Timety time time time
Self is guilty so take no ranting as being directed anywhere but here first.
I read an article today about how if we ate like the French, we'd not be so obese as a nation. The article was actually a reaction to another that stated such. In the one I read first hand, the author basically poo-poo'd the idea, saying that we in our busy society have no time to sit down and enjoy a meal, let alone prepare one from either scratch or close.
As I started my condemnatory round of thoughts, I had to acknowledge how often I plead inconvenience, lack of time, etc. And then go mind-numb ahead watching a game or Law & Order, etc again as my arse continues to grow and I continue to loathe my body.
I know part of the reason I eschew time intensive meals is that I am eating alone and a lot of time and effort seem only to create a lot more cleanup. But is this really so? Yes and no, I think. Yes for obvious reasons in that I am the sole prep, consumer, and cleaner in the home. Not really because I think I am 'saving' time that I am not spending well.
Let's examine my experience eating veganly. I like being closer to my food, eating less junk, eating veggies and even fruit (!). I think it is a good thing and if I allow myself, I do become more mindful of how we were intended to live. My body feels more energy. I like the shopping experience of picking out items with recognizable ingredients and also having a colorful plate of food. I learned last summer that I can eat a beet and not curl up and heave. I learned last fall that celeriac is totally rock awesome to the max. I learned last week that potato soup is so utterly easy I have no reason not to boil myself some up. I could go on and on.
My point is that in this world where I claim such demands on my time, I am deceiving myself. Certainly when school is in session and I'm up north a few nights a week, I have less free time. Certainly there are days when I get home and am tired, not wanting to be in the kitchen. However, with better foresight I could indeed make more beneficial choices and improve my quality of life, my health, and my culinary abilities. It's about minimizing the junk and maximizing the life.
So would I not be obese if I ate as the French do, meaning smaller portions, slower foods, and being intentional? Likely. But I know for certain that I will not be obese in the future if I continue to give myself the honor of taking care of my body, mind, and spirit as I should and as I am learning to do. It's not my nationality, it's my behavior. It's not my scheduling, it's my prioritizing. It would be simple to blame my schedule, my obligations, my insert whatever here, but that would not reduce the weight.
My transformation from slob to healthy will occur gradually as I continue to act and behave as if it's the least I can do for myself. Period. Healthy foods, quality exercise, better sleep patterns, etc. begin with my attitude. If I believe I am worth it, I'll work for it. If I believe I am a waste, I'll continue to waste. It's up to me.
It's a curious thing, this not hating myself constantly. Whooda thunk.
I read an article today about how if we ate like the French, we'd not be so obese as a nation. The article was actually a reaction to another that stated such. In the one I read first hand, the author basically poo-poo'd the idea, saying that we in our busy society have no time to sit down and enjoy a meal, let alone prepare one from either scratch or close.
As I started my condemnatory round of thoughts, I had to acknowledge how often I plead inconvenience, lack of time, etc. And then go mind-numb ahead watching a game or Law & Order, etc again as my arse continues to grow and I continue to loathe my body.
I know part of the reason I eschew time intensive meals is that I am eating alone and a lot of time and effort seem only to create a lot more cleanup. But is this really so? Yes and no, I think. Yes for obvious reasons in that I am the sole prep, consumer, and cleaner in the home. Not really because I think I am 'saving' time that I am not spending well.
Let's examine my experience eating veganly. I like being closer to my food, eating less junk, eating veggies and even fruit (!). I think it is a good thing and if I allow myself, I do become more mindful of how we were intended to live. My body feels more energy. I like the shopping experience of picking out items with recognizable ingredients and also having a colorful plate of food. I learned last summer that I can eat a beet and not curl up and heave. I learned last fall that celeriac is totally rock awesome to the max. I learned last week that potato soup is so utterly easy I have no reason not to boil myself some up. I could go on and on.
My point is that in this world where I claim such demands on my time, I am deceiving myself. Certainly when school is in session and I'm up north a few nights a week, I have less free time. Certainly there are days when I get home and am tired, not wanting to be in the kitchen. However, with better foresight I could indeed make more beneficial choices and improve my quality of life, my health, and my culinary abilities. It's about minimizing the junk and maximizing the life.
So would I not be obese if I ate as the French do, meaning smaller portions, slower foods, and being intentional? Likely. But I know for certain that I will not be obese in the future if I continue to give myself the honor of taking care of my body, mind, and spirit as I should and as I am learning to do. It's not my nationality, it's my behavior. It's not my scheduling, it's my prioritizing. It would be simple to blame my schedule, my obligations, my insert whatever here, but that would not reduce the weight.
My transformation from slob to healthy will occur gradually as I continue to act and behave as if it's the least I can do for myself. Period. Healthy foods, quality exercise, better sleep patterns, etc. begin with my attitude. If I believe I am worth it, I'll work for it. If I believe I am a waste, I'll continue to waste. It's up to me.
It's a curious thing, this not hating myself constantly. Whooda thunk.
posted by chickie at 4:09 PM
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