“Food is nutrition”. That is what I have been telling myself a lot lately, and it is working. It doesn’t always work on the first cookie although it works without fail every time when I say it before reaching for the second cookie. It also works at the coffee shop. We have been taking some, although many fewer than we used, coffee breaks to get a decaf coffee and a walk about. As I gaze at the pastry delights I remind myself that I ate recently, I will eat again, and that food is nutrition.
The thing I haven’t figured out yet though is how far to take that. Most of the things I read are pretty clear that “cheat” days are ok. And that some “cheat” days actually make generally for more success, because all out binges become less likely, and you don’t feel completely deprived. So when we celebrated Elliott’s birthday I selected an entree that was a great pick, and then we ordered dessert. So how dessert fall into, Food is nutrition? If food is nutrition, and chocolate molten cake is food, how do I rectify that? To expand my food is nutrition, this actually came to me after consuming a large unnecessary muffin of some sort, the details are not important. I wasn’t really hungry. I didn’t even feel great after the muffin. But at the moment I wanted it. Dwelling on that decision I wrote in my notebook, Food is nutrition. It feeds my body and my mind. So does chocolate molten cake then really need to be part of my life? I mean ideally I would much rather “celebrate” something with something that is all out good for me, like a sunrise hike, or some time on the bay perhaps in a boat. Why is it we “treat” ourselves with food? And is it possible or necessary to give up or re-wire these “treats” in order to truly understand that Food is nutrition? I don’t know.
What is has led to though is we have given up drinking alcohol. That has been completely non interesting from our own little world of just the two of us because we don’t really drink that often. Although for some reason alcohol seems to be the pinnacle around many social situations. I can’t tell you how many times people have referenced having us over for a drink, or going out for a drink, since we started our hiatus on June 15. Its been uncanny. Most people do not understand giving up drinking. I am not sure we totally do, although we pinky swore on it so we are sticking with it. Here is the thing, most people don’t think alcohol is all that bad for you. In fact there are many studies saying some small amount of red wine and even beer, I think even daily, may be good for you. However, consistently I make bad decisions after drinking. Rather they be eating decisions, dancing on tables decisions, or driving decisions, they are all less than smart. And I don’t feel good the next day. So why do I do that to myself? To facilitate increased social experiences?
So here is my question to myself. How do I merge Food is nutrition with enjoying life and our culture that is built around food and alcohol as a centerpiece for social interaction and celebration? I will let you know what I figure out on my journey to fuel my body, my mind, and beyond!
