Food Groupies = Foodies

Everyone is now a foodie or not a foodie. Thanks to my boyfriend, I have learned to loathe eating. I eat to survive, I don't live to eat. For some reason we have become a world wide culture that bonds on eating. Nothing wrong with that, food is great, I love all types. I'm also not saying everyone must be a fitness maniac, because there is a fitness wave of fitness crazed people rocking the world, not to mention adrenalin junkies growing, X-treme outdoor sports and of course all these runner running the "warrior dashes", the "spartan races", "tough mudders" etc. You're either in or not. I'm not saying we must all be stick thin like runway models or Kate Moss. I'm calling for an awareness to what we put in out bodies, a growing culture revolving around food, and food activities. I recently read this rather lengthy article about obesity. Obesity, or being heavier has risen not only in the USA but all around the world... EVERYONE is fatter. Genetics? Monsanto? Lifestyle? take your pick. Obesity is as subjective as the psychology of a 16 year old!

Here we are wondering which restaurant to eat at next, what's the must haves at which place. Imagine 1- how many people do not have that luxury 2- do you really need that luxury? Yes, in a way you are helping the economy out, however are you helping your own bank balance? We're all career oriented people, and cooking comes as easy to us as breathing... not really. Cooking is as easy as finishing your summer reading list. With all the distractions, career, family, friends, etc. It's tough to get basic chores done, not use the credit card, not eat out at least 2-3 times a week and not veg out on the couch for an evening. It happens, its the luxury of our busy lifestyles. Watch the show, cause reading the book is so laborious; get take out instead of cooking that elaborate meal for one. How many of us situate ourselves in a major city, because of the diversity... the diversity of food!? Many. I have less options in Suburban/ Rural Ohio, than my counterparts in Cleveland, Chicago or New York. Way less options, but I still have 2 places for sushi, a couple of burger and wings places, an Italian place or three! At least 2-3 breakfast places, 2 cafes, bars galore (warning: they are a bit hillbilly), and I kid you not, but some of the most amazing steak joints are this side of town. Sadly though I do not review these wonderful eateries, but instead I am amazed at my own cooking skills.

I marvel at how I can cook a dinner for 4, for less than the amount I spend when out for a dinner for two. And yes I cook better than most places, also i am more aware and mindful of the ingredients I use, right down to the salt. Do read that article on obesity I posted: The Obesity Era: As the American people got fatter, so did marmosets, vervet monkeys and mice. The problem may be bigger than any of us By David Berreby. It's amazing what not only food, our genetics, environment etc. is doing to our bodies. The most we can do to control it, is control what we put in, how much, and how much output/ energy we burn. Yoga is a great way to keep organs healthy, as healthy you can get them, and eating right! A lot of people can't/won't try or put forth the effort, so at least be aware, and conscious of this.

Suddenly in your 50s you realize you have fat around your organs, fat cells in your liver, (you don't have to be fat outside)... just don't let it get to that! It's almost like being a smoker, or a drinker. You know it's bad for you, but you keep doing it. Obesity, eating, health, is being studied in a major way today, especially since its weighing down on the health care system here and everywhere, pun intended. Is it that hard to be aware, and start doing something about OUR OWN bodies now?

I'm in my early thirties and I realize some damage has definitely been done already, but its not too late for me. I can fix pre-existing conditions, the internet has most of the information I need. I want the bacon, I can eat the bacon, but does my body need it? How will it affect my body? Does it all come down to discipline? Are we the most lax of all generations when it comes to discipline?

Just some things to think about...


Breathe!

Too busy too cook/ read/ work out/ yoga? Meditate = take some time for yourself and do what's good for you, your mind, your all round well-being!

START NOW!