Cronuts and Food FOMO

I went to NYC this past month with one of my girlfriends.  While planning the trip, we each asked if there was something we couldn’t miss while we were there.  She said a show. I said a cronut.

If you’re not familiar with the glory that is the cronut, let me explain!  It’s the creation of famed pastry chef Dominique Ansel….part donut, part croissant, filled with pastry cream and the flavor of the month.  Pure heaven!

So why am I, as a nutrition coach, talking about pastries?!  Because I want to explain when Food FOMO (fear of missing out) is real and when you should ride out the urge.  

Yes, traveling across the country to a famous bakery to eat the signature creation of a renowned chef is clearly a good reason to enjoy all the junky-goodness without feeling guilt...true Food FOMO is expected!  But the boundaries get a little more blurry when we’re close to home. Often we blame eating out as a reason to overeat or overindulge….regardless if that restaurant is an award-winning establishment or just the local taqueria.

If you are eating at a restaurant that is close to your home and within your budget, you can eat that food again whenever you want.  You don’t need to eat it all at that meal!  There is no FOMO here.

Also, just because a food is free, does not make it memorable or worthy of indulgence either. (Think business conferences, grocery store samples, birthday parties, office catering, etc)

If you’re trying to lose weight or be healthier, be discriminate about your eating.  Hold it to high standards! If this is a 20% food (not a whole food that should make up approx 80% of your diet), then ask yourself 3 simple questions:

1. Am I hungry?

2. Is it worth it?

3. Will I be able to get this food again if I abstain?

Then use your best judgment!  If it's worth taking a smidge longer to get to your goal, go for it!  There is no right or wrong answer, there is only the answer that brings you true happiness.  As for me, you bet your ass I was happy to eat thatcronut!