By Dan Reynish

Chapter Two: My Relationship With Food

Feb 24, 2020 | 11:49 AM

I’m a person who loves food. But I’m not a foodie, gastronome or gourmet. I don’t have a refined interest in food. Nor is it an interest or hobby. I rarely, if ever, enjoy food for pleasure. I usually have food just because I’m hungry, or craving a specific something, but the foods I eat I love. Truly, truly love. Even if they’re not good for me.

For instance, whenever I’m in New York City, I don’t try to get a reservation at La Morada, Africa Kine, Sushi Noz or any of the other restaurants considered essential eating in the Big Apple. Instead, I’ll have a burger at Shake Shack, a slice from Famous Original Ray’s Pizza, and at least one hot dog from a street vendor. I’ve been to NYC half a dozen times and I’ve never had a sit down meal there. Yet I’ve enjoyed each and every bite.

Same with Los Angeles. I have no interest in Spago, The Restaurant at the Chateau Marmont, Gracias Madre or The Polo Lounge. I want In-N-Out Burger, Baha Fresh Mexican Grill or Pink’s Hot Dogs. And when I’m in L.A. again in July, I assure you I’ll be eating at at least two of those three fantastic places again. One within a few hours of my arrival, guaranteed!

Medicine Hat has an amazing array of fantastic restaurants too, and I’ve had food from a number of them. I’ve even had more than a few sit down meals in our great city. Again, whether take-out or dine-in I’ve enjoyed every bite. But I haven’t been eating healthy since I moved here either. I was simply ordering what I was craving at the time or going places people recommended.

That habit started many years ago while I was living in Toronto. Unless you have a family, you don’t really have to cook in Toronto. It’s actually cheaper for a single man to eat out, even multiple times a day. And you can have whatever you crave! Any food you can think of is available within a block or two. That includes Swiss Chalet and Harvey’s Burgers, two places we don’t have in Medicine Hat, and I love them both!

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

20h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Plus – whether I was living in Toronto or had moved to Regina – I was too busy to cook. I had places to be, people to see, and things to do. Cooking takes hours and I’m hungry right now!!

That’s all still true here in Medicine Hat. I am still busy, and have things to do, places to go and people to see. But I really need to lose all of the weight I gained from the easily accessible fried, processed and unhealthy food I’ve enjoyed over the years. And I’ve learned cooking doesn’t actually take hours. With some planning and preparation, a healthy meal can be ready in 4-6 minutes or less.

I still love food, and I always will, but I’m working hard these days to get more out of my relationship with it. I want to appreciate it more, not just rush through meals. I want to slow down and enjoy every single bite. Most importantly, I need to take my time and chew my food. I’ve discovered through the work I’ve done with my Nutritional Consultant Nikki so far, I am not a chewer. If you were to give me a nickname based on a character from the Star Wars saga, it would not be Chewie. Sadly, usually I’m more like Jabba The Hut.

As Nikki pointed out; chewing is a vital part of digestion and the saliva contains the first digestive enzymes your food will reach. The mouth is the only place where food is broken down mechanically. Nutrient extraction is also impaired if food is not adequately chewed. The act of chewing also gives the brain time to receive the message that the stomach is full.

So if you’re like me, and feel hungry but never seem full, do what I’m doing. Slow down. Chew your food. Enjoy it. Occasionally, I’ve even been pretending that I am a foodie. While shopping at Save-On-Foods I’ve been looking at the texture of food, thinking about how it tastes, and planning meals based on that taste and what might pair nicely with it. Asparagus and beef have become a new favourite pairing of mine. I used to only pair beef with broccoli.

I’m also having more sit down meals. Instead of just standing over the sink, I am sitting down. In the past, while travelling or at home, I hardly ever sat down to eat. That’s not my relationship with food. Happily, with hard work and great advice, relationships can change.

And if I can do it…you can too!!