It’s that time of year again. The gyms, weight loss centers, and diet pill, potion and lotion folks are waiting in the wings for us to make our New Year’s resolutions, which usually include weight loss. But between now and January 1st, there’s a great deal of eating, drinking and being merry. At the risk of being mistaken for the Grinch, there are three things I’d like for you to keep in mind: Moderation, food quality and the hungry.
Moderation. Don’t believe the folks who say you should enjoy yourself because you only live once. Well, I don’t know if we live more than once, but I do know that if you want the one life you’re currently living to have some quality at the end, then you should take care of yourself. Enjoy yourself, but moderation is a good thing.
Food quality. Food isn’t food anymore. Read the labels. Once you get past the various forms of sugar, then you must speak “science” in order complete the label. Eat fresh food that is grown as close to where you are buying it as possible. Food should nourish our bodies, not poison them. When we eat something that is a feat of chemical engineering, not nature, it is not progress. And we all should fight for food equality. But while some have access to an overwhelming assortment of quality food, there are “food deserts” in communities across the country, including Long Island. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Food deserts are areas that lack access to affordable fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk, and other foods that make up the full range of a healthy diet.” Everyone should have access to high quality, fresh food during the holidays and throughout the year.
The hungry. Although we are blessed to have shelter, food and loved ones to share it with, there are others who are not as fortunate. One of the least discussed outcomes of the housing crisis is the slow but steady uptick in the homeless population. A hot meal for Christmas would mean a great deal to a homeless and hungry family. I hope we all will help make that happen.
Yes, ‘tis the season for food, glorious food, but be conscious of yourself and others, and handle with care.