Don’t
judge Me!
So many diet programs out there, so many opinions as
to what one should and should not eat. For me, wellness comes first. Then from
there, I choose what should be on my plate. Now, today I had it all figured
out, baked pork chops, fresh green beans, and mashed potatoes. The day waned,
the chops were defrosting in the fridge and dinner was a wrap, in my head that
is. A stop at the post office deflated me of most of my energy. The line
stretched to Alaska! Well, almost! That kind of hope and patience, I wasn’t
endowed with. Scratch that errand. Energy running low, it wasn’t long before
the mashed potatoes plan was scratched from the list. Ramen noodles sounded strangely
yummy right about then. A quick run back home to get ready for a 4 o’clock
meeting and a stint at the amazing Austin traffic killed the pig. And the
farmer could hold on to the green beans till tomorrow….
Some dinner plans remain just that –plans. Some
people have a schedule, complete with an Excel spreadsheet smack on the refrigerator
or an app for that. I try to plan ahead. But really, I go with what I crave.
Moderation is my key. And I do not beat myself up for ingesting gluten when
others swear it is the root of all diseases. I should see a little more green
on my plate today, but today I was allergic to anything leafy. Maybe tomorrow.
I have this love relationship with food. I browse the fresh foods section for hours, I
pull recipes from Facebook, and I bring Pintrest to my kitchen just to experience
a new realm with nature’s crop. I bake too, but every once in a while, I order
through the drive-through window. My choices are not ideal all the time.
Sometimes, convenience overpowers my better judgment. But it balances out with
bunny days of carrot cravings, goat days of leafy salads, and even fruity days
of Fuji apples with peanut butter dip! So don’t judge me if you see me hogging
on that slice of Cheesecake Factory sinfully delicious cheesecake; It might be
my birthday. Don’t judge me when you see me crunching down celery. It might be
my snack before my lasagna is ready.
What is on my plate is not always what should be.
But I am well. I don’t ascribe to Adkins, Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, or any
formal diet program and neither do I judge those who are. Be happy, and enjoy
your choices as long as they nourish your body right. Listen to your doctor,
know your cholesterol levels, the good and the bad. (My pipes have a way of
building up clog, doctor said. So I am overly conscious of that). Balance it
all with a fitness regimen, whatever your passion. May you have the kind of
relationship I have with food –joyful and blissful.
Damaris Roulette is a proud member of BGR - Austin
Chapter. Nurse, teacher, wife, and new(ish) runner, she likes to write on
varying topics. Check out her natural hair blog www.mytangledmane.blogspot.com
and her life ramblings on www.mrsroulette.blogspot.com
PS. Wrote this article for Black Girls Run last year. It is as it appeared when presented to the editorial panel.
