Fresh Start Fitness

One of my failed attempts to lose weight included the denial of the value of food, outside of its caloric value. Here’s what I mean:

When you look back on your childhood, what kind of food do you remember? I remember the way a peanut butter and jelly on white bread tastes, especially after a day of swimming. I think about the first time I ate a BLT (my favorite food) at a restaurant with my family while visiting my great grandma Bertram in Kokomo, Indiana. I remember ‘90s novelty food like purple ketchup and Dunkaroos. I don’t remember their caloric value at all.

Have you ever tried presenting someone with a veggie tray on their birthday, and singing “Happy Birthday” while they blow out a candle sticking out of a carrot stick? Have you tried making “low fat” or “fat free” Christmas cookies? No, because you know that birthdays and Christmas are special days and treats are a way to celebrate.

On a cold winter day, I crave warm meaty stews and mashed potatoes. You can eat that in the summer, too, but it doesn’t feel the same.

On summer days when we are working outside in the yard and make our 50th trip to Lowe’s for more mulch, I crave a Taco Bell drive-through. Because we did it once 20 years ago and now it feels like a regular tradition and it makes me happy.

A large Diet Coke from McDonald’s is the Millennial version of a smoke break. There is something about the cold pop with ice and a straw that doesn’t compare to it in a can.

When we deny the cultural value of food, we deny ourselves a gift. Food has the amazing ability to comfort, bring people together, and celebrate. Thanksgiving is a feast of calories, flavors, and centuries-old traditions. I love that when I eat a BLT it takes me back to being 10 years old at a diner in Indiana. I am thankful that when I’m feeling down, food can soothe my soul.

If you are convincing yourself that you can eat a protein shake while your family eats Thanksgiving dinner, you are denying yourself one of life’s sweetest pleasures. That feeling of deprivation will not encourage you to stick to your goals. Instead, try this: enjoy. Don’t just eat the food. Eat it slowly, mindfully, and savor every bite. Eat with people you love and enjoy conversation and company, not in front of the TV or with your face in your phone. Notice the way food looks on a plate, the way it smells when you take it right out of the oven, and the textures in your mouth. Notice how it makes you feel when you’re done: satisfied? Full? Or if it’s empty, use that a sign to try something else.

Food is fuel. And it’s fun. It’s okay to enjoy it for both of those attributes.