Down with HFCS!

[Strangler Lewis]

Originally Posted by €uroMeinke

As an unashamed hedonist, I take pleasure in food and have the waistline to show for it. I wish it were otherwise and fantasize of trips to Paris, where I could eat whatever I wanted, food most delicious leaving me satisfied, smiling and – unbelievable but true – lighter. Fresh ingredients, small portions packed with flavor, I don’t know why but if I could eat like a Parisian I would be most happy and probably healthy.

Sadly, I hear the French are succumbing to our American ways – more processed foods and convenience foods are increasing the size of the average Frenchman.

I think what frustrates me most is the food I eat without pleasure, the fast food lunches I take because I can just drive-thru. I hate the psychology at play where ordering a “small” makes me think I’ll be less satisfied with my meal. Today my lunch dilemma sent me to Quiznos – where I ordered a “regular” sandwich with a Rosemary bread that sounded at least some flavored compensation for the bland meal I would have.

Bread shall be my downfall –oh for the hard crust of a genuine baguette, or the delicate flakey-crispiness of an actual croissant – I haven memories of such foods that trick me into trying yet another ersatzes doughy chew – I would love to eat better, pull my meal fresh from the morning market, or as a little aside in my café lunch – but the Spartaness of steamed veggies returns food to simple fuel.

But I still think back to Paris, where food can be a rarely disappointing pleasure and I have to think that perhaps this should be the next focus of my hedonism – to tease the pleasure of eating back into my mouth and combat the laziness of convenience that tricks me into believing I am fulfilled when really I am settling.

It’s time for a revolution.

As an unashamed narcissist . . .

You do steamed veggies a disservice because, as you rightly recognize, meals are what you bring to them. I was only half joking with my earlier tea ceremony remark. If you take pleasure in drizzling the olive oil and balsamic, in slicing the lemon, in pinching the oregano and thyme and salt or lightly dusting the cumin and turmeric, you'll be in a good place.

I note that the "French Women Don't Get Fat" lady promotes compromise and how you can't have every indulgence you might want with every meal. She also promotes walking, which none of us do enough of in our day to day. And, though she doesn't mention it, she probably chains Gitanes.

[CoasterMatt]

Originally Posted by BarTopDancer

MousePod shared this lovely link - Galco's Soda Pop Stop

I've been talkin' bout Galco's for YEARS- it's down the street from the house I grew up in, and I used to take Rose there when we were first eating, for real Coca Cola and damn yummy sandwiches.

[Not Afraid]

Originally Posted by BarTopDancer

Changing behaviors is not like turning on a switch. It is a constant and consistent effort that requires practice and can result in having to practice many times before the change is perfected.

When trying to change a behavior related to things that bring comfort (whether food, smoking or alcohol) the person involved needs to do what works for them. If the behavior can be changed quickly with minimal struggle and set-backs then great. If it takes a lot of perseverance and results in set-backs is that person less of a success? No. They will just take longer to get to where they need to be. It's an individual journey made by an individual. There is no "one size fits all" scenario.

Actually, it is more like turning on a switch, but one that you turn to the "on" position many times. It usually does get easier but it is rarely, if ever perfected. It takes daily manipulation of said switch.

As far as a person doing what works for them, I agree - if it happens to work. Most of the time I see people "doing what works for them" which translates into "making excuses for not making changes". I think everyone want the road to change to be soft and easy. It's not. It's abrupt and difficult and takes daily manipulation of the switch.

We all seem to want an easier, softer way with lots of pats on the back and acknowledgment from others. Too bad. You take control of the problem and deal with it head on and you'll get results. Otherwise, you're just going to convince yourself that "you're making progress" when, in actuality, nothing much has changed (but you may fool your friends for a while with all of the talk.)

I know I'm hard ass about this, but I take change seriously. Quitting drinking, using drugs, over eating, smoking, any bad behavior - these are all serious health issues that don't need a "feel good" solution. They need immediate change applied now rather than later. And, it is up to an individual to take action (and by action I don't mean just talking about it.)

[Gemini Cricket]

Hey, I thought of a new saying: "You have the face for a discussion board."





Oh, wait...

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I am glad that you explained that, because the "turn on the switch" metaphor concerned me, as though it was super-easy to just, one day, stop. I believe - and I think both of you (NA and BTD) do as well - that everything is a decision, and every day a new decision requiring you to make that same good choice you did the day before. But when it comes to it, I will always know and say that I am fighting this fight; like any other addict, I will never be able to say "I was a food addict," only that I am in the process of recovering.

[Not Afraid]

A switch has 2 positions..on or off. You're either sober or not. You're either listening to your "feelings" or your not. You're either eating right or your not. It's a switch. But certainly not one that only gets manipulated once.

[mousepod]

I know I should be jumping in with my feelings about diet, obesity, and healthy living... but instead I will share that I just came back from my local Costco, and they're selling Mexican Coke.

[BarTopDancer]

Damn you MP! DAMN YOU! Costco I shake my fist at you! SHAAAAKKKKKEEEEE!!!!!!!

One doesn't need to drink alcohol to live. But one needs to eat food to live. So the difference is learning to eat to live, and not live to eat.

[lashbear]

Originally Posted by Morrigoon

The other side of the coin is the consumer having the wherewithal to stop at that point.

Where can I buy one of these "wherewithal's" and do they come in pink?

[Morrigoon]

Sorry Lashie, there isn't a big enough market for custom colors. Just the standard black, white, red, and silver.