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Over the years, I tried lots of things to appear “cool” to the outside world. Like attempting, in vain, to adopt Farrah Fawcett’s famous hairstyle while in elementary school. Getting everything monogrammed during the preppy craze of the 1980’s. Drinking my weight in beer on various dance floors, and paddling a canoe in Class Five rapids when I couldn’t swim. Funniest of all was the summer of spray tanning in 2005, when my skin turned an odd shade of burnt orange.
But now, I proudly admit to being a nerd...a blogging nerd, that it. In the past year since I started this blog, ideas for posts come flying in constantly…when I’m in the shower, working out, driving my car, suggestions from my friends and followers, etc. - you get the picture. I also really enjoy following other interesting bloggers. Today one of them, www.missymaintains.com, wrote a post that really resonated with me. A certified holistic health coach, Missy has struggled with being overweight and then too thin in the past. In her post, she decided to officially “own” a few things, like enjoying a daily drink and a dessert.
With so many people beating themselves up for not eating only whole grain, grass-fed, sugar free, low calorie and unprocessed choices 24/7, I thought it was a refreshing and honest change. Made me start to think about how having a designated day of eating whatever I want once a week has helped maintain my long-term weight loss.
So here are my culinary pleasures. I love eating the Pad Thai and an occasional piece of Carrot Cake at Café Sunflower in Atlanta. Tortilla chips in Mexican restaurants with fresh guacamole makes my heart sing (as long as I don’t try to conquer three baskets). Homemade sweet potato fries baked in olive oil are delightful, as is a serving of warm flatbread with spicy hummus.
I admit that this list is different than it would have been 20 years ago. Back then, my daily three to four servings of vending machine chocolate and curly fries habit meant it took something over-the-top...perhaps a quart of mac & cheese or third of a cheesecake...to qualify as a special treat. Alas, I'm not even exaggerating.
What are your favorite culinary pleasures? Does "allowing" them - daily, weekly, monthly, or on special occasions - help you maintain a healthy lifestyle the rest of the time?
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I'm a big believer in enjoying things in moderation. If I completely cut out all the things I love (SUSHI, Mexican food, Dessert, wine), I end up feeling so deprived that I eventually give up and eat even worse than I would have in the first place! So I allow myself to have these things on occasion, just to get my fix so I can jump right back on the wagon. I think if we can eat really well 90% of the time, we can splurge a little for the other 10%. I totally agree with you that my splurges are completely different than they used to be, before I was educated on nutrition and fitness. Now I reserve my "cheats" for the things that are really worth it, and I don't waste them on things that are only going to harm me or make me feel worse! I think a lot of people think eating healthy means taking out all the pleasure and taste, but that's just not true. Since I cut out all the tasteless fat-free junk in my diet and using real butters, oils, etc. I'm so much more satisfied and end up eating less. There's less reason to splurge if you really enjoy your day-to-day diet!
Great post! I am so happy you will treat yourself to the things you love every now and then. Who doesn't love chips and creamy guacamole?? Thanks for this post!
What a great post idea! I may borrow it if the day ever comes that I am allowing myself planned culinary pleasures:) Right now, I am battling overeating when I get something off plan so am thinking I need to walk the straight and narrow for a while longer.
BTW - I remember those preppy days!
I'm with you....... not just the trying to be cool and failing horribly! a little of what you like is good for you..... not sure chocolate covered bacon (yummy) is in that list, but nether the less a great burger, a glass of good sauvignon blanc and a slice of key lime pie never hurts......... there is always the gym and a saintly approach to living the day after
Eating in moderation is the key !!! But my best friend Viv who is in the baking business, her cakes are to die for !! and I have to indulge in a whole slice of her, carrot cake, coconut cake not to mention her secret icing she puts on these cakes, YUMMO !! moderation is not with me whenI eat these slices. But like Justin says, there is always the gym to make up for these indulgences.
Pizza..pizza...pizza. I allow myself food like pizza in moderation so I don't feel like I'm depriving myself of the good stuff while still maintaining my goal of healthy eating. Oh, and an occasional beer or two or a couple glasses of red. Ah pizza and beer. Ok, the work day is over and I'm outta here for some pizza and beer. Darnit Shira.
Thanks for all of the great comments, ya'll! Have to admit that I picked up a takeout order of the pad thai mentioned above for a late lunch today - writing the list of culinary pleasures made me hungry!
Classic cheesecake from Cafe Latte. Ice cream from Grand Ole Creamery. Bacon cheeseburger or reuben from a couple of different places. Yum.
I have to agree with my best friend Faye Miller---moderation is the key to everything. I don't deprive myself of anything I just don't eat the amount I would like too!!!!!!!!!!!!! I never gain over 5 pounds because more than that is too too hard to loose. The secret is excercise! exercise!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love the reference to the monogram sweaters --- I was just reflecting on that era with a friend 2 days ago!
yes, nothing is off limits....