Post #1: Food-Initial Thoughts

When I think of food, I am reminded of the profound links it has to nearly every part of my life, and others’ lives. Food is important to our economy, culture, happiness, and very existence. There are countless food products, industries, and sales throughout New York City alone. I can barely walk down the street or turn on my television without encountering an advertisement for something to eat. I can’t imagine the effect on the economy if all food disappeared, but I think it would be major and roughly akin to the tragedy of the Great Depression. (It goes without saying that the economy would not matter for long, because you need living people for an economy to exist.)  Our culture is hugely impacted by food as well, because its customs, stereotypes, and rituals involve it.  I think of turkey, gravy, peas, biscuits, and mashed potatoes when I think of Thanksgiving. The various flavors I sampled when traveling come to mind when I think of places in which I vacationed, like beignets in New Orleans.  When I think of South American culture, I think of rice and beans. Even if I remember certain people, I am reminded of food. When I think of my friend Sayief, I think of cheese. My Grandma reminds me of the excellent eggplant dish she prepares occasionally. Eating gives people pleasure, and is associated with social gatherings and entertainment.

To me, something that is sacred is worthy of reverence and respect. Sacredness usually pertains to religion, the divine, or spirituality.  I think that food, or specifically, our need for food, should be treated with reverence.  Although food itself is not divine, our dependence on it for survival is constant and fundamental.  It is worthy of and treated with reverence and admiration throughout the world.  The fact that our economy, culture, existence, and happiness point to food supports its venerability.  

When meandering to a deli or my refrigerator in search of sustenance, the first thing I inadvertently consider is what I can afford. (This consideration is naturally foregone if in the comfort of my home). I also consider what will please me. The food’s texture, taste, smell, and ability to fill my stomach contribute to my decision. Because I make a conscious effort to avoid animal products (such as meat, milk, or eggs) and foods that will be unhealthy or give me a stomach ache, like extremely sugary or greasy foods, I sometimes struggle to stay well fed whether out and about or at home. I also seek to food that is easy to obtain and consume without extensive preparation.  Cooking is enjoyable, but not under the stress of my everyday life.

I think the priorities I have when approaching food are reasonable in moderation. If I took finding affordable food to an extreme, I would never buy lunch. This would result in either skipping many meals or spending a lot of time preparing meals at home, neither of which are particularly favorable options. If I was obsessed with satisfying my immediate cravings, I would not get all the nutrients I needed, become overweight, worsen my blood pressure and cholesterol, and increase the chances of disease and early death. If I was obsessed with eating convenient food, I would never develop my cooking skills, and would probably eat a lot of fast or pre-packaged meals. 

                I prioritize straying from animal products for a variety of reasons: the hormones, unnecessary fat, cholesterol, carbs, and increased risks of obesity and disease are not propitious to me. I feel that I can generally substitute animal products with more healthful options. I would rather spend a little more money, time, and energy on better food options now then spend it on potential medical bills and hospitalization later.  Most meat processing industries are very cruel to their animals while they are alive. In addition, dairy products incite my allergies for reasons rather unbeknownst to me. The meat industry also contributes to a very large carbon footprint, and starvation throughout the world. I do not wish to support such an industry by consuming the fruits of its labor. However, If someone went out of their way to cook something for me, or if I had not eaten in 12 hours, or the only option was something non-vegan, I would eat it without guilt.

I am open to contradictory opinions regarding my food prioritization. I do not claim to be a certified nutritionist. My information is very limited, and based on the opinions and research of few.  I would love to develop my knowledge further. I think it is important to educate ourselves about food, because it is such an important aspect of the world and such a huge area of failure for so many. Every day is a struggle to consume a healthy balance of all the food groups, and it is important to optimistically approach each meal as an opportunity to be healthy, rather than with the attitude that each meal is a series of failures.