Walk-through

I hate to state the obvious. But man, we as a society are lazy. L-a-z-y.

I needed a quick lunch today, so I was going to go across the street to Chick-Fil-A for a salad after running a few errands. I could barely squeeze into the parking lot because all the cars in the drive-through line were blocking the way to the spaces. I was perfectly content to park and walk into the restaurant, but it was impossible.

I was frustrated and impatient. Can’t these people just get out of their cars and walk, for goodness’ sake? Lazy, lazy, lazy!

There was a time when I would only pick places to eat if they had a drive-through. After all, those drive-throughs provided the portals to my favorite binge foods. You would’ve had to kill me before I’d walk in and order.

Part of the reason was that I was embarrassed. Much like I did at the grocery store, I’d make excuses for my overeating when driving through fast food establishments. Sometimes I’d order an extra drink to make the server think the food I was ordering was for two. Other times, I’d pretend I was on the phone and ask the “person” on the other end of the line if he wanted sauce. Whatever it took to hide my secrets.

I’m not saying I never use a drive-through anymore. Trust me. But it’s little things like today that make me realize how I’ve changed.

The errands I was running during lunch, by the way, were for preparation purposes. I am heading to the Ronald for my monthly weekend today. And after last time, I learned that I can never go there unprepared. So I bought a few things to allow for healthier choices if none are available. Plus, I called ahead and made sure the house was hash brown casserole-free.

I had a good weigh-in this week. I got rid of 3.2 pounds—a much better feeling after last week’s gain.

I hope you all have a great weekend. And as a challenge, maybe just once in the next few days, if you have to stop and pick up a quick dinner or lunch, forgo the drive-through and walk into the restaurant. I bet you’ll have a much shorter line.

P.S. Children's is one of 10 finalists for the Post Grant for Good Health, which is designed to improve the health of communities across America. The finalist with the most votes will win $25,000, so be sure to vote for Children's “Fit and Healthy Families Project.”

You can vote once a day until July 12. Vote now for our Fit and Healthy Families Project.

Be ready. I will be bugging y'all about this every day.