Wisdom From a Taco Stand

Today I stopped by one of my favorite neighborhood eateries, Taco Pete’s. I visit this tiny taco stand almost weekly for three reasons:

1) the food is tasty and made fresh while you wait
2) I can walk there from my house
3) I really enjoy chatting with the owner and his two grown children who run the place

Business was slow this afternoon, so I had a chance to talk (through the screened window) for a few minutes longer than usual. True to form, we discussed our two favorite topics including things we all miss about Southern California (they used to own 7 taco stands in LA) and the ups and downs of being small business owners. Today, we all seemed to have a lot to say.

When the food was ready and the conversation was ending, I told my friends about the marathon, the LLS, and solicited a donation while I was at it. Then I half-jokingly mentioned that I would be laying off the tacos as part of my Fit By 40! commitment. Without missing a beat they reminded me that everything on their menu is made fresh to order and if I wanted healthier options, all I needed to do was ask.

Wow. I know I have the option to make healthy food choices every day, but have always felt it was too much hassle for me and the person making the food. (After all, who wants to be known as the dressing-on-the-side-woman?) Today I finally heard that ordering healthy has never been a hassle to anyone but me.

I suppose I perceive a lot of things in my life as hassles (good nutrition, exercise, punctuality, making my bed, etc) certainly not because any of it is bad for me, but because these things diverge from my “normal” habits. When it comes to living a healthier lifestyle, hassles aren’t my issue. The “normal” habits are.

Until next time,
Lisa