This past weekend, my mother was admitted into the hospital because she collapsed at a baby shower due to having a seizure. After administering several tests, it was determined that the cause of her seizure was dehydration due to an improper diet. Basically, my mom does not eat properly. She either does not eat a complete meal, or doesn’t eat a meal at all.

Besides finding it ironic that my mom does not eat well after telling me to do just that for the last 33 years, I find it strange that she has developed these eating habits. All of my life, my mother has cooked me meals that were fit for a king. From shrimp marinara, to London broil, to the best southern fried chicken on the planet, it’s a wonder I am not shopping for clothes at big and tall stores.

Upon learning of my mother’s eating habits, I began to look at my own, and discovered that although I do finish each meal, my choices of food are not exactly the best ones. Truth be told, most of my meals are either fast food, take-out, leftovers, or, like my mom, nothing at all. Occasionally, I will eat a good meal such as sushi, a good steak, or a complete breakfast. But now that I have seen my mom in the emergency room, I plan to re-evaluate my meal choices, and I think that everyone else should as well.

If you made a list of everything that you ate in one week, what do you think would be on that list? Are you someone who is health conscious, only eating foods that are good for you, or do you find yourself frequenting the drive-thru window? Do you sit down after work for a hearty meal, or do you shovel food in your face as you drive? Do you count calories, or consume far too many of them? If your eating habits constitute the latter of those three questions, might I suggest that it’s time for a change.

The nutritionist who counseled my mother in the hospital gave her this advice, which I will also take, and share with you as well. Instead of the stereotypical three meals a day, try having six “mini-meals,” which include meal bars, fruit, Ensure, and microwavable soups, and end the day with a full dinner. In your knapsack or purse, keep something that you can eat if you start to feel weak or in need of food. You don’t necessarily have to take my advice, but whatever you do, make sure you eat.

My mother told me in the emergency room that she was mortified that she nearly fainted in front of everyone at the baby shower. I wonder how she’ll feel when she reads this column.