Earlier this week, a co-worker was going on (and on, and on) about how he sees food as fuel and doesn't really care that much about eating. For a second, I thought, "wow, wouldn't that be nice," but then I thought how sad it really would be.
Food as fuel, if you're taking it literally, means it doesn't matter what you eat as long as it sustains your energy and is relatively nutritious. Enjoying fixing and eating a nice meal would go out the window. The satisfaction I feel when I find a really terrific restaurant where the cook put some thought and care into food preparation -- gone.
I love food and want to enjoy it. Though I've spent a lot of time dieting, one good thing it did for me was to break me out of my food ruts. I found a lot of great new recipes in my healthy food cookbooks, and I finally learned to love vegetables. It's been a revelation to me. But I found these new things because of my love of food, not despite it.
It is sad, if he means it! I believe in fueling myself with healthy foods, but I also enjoy food, like you! Sounds like you have a coworker who loves to talk ;)
ReplyDelete- kilax
Loved it so much I quoted you on my blog http://thin-enough.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteKatie xx
Totally in agreement - I love food and love flavors and sensations and discovering creative ways to combine ingredients to make something yummy. Food prepared with love and care is sustaining for more than just fueling the body.
ReplyDeleteFood is fuel but really fuel to be enjoyed, savored, explored and experienced. Not just for energy's sake. It is interesting how other's perspectives help to shape our own.
ReplyDeleteSharon
LOVE THIS.
ReplyDeletefor me food as fuel DID Kinda start out as eating ONLY for wtloss.
but now? I find I TOTALLY ADORE my food as fuel.
it is still satiating and indulges my senses etc----while at the same time fueling my bodily needs and wants.
MizFit
saw the JM quote above ;)
ReplyDeletestop by if youre in my virtual 'hood today!
Id love your insights.
This is a good sentiment. As an emotional eater, I've had to find a good balance between using food as fuel rather than therapy, but also learning to truly enjoy the things I eat. Learning to cook and bake, and trying all kinds of new recipes has really helped this.
ReplyDeleteI know not everyone has this balance, but I do know there are people, like your co-worker who get no enjoyment from eating, and that really is sad.