Lesa Turnquist | Copy Co-Editor

I am a personal trainer at the Fitness and Health Center here in Storm Lake, Iowa, and I also work part time at Grand Central, the local Storm Lake coffee shop. It’s actually kind of funny when I see someone at the gym at 5:30 a.m., and five hours later, I’ll see them for their mid-morning latte at the coffee shop.

Eating what you want is a MUST. As a personal trainer, I am big into creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I believe in establishing healthy habits that are sustainable for life, though, not just a few years. As a part of this idea, we have to consider things thought of as “unhealthy” in our lives in which we won’t want to give up completely.

When I first interviewed for a job at Grand Central, health and fitness was a main topic owners Jon and Karen Keenan and I conversed about. Being regular exercisers and health conscious people themselves, we talked about how it is possible for someone to enjoy the things they sell at the coffee shop, yet still lead a healthy lifestyle.

According to E-Imports, 50% of the U.S. population drinks espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, or iced coffees. Grand Central not only offers these types of drinks, but also sandwiches, cookies, and other edible items. I expect people to indulge in these things, as I definitely do; however, there is always the opportunity to make healthier choices and consume in moderation.

In particular at Grand Central, here are some small choices you can make that you might know about to make big differences in your overall diet.

For your drink:
• Ask for skim milk for your latte, creamer, or granita.
• Choose a sugar-free flavoring.
• Order a smaller size.

For your meal:
• Eat half of your sandwich when you order it and eat the other half later.
• Get a cup of soup instead of a bowl.
• Ask for a sandwich that’s available by the half (chicken, egg, or tuna salad sandwich and salad special).
• Order for a split meal with any sandwich when you’re with a friend. They’ll split the sandwich in half and give you each chips and an orange for just a buck.

For your treat:
• Share a cookie with a friend.
• Eat some now and some later. Splitting up what you eat and when you eat it helps maintain metabolism.

I am a firm believer in eating what you want; however, make the healthier choices, and do it moderation. This goes for anything you decide to indulge in, as it will lead to lifestyle changes and not just changes that last a little while.