Philosophy of Food

So, word on the street is that Ms. Oprah has embraced veganism. While I’m not interested in becoming a vegan, or even returning to vegetarianism, I appreciate that she is becoming more conscious of what she eats.

I didn’t see the program, but I have a good idea of its contents after reading Oh She Glows and Healthy Tipping Point and the reader comments. I found myself commenting like crazy in response to some of the readers, which prompted me to write my own entry! Before beginning a debate on someone else’s blog space, I wanted to share with you my thoughts on food.

First, a disclaimer of sorts:
Please note that I don’t have all the answers. I’m simply a curious eater…I want to understand where my food is coming from, and as a result, I’ve devoured several resources on the topic (and had many conversations with friends who have also read on the topic). Knowledge is power – I encourage you to read up on the subject and form your own opinions!

Food is so important. Food is energy, food is life – we need it to keep going each day. My relationship with food has been tumultuous, but is getting better.

Growing up, I ate what mama cooked. Who wouldn’t? Food that met her approval and crossed my plate seemed fine by me. I never questioned it.

As I got older, I started to become more independent, and missed several family dinners. I’d eat whatever and not really think about it.

Then middle school/high school hit. Friends and classmates started becoming obsessed with the way they looked, especially toward school dance time. I usually shrugged it off, not too concerned with the way I looked. Toward the end of middle school, I stopped playing sports (you actually had to be chosen for a team at this point…guess who found out she was awful at team sports??) and started to gain weight.

It wasn’t noticeable at first, until we moved (10 hours away!) and I started eating more as a comfort (I now realize). Then the pounds started packing.

I didn’t go nuts with dieting once I realized my weight gain, but I did cut back on a lot of the sweets. It was really hard at first…you get so used to eating some things. There was one point in 11th grade when I cut my calories under 1,000 each day and dropped 25 pounds in three months. Not overly unhealthy (I speculate), but add the fact that I also worked out each day…probably not the best idea. Oops. I didn’t last too long, and got me kick-started on eating healthy.

Then college hit. I didn’t gain the freshman 15, it was more like the junior 25. eek! Clothes didn’t fit, I was super tired, I hit a wall. I knew something needed to change.

I’m not obsessed with my weight now…it’s more “how does this skirt/dress fit” and “am I feeling energized or fatigued?”