I know you like to grub, and I know you're not a health-nut. You probably don't monitor how much salt you poor onto your food but might use sugar substitute, even though it's four bags in a 16 ounce cup of coffee.

In today's column I won't try to alter your center of gravity by asking you to become a vegan, or even put you on a detox diet. I will ask you, however, to consider something better. What's better on the menu, in the chip aisle, and in fast food land.

Why do I want this for you?

So that you won't go comatose and spend the whole day vegging in front of the television. So you'll feel better. So you won't feel the need to sit in the car while you order dinner. You'll have the extra energy to walk 25 yards into a grocery store.

It's Saturday and you're out with your sweetie for breakfast before a day full of errands. You look at the menu and spot pancakes, omelets, biscuits and gravy. What's better? If you were to pick for flavor, would you say biscuits and gravy? You might. Were you to pick for health, that's obvious, veggie omelet of course.

This one's a little more difficult. Biscuits and gravy or a Chorizo Italian sausage omelet? I would have to go with the sausage omelet. I know the former might taste so good sliding down, but how do you feel afterward? Sleepy! No doubt.

Now that you've chosen the sausage omelet the next object is to pick one, not two sides. Do you want hash browns or toast? You can't have both and expect to get out of there ready to tear through your errands.

How about a hamburger and fries? I love a hamburger as much as anybody but won't order the whole deal if I want to get through the rest of the day feeling inspired. The other day I was racing at a 5k in Marysville and didn't know where to go for breakfast. We stopped at a local spot and tried their seafood omelet. Thank god my husband found a hair in his because I was having a hard time choking mine down. We left with our meal taken off the bill but still hungry.

Traveling south, my husband opted for a protein bar we had packed, while he drove through a hamburger stand for me. I tried a cheeseburger, no fries, no sauce. My husband proceeded to say in the middle of my burger, "I can't believe you, of all people eat like that!" I defensively replied that I don't feel bad after I eat it. I feel satisfied (which is the truth).

Other times I will want the fries so I opt for the no-bun route. It's a little greasy but better than both the bun and fries. And I order a salad!

Here's another one that will sound a little like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally. At one of our local breweries I order the Ahi Tuna Wrap that comes with a small side of coleslaw and fries. I order the wrap with no wrap, extra coleslaw AND a side of fries. My point is that I don't go home in a vegetative state. I've eaten protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.

How about when the pizza craving hits? I have to admit this doesn't happen to me anymore so I have to guess at what might satisfy your craving. My husband really likes my grilled cheese in olive oil with organic tomato soup. Might that satisfy your cheesy, tomato sauce craving? Or, you say you don't crave it either? You just get home and there's nothing in the cupboard. Well, that's easy. Stock up with ten cans of tomato soup in the cabinet, a few loaves of bread in the freezer, and some cheese.

We have more options than excuses. But for some reason I hear more of the latter. I know there are even times that there is a health food store right across the street from your favorite drive-through. If you really want to lose weight and feel better open your eyes and mind. There is something better waiting for you.

Annette Herrick is a certified physical trainer who can be reached at annette@fitnessforvitality.com