We’ve all been there, whether it was decades ago or just this morning. I’m willing to bet you’ve had a version of this conversation, either as a kid or with your own:
YOU: “Ugh, I don’t want that for dinner!”
MUM/DAD: “Okay, so what do you want?”
YOU: “Takeout!”
MUM/DAD: “Nope! We have food at home.”
As parents, we’d never let our kids live on a steady diet of takeaways, chocolate, and sugary treats. So why do we often let ourselves do exactly that?
This familiar conversation teaches us more than just a shared experience; it highlights the vital need to take personal accountability for our food choices. It’s about learning to tell ourselves “no” from time to time, rather than falling back on common excuses like, “I haven’t got time to cook,” “It’s been a tough day,” or “I just don’t fancy that tonight.”
So, the next time you’re facing a food decision, STOP for a moment and ask yourself: What would my parents say? Or, what would I tell my own kids in this situation?Am I suggesting you need to cut out these meals or foods completely? Absolutely not! What I am saying is that these shouldn’t become your default, go-to options. It’s simply about making better choices more consistently. It’s about nurturing yourself with the same care and good judgment you’d offer to someone you deeply care for.