FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Hello everyone!

I know It's been awhile since I posted my blog.   

My husband and I were blessed to have celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary in Italy on August 29, 2012.

It was a wonderful experience punctuated by great food and good service. 

Traveling is a favorite past time for me because it helps to reframe my thoughts and release a lot of stress. It is also good to experience culture and nature in other countries.

While in Italy, my husband and I noticed that the food was not only of high quality, but it was also prepared and presented in a simple but appealing presentation. We first noticed this when we ordered a salad during our first meal. When we asked what type of dressing was available, the answer was simply balsamic vinegar and olive oil. We found this to be true at all of the restaurants that we frequented. The vegetables were excellent and more enjoyable without drenching them with heavy salad dressing.

Additionally, we didn't have unnecessary sodium added to our meal. We also consumed high quality olive oil, which is beneficial for healthy cholesterol and a healthy cardiovascular system. We truly appreciated the vibrant flavors, and did not miss the heaviness of the "Italian dressing" that we normally use in the USA. The seafood was plentiful, always fresh and lightly seasoned.

Our experiences in dining while overseas have always been pleasant when visiting countries in Africa, the Caribbean and in Europe. Particularly while on the continent of Africa and Europe, most of our meals were made with high quality simple products. Our trip to Italy reminded me of the importance of eating high quality food prepared without the use of heavy salt.

In addition to the eating experience, we noticed how much everyone walks. Rome and Florence were very pedestrian friendly. After our meals, we walked, walked and then walked again. Although we did not skimp on our meals, we didn't gain a pound because of the daily walking that was a part of sightseeing and window shopping at the many boutiques and shops. We didn't see many overweight locals and noticed that their skin was generally clear of pimples. We have many advantages in this country that many people around the world envy. However, we need to learn from other cultures and embrace a simpler way of eating and include daily exercise.

What are your eating habits? Are you seeking the lowest of quality of meals (fried and fast foods) because of the lack of time, energy or thought? Preparing and eating high quality foods takes a change of mind, but it is well worth it. It will increase your energy, develop a more positive attitude and improve your overall health. Maybe the reason that we over prepare many of our foods in this country maybe because we are trying to replace the lack of full flavors and quality in essential basic ingredients. Fruits and vegetables grown with chemicals in nutrient deficient soil, and that are bio engineered will never offer the highest quality of  taste or nutritional value the way the Lord originally intended. We must rethink our food sources.  More urban and home gardens, hopefully will force the main food producers to make necessary changes in how our food is produced.  

The next time that you have your salad (hopefully sometime today), try the balsamic vinaigrette and olive oil. You might grow to like it.

This is just some food for thought. What's on your table?