Guest post by Echo Fox, author of Wave Singers
I woke up this morning, promptly. I went through my usual routine, finishing up with a bowl of cereal and a cup of tea. I clicked on an article that popped up on my Facebook feed, advising me that the coming ‘eating – oops, I mean holiday – season’, is upon us. The article was offering tips on how not to gorge oneself over the holidays, when so much food is on offer.
Still feeling decidedly rounded after my breakfast, in which I couldn’t choose between two types of cereal and decided to mix them up, I was struck by the lack of self-control inherent in that articles advice.
The fact that it is necessary to publish information around this time of year reassuring people that they won’t permanently gain weight through holiday feasting seems exceptionally sad.
I appreciate every day the abundance available to me. I enjoy visiting the supermarket, I love to cook and peruse food blogs, to eat out occasionally and to attempt to grow my own vegetables (unsuccessful as that may be). I would go so far as to say it is a significant part of my life, this dealing with food.
When it comes down to it, the wealth of choice I have when it comes to a single meal is astonishing.
So I urge you, this holiday season, to practice a little restraint. To show full appreciation for the food you’re eating, instead of just piling it high and gobbling it down. Enjoy each bite and eat because you need to and not because a third slice of Aunt Anne’s chocolate cake is on offer.
Not because you’ll gain less weight, or save money on snacks. But because the choice we have is so great, compared to so many who lack any choice at all. Choose wisely. Maybe consider donating your surplus to a food bank, or a homeless shelter.
Let your choices make the holiday season a joy for someone else, as well.
—-
Books by Echo Fox
Wave Singers ~ View on Bookshelves | View on Amazon