Thursday, September 26, 2013

Everything Fried!!

Okay, this might start sounding like a food critics blog, but after last night, I can't help it.  How did fried food become such a popular treat in our country?  Okay, I know anything fried can be good, if done properly, but it's getting overwhelmingly high in demand.  I went to the LA Country Fair yesterday and the majority of the food that was being sold was fried.  They had Fried Ribs, Fried Avocado, Fried Pickles, Fried Cheesecake, Fried Cupcakes, Fried Twinkies, Fried Oreos, Fried Candy Bars, etc, etc, etc...everything battered and fried!!

I do have to admit, because I haven't gone to the fair in over 15 years, I did want to see what all the hype was about.  I caught myself saying, "I have to at least try some kind of fried dessert before we leave"...I ended up getting the deep fried twinkie, and I have to say, I was not impressed at all.  Earlier in the evening we also tried the fried avocado, probably wouldn't get that again either.  It may sound bad, but we all shared!  Now having this experience made me wonder why all this fried food hype is even a hype at all.  The batter wasn't seasoned, it wasn't crispy, the inside was warm, but also very underwhelming.  I have to say, eating fried food at the fair is not worth the prices, waiting in line, or the calories.

During the night, knowing I wanted to try some of the wonderful things that I kept hearing about, I kept telling myself that I can start my diet tomorrow, or Monday.  Why do we sometimes push our goals aside to hop on a trend that may be the complete opposite of what we're trying to achieve?  I've been thinking about starting my diet or actually this new healthy lifestyle, but instead I go to the fair and eat fried food??   I mean, don't get me wrong, I do get it, I get the attraction, fried food tastes good, but it has to be in extreme moderation.  And I know sometimes we can't help but get sucked in, but like my last blog, it takes discipline. Don't get me wrong, I'll most likely have fried food again, but maybe cook it myself next time.  But I do love eating good, healthy food, some of my favorite things to eat are grilled veggies, roasted meats and salads.  I also like cooking my own food, knowing and controlling exactly what I put in it, but it does take a lot of self control to eat healthy constantly...especially living here in Southern California.

Living in Italy, I couldn't help but eat healthy; their idea of fast food is fresh, hand tossed pizza, or a quick panini with fresh ingredients, and fresh bread.  There are no drive through fast food places, except for McDonald's, but even those are maybe 1 every 30 miles...if that.  They have no fried chicken places either.  A lot of people don't even have microwaves in their homes because all their meals are made fresh.  And plus you stay active, riding bikes and/or using public transportation and walking.  They're in a healthy living epidemic and they don't even know it.

I'm not knocking the fair or fried foods in general...all I'm saying is that we/I need to be aware of what I put in my body.  And also being aware of what trends are worth jumping on.  It goes back to the old saying..."Just because someone jumps off a bridge, would you?"  There are people that do live this to the extreme, which is perfectly fine...but I'd like to try a more balanced approach...everything in moderation. Aaaand it also helps to throw in some physical activity of course!  If you want to try this, healthy recipes and weekly physical activities, let me know...we can do it together!

-Rubi Anne Dijamco Agostini

4 comments:

  1. I'll join you, Annie!

    I think that filling our bellies sometimes is a symptom of feeling something is missing in our lives. Like we have to fill ourselves up with something to fulfill a need. I am currently reading a book by Danny Silk called Keep Your Love On and he reiterates that theory. In each individual the "self-medication" can be "self-prescribed" in different ways, food, being one of the "prescriptions".

    I highly recommend this book as it really has rocked my view about love and relationships.

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  2. Aawwesome!! We gotta find a way to share our healthy tips of the week and new weekly physical activities...I know people are busy these days, and may not be able to meet up to do these things, but I know it helps just to write things down and share your efforts...

    Aaaand I have heard that book is great!!...thanks for the recommendation!

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  3. Hi Annie, nothing like exercise to knock down that blood sugar. In my case, whether its an hour and a half on my road bike, an hour on my indoor bike, a 3-4 mile walk or hike with your favorite auntie :o), I find that exercise helps to keep my blood sugar levels down. For us diabetics, I call it "the great equalizer". I have found that at least an hour of sustained exercise knocks 50-60 points off your blood sugar level. Of course, our "output" must be greater than our "input" to keep our weight down. Believe me, the older we get, the harder that is to accomplish. Anyway, good post. Let's ALL stay away from those fried Twinkies eh?

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  4. "The Great Equalizer!"...I like it!! Sounds like you gotta great and steady routine there...that's awesome! Keep it up!! I gotta find my groove...

    aaand yes...Fried Twinkies...never again!!...

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