I have struggled with my weight since third grade; I grew up obese, slimmed down in college, gained the weight back… but now live in a healthy, sustainable weight range for my body. My life is happily full of fruits, vegetables, and exercise, things I didn’t like as much growing up. As a dietitian, my weight struggle is sometimes embarrassing to admit, although the truth is, it makes me a better dietitian.

Instead of obsessing about calories, I try to maintain a positive attitude and think of my daily food as a budget. Think of how you spend your money every month and let that be your guide. Fruit, vegetables, and lean protein are my basic needs to live – just like my mortgage, utilities, and groceries. These make up the majority of my budget and I need them every day! Grains and dairy are like my car and cell phone; although these are important, I can’t spend as much on them. Everything else falls into the entertainment fund; for instance, dessert or a cocktail is a new pair of heels or a pedicure for which I may (or may not have) budgeted!  If I think about food this way, because I need food to live, I can splurge once in a while and still stay on budget without obsessing.