It's that kind of mentality that allows this cancer-producing industry to thrive! Of course we're all going to die someday, but do we have to pay for it? Do we have to actually throw hard-earned dollars on a counter and say, "Please, please, Mister Merchant of Death, sir; please sell me something that will give me bad breath, stink up my clothes, and fry my lungs"!! Sorry, Clerks flashback... carry on...
I saw an Emril show once. He was making Super Bowl snacks(keyword snacks). He made this huge cheese and onion sandwich. Instead of breadd he made his own potato pancake. He carmelized the onions and then grated his own white cheddar over it. It looked great, I tried it and it tasted great but it took like 45 minutes to make. When I think of Super bowl snacks I am thinking a bag of tostitos and some cheez whiz, not a 45 minute sandwich.
It's the mexican food that's going to kill me... or the fried seafood... or the huge steaks... or the... Damn me for living in the South. Is it time for Lunch yet?
Gotta agree with drapg. We focus to much on food. Food does not equal happiness. Gotta break the cycle and eat a moderate diet with exercise. I KNOW it is hard, I fight it everyday. Good news though, my cholesterol last Memorial Day(May 30th) was 225. After I changed my diet (try to cutout fast food/cokes/junk food, etc.) I have had some great success. I had bloodwork done August 5th and my cholesterol was down to 157 Also my weight went from well over 250lbs down to 220lbs or so (it varies from 222-217lbs). I could lose more but I don't get to exercise enough now, but my diet keeps my weight in check. Sure Emeril taste good, I know, but damn I don't want to be age 50 and not be able to shoot some hoops or run a little...
two grandfathers one exercised every day....ate VERY well....monitored his blood pressure, etc...was out mowing the lawn one day and fell over dead with a heart attack...age 54. one ate fried eggs for breakfast EVERY morning...smoked in his younger years...had a history of high blood pressure...ate as he pleased...died at age 87. i like good food...your measure of happiness might be different than mine. i refuse to spend my life defending against death...i choose rather to live it.
There's really no such thing as "healthy" or "unhealthy" food. You can eat whatever you want, in moderation, and be perfectly fit. It doesn't really matter where the calories are coming from; if you take in more than you burn you will gain weight, and vice-versa. I enjoy good food. I also enjoy being fit. The two aren't mutually exclusive.
Dude, I'm not trying to hop on the eat healthy bandwagon here, but that example has got to be the WEAKEST excuse as to why its alright to eat unhealthy.
it's merely an illustration that these "health rules" are not universal...they don't apply evenly to everyone. i never said it was alright to eat unhealthy...just said that i choose not to worry about it.
Two uncles: One exercises every day. Eats very well. Never smoked, drank lots of milk. Is currently 70, unbelievably healthy and doesn't look a day over 50. One hasn't exercised since he was in his thirties. Eats whatever he wants. Smokes like a demon. Is currently 65, but looks much older. Has bowel disease and a number of other health problems. I'd wager my scenario is more common than yours.
I think both Max's and fadeaway's scenarios are accurate in the right situations -- it often depends on the person's mindset. People like to feel that they have control over their lives, and this includes what they eat. So if you have a guy whose doctor, wife, kids, etc... are all nagging him to eat healthy, he may change his habits very reluctantly. He'll always be thinking about the things he wants but he can't have. And he'll feel like he has no control over his own life. Then he gets depressed and, possibly, becomes ill. So what good did the healthy eating do? But, on the other hand, you could have a guy who decides on his own that he wants to become as fit for his age as he can possibly be. He happily embarks on a whole new diet and exercise program. He feels in contol of his health for the first time in his life. Consequently, he gets happier and healthier. I think the key is to not try and force people to eat (or not eat) in a certain way. Just give everyone the information and let them make their own choices, whatever they may be.
in my lifetime, i've just seen too many middle aged men and women who have a horrible diet, never exercise, and have increasing health problems... on top of that they have the nerve to complain that they're unlucky. I choose the alternate route. From a relatively young age (early 20s), I decided to take control and try to live a life without health complications, as much as can be controlled. I can't help it if I get cancer tomorrow. I just hate seeing tv shows like Emeril's that promote bad eating habits and poor cooking practices. You can eat healthy food and have it taste good too. I've done it my entire life thanks to my parents and their healthy ways. Contrary to popular belief, butter and salt don't make everything better. just my $.02. everyone's free to live their life as they choose, but if you have the opportunity to take better care of yourself, I just don't understand why you wouldn't choose to. Is there anything more important than your personal health and body? I venture to say no.
