Food: the enemy?

As usual, I should be studying right now. But you know, when inspiration strikes... anyways, I've been trying to get in shape lately, and eat healthier, so I've been reading and such to find out what I should do. What everyone seems to be telling me is that food is evil and anything that tastes good should be avoided. Not only this, but it almost seems that if we do enjoy food, then we're doing something wrong, which makes me sad.

It's not food itself that's evil, it's what we do to it and how we eat it. Every food has a basis in nature, it's just that we take it and batter, fry it, and wrap it in bacon until it's unrecognizable. Somewhere along the way, man discovered that a cheap way of adding flavor was through oil and butter, and we haven't looked back. But now, we're also incredibly aware of how horrible these things are for our bodies. So when I see mozzarella sticks, my first thought is "Get in my belly", but then I think of how much exercise I'll have to do to work it off. However, fresh mozzarella in and of itself is not a bad thing to eat, in moderation of course. Most people here wouldn't even recognize fresh buffalo mozzarella though; we think of fried cheese instead. We do this with almost everything that starts out completely healthy. Zucchini turns into fried zucchini sticks, coffee beans turn into peppermint mocha frappacinos, and even salads turn into ranch, cheese, and bacon disasters.

Something I read did strike a cord with me; it's that the simpler the food is, the healthier it is. The less ingredients, the better. So many products we buy have SO MANY ingredients in them. If you look at a can of soup, it will list completely different things than if you just made the soup yourself. Not to mention that it'll taste better AND be healthier. Who would've thought healthy and yummy could be used at the same time?

One of the things I learned in Europe was to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. There, they are so cheap and plentiful, and you felt better for eating them. I've tried to bring this habit back with me, although it's not quite as cheap here. But I for sure feel better after eating a salad (a real salad, not a cheese/ranch crapsalad) rather than a Big Mac and fries. Also, when you really enjoy your food, you'll eat slower, and therefore not as much.

This is the main point, I think. We've taken the enjoyment out of eating. We eat either out of convenience or just for survival. We don't cook, sit down, and enjoy a good dinner with good company. We're too busy, too tired, etc. I think this is really a big loss for society, as eating is one of the pleasures that God has given us. Obviously, we shouldn't be gluttonous, but we can enjoy fresh foods in moderation. We shouldn't spend our time dwelling on calories and "a moment on the lips; a lifetime on the hips".. If you're eating fresh food, it shouldn't be a big deal.

Not that you shouldn't treat yourself sometimes... that's why we're always feeling guilty, because we've put such a label on sweets, fatty foods etc. I think you should eat them sometimes. It's about mentality. I've found that since changing my diet, I feel healthier, thinner, and in a better mood. Which makes me not want to eat fatty crap, actually. It's not to say that I never crave Taco Bell or Zaxby's, and when I do, I eat it. It's not such a taboo to me anymore, which lessens my desire for it.

I'm no health expert, that's for sure. I can't even begin to lecture about exercise, because I really struggle to make myself do it. But I will say that I feel better when I do. Mostly, I just wish our mentality towards food would change. It's not the enemy, it's not trying to get you. It's tasty and meant to be enjoyed. Just enjoy responsibly.

xoxo

Check please!

After working in several restaurants, I've realized that people aren't reasonable at all. I've learned more about human behavior than a textbook could ever teach me. People like to be right, and they like for others to think they're right. People are often unrealistic and inconsiderate, because we're selfish creatures.

I try to bear that in mind as I serve customers, but sometimes it gets to me. So I thought I would do my part to inform others on basics of dining out. First of all, here are some basics that everyone should know:

1. Remember the tip. Of course, I'm a server, so this is rather important to me. But I realize that sometimes people don't think about it until the end of the meal, and then have an "oh crap" moment. Guess what? If you're dining out, there will ALWAYS be a tip. In America, at least. I'll follow this list with more tipping etiquette, so not too much right now.

2. Know that your server is not also cooking your food. In fact, sometimes I don't even see it before it hits your table. Don't get an attitude with me over your soup being cold. Chances are, you didn't read on the menu that it's a chilled soup, but even if not, I still didn't cook it. I would be happy to take it back and exchange it for a fresh, hot bowl, but if you're rude to me, I will be very tempted to spit in your food (not that I've ever actually done that.)

3. Keep in mind the business of the restaurant. If you come on Tuesday night, you can expect very hands-on service. If you come Friday night before a game, I'm probably going to be running around like a chicken with my head cut off, and can't sit and chat. If there's several parties going on, it's probably going to take longer to get your food. See #2 if you have a problem with that.

4. Speak clearly and precisely. If you say, "We'll take the bread pudding", I'll assume you want one to share. So don't be mad when only one comes out. If you each want one, say so. If you let your husband order for you, and he orders your steak well done, but you wanted mid-rare, don't have a mini-argument about it right there.. just order your own freaking food! It's not difficult, and we aren't in the 19th century.

5. Don't be a know-it-all. Servers know about the food (assuming you aren't talking about Ruby Tuesday, Applebee's, etc), and would be happy to tell you about it. Don't order scallops, and be mad that they're "seafood-y".. DUH?! Also, if you don't know how to pronounce something, just point. It's embarrassing how many times people have ordered "pay-ELLE-a", (paella). I will make fun of you (in my head), so just point! I realize not everyone is a foodie, or speaks multiple languages, which is why there are descriptions underneath. If you can't say the name, either point or say what it actually is.


Tipping Etiquette

1. Standard Rules: 15-18% in most restaurants, 20% fine dining. And YES, you do tip on wine, etc. If I have to present and open it for you, then I better get paid for that service.

2. This is America. We tip here. There is literally no excuse for foreigners. I don't care if you're from France, Germany, or the freaking moon. For every country I've been to, I've read the country's etiquette on tipping, social behaviors, etc, so you can do the same. Servers in America typically get paid $2.13 an hour, sometimes more, but we rarely see that money with all the taxes taken out. We depend on tips. It doesn't matter if your country doesn't do it like that and you think it's stupid; chances are, I think some things about your country are stupid too.

3. If you're on a budget, pre-meditate the tip. It's always coming. If you have a set amount to spend for the night, factor the tip into that. Don't spend your whole budget and then remember tax and tip later. It's ALWAYS coming. And I'm always making WAY below minimum wage and depending on you.

4. Don't tease your server. If you are chatty and nice, of course it makes a more enjoyable experience for me. I mean, if you're nice to me, then I will bend over backwards to make sure you enjoy your experience, but also let's be real, it's my job, and I'm working for the tip. Don't be super nice to me and then reward me with 15%.. Usually when things go really well, people go above and beyond, so I'm expecting that... then I'm really disappointed to see that all my efforts are unappreciated. From a cold, distant table, I would expect this, (although 15% is fairly low for fine dining), but not from cool people.

Anyways, these are just tips that may help some people. I think a lot of people aren't educated on these things, and until you've worked in a restaurant, you can never completely understand. It's not for everyone, but for me, it's perfect, because it's never the same thing.

xoxoxo