Food Frenzy

I feel that there is confusion in the air.  Everything that I thought was right is now wrong.  I am not talking moral, religious or political issues; these topics can bring spirited banter amongst the best of orators who defend their side, which causes great excitement and at times enlightenment (and there really is no right or wrong).  Rather, my puzzlement comes in the perplexing inquiry of what are the fitting foods to healthily fill my family.  Does one rely on knowledge of the historical four basic food groups? Or do you go with the new fangled food pyramid (who messes with something that we have seen all our lives and is visibly printed on Wonder Bread wrappers – is there no truth in advertising? In some peoples minds “they” justified the update as “thinking of the pyramid as a dowdy old lady who never got a new wardrobe”…maybe I like my old comfy clothes – at least they fit!).  Do you heed Martha’s advice, less anything to do with stocks and bonds, to fulfill epicurean fantasies presented perfectly? No one seems to have the correct answer and when in doubt assume if you are enjoying your meal (or snack) immensely there is probably something “evil” about it, proven in some survey (funded by a biased third party), and therefore, you shouldn’t be eating it at all. 

Carbohydrates are no longer our friends, white sugar (you know, the good kind that goes into cookies, cakes and candy) had better stand out of the way and fats (the bad kind – which until recently I hadn’t embraced the knowledge) have had an awful rap for several years.  I remember when my mom wanted to go on a diet she started eating cottage cheese and celery stalks.  Those were easier, simpler times.  Now, if a person is so inclined to drop some well-earned poundage, you’ll need a PhD to figure out what is the current “en vogue” route to pursue. 

One could scan the best selling book list and check out which diet de’Jour is in the top ten that particular week; turn on your favorite talk show host and see a) how their personal trainer and chef helped them, b) listen to their guest discuss how their weight melted off (probably helped along by a trendy new medical procedure), c) run out (which is good for burning a few calories) to purchase the book that the author who is being interviewed says you cannot live without; or, and I know this is going to be pure enlightenment, figure it out what works best for you. 

I know some folks need a “kick start” when it comes to shedding unwanted weight and moral support to stick with a program.  It is not easy to part with your attached sidekick that has been with you for so long.  If you look at it in terms of losing a ten-pound bag of potatoes, or a 3-pound can of lard it makes it disgusting, thus, desirable. 

Cutting back on the good eats, as to not feel deprived and go bingeing to make up for missing bon-bon’s, put in some worthwhile, regular exercise (what a concept, get that heart pumping – but always check with your doctor first), you will probably start seeing results.  This method looks at the long run and can be adapted to your everyday life.  And what better motivation to continue than when those pants feel a little baggy? What ecstasy to go shopping for a smaller size!

I know taking the simple, proven approach of making a life change may not be for everyone.  People will continue to try to make a living selling diet books and desperate, trendy folk will buy them.  Stick to your guns, do what works for you and know that sometimes all that you might lose is some extra cash. 

Cynthia A. McClelland, curious observer of the obvious with interpretations of the oddities of daily life.  Mother, wife and lover of the furry, resides in the north Lake Tahoe area. 

Cynthia A. McClelland © 2003-