanks for your list–glad to hear from another RD who is not perfect either. 😉
Regan @ The Healthy Aperture Blog says
So, in the spirit of honesty, my list:
1) I drink too much wine — that’s not a “I go tie-one-on” often comment (my social life doesn’t exist), I simply drink wine every night, and I kinda wish I didn’t. What helps — I measure out a full glass and don’t go over that during the week. I could lose a pant size if I stopped with the Cabernet and Pinto Grigio 🙁
2) I eat at my desk, too. I’ve moved my office upstairs, though, and sometimes I can force myself to sit down in the kitchen to eat… but I’m always thinking about what else I need to be doing.
3) I too often rely on a skimpy lunch or protein bar and this leaves me starving by 4pm. It helps though if I portion out leftovers from dinner for lunch the next day
4) I don’t love protein. I love carbs. I know that balance is the key… but if I had my way, the only protein I would eat would be cheese + yogurt. Everything else just ends up being a “necessity”
5) I fail to meal plan way too often and end up doing a hodge podge of dinner throw-together for myself and the entire family.
That said, I’m like you in that I love veggies & salads. I don’t drink soda. And for the most part, I can say No to dessert on most occasions. I try to remind myself of these good points when I’m bummed over the other shortcomings 🙂
Sally says
Regan–thanks for chiming in with your list! I am also a carb-lover. I think I could eat pasta every night of the week. And my lunches aren’t always very well-rounded either. I am definitely guilty of grabbing something skimpy. When I take the time to make myself a proper lunch, I’m always happy I did and wish I did it more often.
Tamara says
As a fellow dietitian, I agree with the assumptions and also agree with your bad habits. My list would look pretty much the same. 🙂
Lee says
I too eat a huge salad out of a mixing bowl every single day, haha! Glad I’m not the only one:) But I don’t try and deny my sweet tooth- I have a premium large ice cream bar every day for snack- highlight of my afternoon:) I figure it’s calcium:)
Lauren Harris-Pincus says
I love this! I’m a breakfast devotee, so not a problem there. My computer keyboard has definitely suffered a similar fate. I’ve been known to lean over my counter as I inhale my salad from the mixing bowl. And if I reach my hand into a bag without a plate and predetermined portion, I’m in trouble.
Thankfully, I love most foods and am not picky. I prefer salads/veggies/protein to carby meals because I feel better when I eat that way. (At least that’s what I’ve told myself , lol)
Breanna Dale says
I am a dietitian as well and a mommy. I literally feel like I wrote the last part of this post from late night snacking down to the bottom! haha
Liz says
Since you like roasted broccoli and brussel sprouts, I highly recommend roasted radishes. I literally described them as a cross between broccoli and Brussel sprouts when roasted!
Sally says
I have heard that roasted radishes are good but have never tried them–thanks for the reminder, and I even have radishes in the fridge right now.