Oct 27 2008
Becoming the person I want to be
I want to simplify my life. I’m not convinced that as a society we are on the right track. Everything has become more convenient, but people seem to be unhealthier and unhappier than ever before. I think there’s something to be said for slowing down a bit and taking the time to do some things for yourself.
Over the past couple of years I’ve learned to make good food from simple, quality ingredients. It took time; after all, it was only ten years ago I classified a “Create-A-Meal” as a home-cooked meal. I love my cookbooks, and I’m excited for Ina Garten’s new one, which will ship tomorrow. I’m not ashamed to admit I pre-ordered it as soon as it was available. I’m really looking forward to looking through it, as well as to actually cooking the recipes. I don’t always follow everything to the letter; often I take a recipe and morph it into my own. I definitely have gotten a lot of inspiration from her books. And the recipes I do follow? Everything always turns out! It’s a big reason I’m such a loyal follower.
I’ve noticed as I’ve switched my diet over to more natural ingredients that my body tends to revolt any time I consume food laden with preservatives. That’s not to say I always eat natural, whole foods, because I don’t. But I strive for balance and usually pay the price when I choose convenience over quality.
My taste buds also get rather angry when I choose convenience. Foods I used to love now taste like cardboard. I’m not talking sandwich cookies, either, I’m talking cookies from the grocery store bakery (many still are using trans fats in their baked goods). I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been let down by former favorites. You’d think this would mean I’m healthier now, but since I’m an ok baker, but really it just means I make everything myself. Oh well, at least I expend a little energy actually making my food and cleaning up the mess. And I do feel like I’m returning to a more basic lifestyle by making a dessert myself. It’s taking away a level of convenience by not just running to the store to satisfy a craving, but it also provides a sense of satisfaction in knowing that I created something.
I am firmly convinced that despite the excess pounds I carry, I have excellent bloodwork because I cook most of my own food with fresh ingredients. I may not get all of my servings of fruits and veggies in every day of the week (I’m still working on that one), but I am preparing my own food, and it’s actually real food, not chemicals. Day by day I am taking steps towards being the person I want to be and living the life I want to live.
