Introduction

I have come to realize, as an American, I live in a superficial world defined by excess. This is not something I have always known, but is occurring to me more and more. And like most Americans, even during these belt-tightening times, I still live in excess. This is not a complaint. Things come in abundance here and we are afforded the ability to dabble in just about anything; some folks have their gardens, their yoga, or their collection of band memorabilia.

People become enthusiasts of just about name it: Mustangs, comic books, education, movies, music, the arts… And people can expand or minimize their hobbies at any given time. It is often these things that defines our friendships, how our money is spent, and to what we dedicate our time. These things become a part of who we are, and I am a far-cry from a minimalist. I have my vast collections of music, Egyptian art and figures, Transformers, anything that would resemble something you would find in a tropical paradise. But of all the things I dabble in, my love for food outweighs them all.

I don’t particularly care for the term “foodie” but if the shoe fits, I suppose I’ll wear it all the way to the restaurant. This has probably heightened from years of watching the Food Network and Travel Channel. I love food. I love eating! And until about 4 years ago I guess I could be classified as a binge eater, if merely measuring quantity. Sometimes I would eat for the sake of eating and planned my meals based on cravings, typically condiments. I dream about food, and even while eating I would think, “hm- wonder what I’ll have for dinner”. I would eat around the clock and have been known to make dinner from 3 different drive-thrus if that’s what I was wanting. I never paid attention to cost, distance, or calories. If I wanted it, I had it, end of story.

Of course as the years went by, metabolism slowed, and common sense set in, I had to change my way of life. It was not easy I might add. I found my cholesterol is high and now must watch calories to maintain my small size. I remember when I got my blood results the first thing I said was, “I can’t eat mayo!!!” That was 3 years ago. Since then I still have not exactly managed to keep my numbers good for any sustained length of time. What can I say, I love a good hamburger. However, I have recently come to know one very important principle that I simply couldn’t fathom years ago: I don’t have to enjoy everything I eat as long as the benefits outweigh the risks. Since then I have been more than liberated from that way of life, and though I still eat for pleasure, it’s not as pressing or time-consuming as it once was.

 Revelations aside, I have grown to appreciate all foods and have a palate for all things delicious. Of course, food is one of those things where there are no real right or wrong answers, and it’s completely opinion-based, which I have many (opinions). It is here that I wish to share those opinions on all things edible from drive-thru chains to the mom and pop greasy spoons. Food doesn’t have to be a means to an end and it doesn’t have to be your life, but no way about it, for me it is a journey.