Ironically, or perhaps predictably given my husband’s predilection for food, I am looking at food only as a fuel source these days. I had an excellent chance to experiment with this recently, when I stayed in a dorm while attending a residency program.
The kitchen there was basic; fridge, sink, microwave, kettle and toaster. They supplied cutlery and plates etc but no food. We were quite busy during the residency and I wanted to make sure to eat right, so I shopped for quick, nutritious, no-stove meals. For two weeks I ate simply, and only for hunger. I didn’t have time, or the inclination, to eat junk food. I often studied while eating, which made me eat very slowly because I was distracted. Looks the same but is the polar opposite to mindlessly shoveling mountains of garbage in your mouth while reading.
So I ate well, lightly, regularly and slowly. Also drank lots of water. No big surprise, I felt great. Lost 10 pounds in two weeks with no sense of loss or denial. I ate, in order of volume: fruit, vegetables, chicken, yogurt, cheese and eggs.
Now that my body's had a chance to reset itself, candy upsets my stomach, also eating quickly or irregularly. I am aware how much some foods bloat me. I react strongly—my belly looks five months pregnant—and it takes days to resettle my stomach. I've also noticed the effect of certain food combinations; I digest cheese better when I eat it with fruit, for example.
It's cool to know all this and to know that I can feel great, lose fat and get healthier. Because I hate fussiness it won't become a religion. I don’t want prescribed rules about the only contexts in which I can be happy.
I feel no sense of loss or denial; just the opposite in fact. Eating a less varied diet actually helps me appreciate the foods I do eat. I get tons of pleasure from a snack of cheese and a white peach—as much or more than from a fancy meal—partly because it's easier to home in on flavours and textures when there are only two ingredients.
So this blog will continue to focus on simple deliciousness, while also looking at the realities of what we eat and why. I'll give you more info on what started this look at my diet (it was a book I read, also current trends in eating and shopping).
See you on the healthy side!
I feel no sense of loss or denial; just the opposite in fact. Eating a less varied diet actually helps me appreciate the foods I do eat. I get tons of pleasure from a snack of cheese and a white peach—as much or more than from a fancy meal—partly because it's easier to home in on flavours and textures when there are only two ingredients.
So this blog will continue to focus on simple deliciousness, while also looking at the realities of what we eat and why. I'll give you more info on what started this look at my diet (it was a book I read, also current trends in eating and shopping).
See you on the healthy side!