Food for thought

By Rosie Moore

I wonder when the first diet book was written and by whom? Actually, I should have looked that up but I didn’t have the time. I really don’t think there’s a record of either statement because there has to be thousands of books written telling people how to eat, what to eat, what not to eat, etc. It would be a challenge if someone would have the presence of mind to chronicle all these books about dieting. So many of them were actually unscrupulous and didn’t do anyone any good, but people are so determined to find the easiest way to lose their weight, they’ll try anything. If only they would realize there’s only one way to lose weight. It’s so simple yet it’s the hardest thing for us to do. Eat less and do more.

The earliest settlers of this country had no weight problem, none that we know of. Why? Because they were busy, busy, busy. They were farmers, loggers, builders, and they were WALKERS! They didn’t have cars to transport them everywhere. Thus we are getting flabbier and flabbier. Even the children are not exempt from this extra poundage now-a-days.

When I moved to Tennessee, we were in the midst of a “gas war”. Each gas station was trying to outdo the other with lower prices before OPEC raised the oil prices. Lines of cars and trucks abounded wherever you looked.

Now-a-days we have “fast food” wars. Each one vying for the consumer’s palate by denoting the foods which have fewer calories. Everything is low-carb this, low-carb that or “lite” this, “lite” that. We have low-carb toasty flatbreads, carb solutions (a liquid diet drink) carb-wise bars, low-carb lasagna, a four-carb breakfast meal lite dressings for our salads, lite lemonade, lite cheeses, yogurts, and breads. What is a carbohydrate? Daniel Webster says it’s a compound composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and sugars and starches. Aha, these are the guilty culprits, so they would have us believe, and they are my two favorites.

I find it slightly amusing that fast food eateries are lowering the amounts of their servings. For instance, some places have done away with super fries. But if a hungry guy comes in and wants a lot of fries, all he has to do is get two medium sizes. Also with the drinks. No more extra-large drinks. However, you can get free refills, so one can fill up their small or medium cups and get more than an extra-large drink. I must admit that fast food places have the consumer’s best interests at heart.

I love Krystal cheeseburgers, Sonic’s hot dogs, and McDonald’s grilled chicken sandwiches, but–the secret is, only occasionally. These are not things to partake in on a daily basis. Once in a while should do it. For the person who eats that kind of food constantly, it is harmful to your health. They can lower the amounts but it’s up to the consumer to be careful how much they put into their mouths.

Thought for the day: When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself.      Tecumsah, Shawnee Chief



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