After reading yet another American turned French autobiographical book written in a humorous yet analytical tone, I have decided on a new way to approach my diet. With three cross-country trips in five weeks this summer I need to take a step back.
The French have a few ways of doing things, gastronomically speaking, that are just foreign to my American upbringing. Everybody knows that French people are generally thin and trim but don't participate in extreme dieting. Their approach in life is a bit more like the recent Japanese style of organizing: one can have a thoughtfully selected closet, be thankful and mindful of what's in it, and if there are any unused items in there you can thank them for serving their purpose and send them on their way.
Instead of a strict can't-eat-that diet, I'm implementing these three rules before I put food in my mouth:
1. Ask myself if I'm hungry. If I'm not, then I can either eat it later or pass altogether. It will not be the last opportunity to eat, despite what my survival-mode brain says.
2. Ask myself if what I'm choosing is the best option available. Quality and variety are important.
3. Portion out one serving and savor it. I'll be more in tune with my body signals and the memory of the food will be more delicious and last longer.
With these small choices I hope to empower myself with having a healthier relationship with food.
