Back Again....

Well, It's been 1year and 1month since I blogged on this site. I thought I(as a whole emotional and physical being) was cooked, plated, and garnished; ready for the world to consume. Consume, in a figurative way.

And I am back. Back to being the size I was two years ago. If I don't arrest the process, I may find myself back to the beginning. Back to 2003 and 230lb. All my work, the running, jumping and climbing, plus the plastic surgery of my makeover will be for naught. I'm scared that I won't be able to stop. My old habits are returning: eating five bags of M+M's, scraping all the icing from the office party cake, and unhinging my jaw to insert a veggie burger dripping with cheese and ketchup. There are times I can't find the will to stop.

The Token Fat Girl's blog entry today spurred me to write this entry. Her honest depiction of negativity and fear resonated with me. Link below.

I know that I have proven that I can do this. The question I most often ask myself is why aren't you doing this? My therapist says, I get in my own way. I feel most days that it's not worth the effort. The trappings of societal interactions fail to excite or incite me. That statement is a metaphor for, "I have what I need and don't need anymore." I do have a spanking good life going on here in NYC: Great friends(the best friends), the best animal children, good job, going back to school and an apartment(with my own bedroom) 30 seconds from Central Park.

But this attitude is like to say, I am satisfied, there is nothing left to do. This is not the best approach to enlightenment, though in some areas, I feel so defeated. I need to focus, like The Token Fat Girl on actions rather than feelings.

OH PETA, you are a misguided people

First, I invite you to check out my Health Care blog entry at www.oddlyoffcenter.com. I am passionate about end-of-life issues.

Oh Peta. I used to be a card carrying member because I do believe Veganism is the way to go for lifelong health and weight management, but their scare tactics only alienate people. Their most recent attempt succeeded in pissing parents off.

They stood outside a McDonalds and passed out Unhappy Meals with the intention of showing consumers how a chicken nugget meal is made. I would think that people are aware of the agony animals endure before become a cheeseburger or mcnugget. Trying to convince a committed carnivore into becoming a vegetarian is like getting a catholic to renounce god.

State of the Heather report:

I am maintaining my weight at 157 pounds. I had a setback when my Herniated Disk flared-up on Saturday. I got another shot in my back yesterday and I feel much better. I wont be exercising until next week. I've also decided to have the surgery as soon as possible because I realized that my lifestyle does not lend itself to non-surgical management. I want to be running a marathon next year and shots are like a salve to the compressed nerve.

I mentioned to the my shot doctor that I wanted to loose more weight, about 20 pounds, before having the surgery. I lost 25 since the last shot. He feels it will not make a difference. He says I'm healthy now, I want to enjoy my new body now. Get it done already. So that's what I am going to do.

I have another MRI tomorrow night and an appt with my Neurosurgeon next Wednesday. My parents are ready to come for a week and take care of me. I'll keep everyone posted. Until I can really exercise I am focused on eating small portions and lots of Spinach.

I love Spinach.

Peace.

Wallow Baby...Wallow

My last entry I wrote about 'The Plateau' and that I could feel it starting. It's rearing it's ugly head and I am cool with it. I am allowing myself to enjoy it and eat the things I love within the boundaries of veganism: Empire Szechuan's Veggie Beef with Broccoli and Peanut Butter dumplings. Yes it's vegan, but that doesn't mean it's healthy for me. It's loaded with fat, simple carbs and oodles of yummy goodness. I had a PB+J. Twice. My only rule for myself during the week is eat only when hungry. I just made myself hungry.

Why have I decided to allow, nay enjoy, this descent into gastronomic madness? Simple, I need to relax and this is the perfect week. I weighed 157 pounds last Thursday before I left for my weekend with family. I returned by the Greyhound night bus on Monday morning and went directly to work. I was on call last night. I am exhausted. And I am a fatigue eater first and a stress eater second. So I eat. To try and force myself to comply with my self-imposed eating rules would be counter-productive. I work for the rest of the week-topping out 60 hours. With my awesome paycheck next Thursday, I will run to the farmer's market for fresh veggies.

My theory on the benefits of the allowing this natural plateau to come to fruition.

The body gets used to the same foods, exercise, mental state. Breaking my dietary habits for a while (Just a week. Only a week.) will change it's response to when I do return to my more stringent routine. Even if I gain two pounds it will pay off when I jump-start myself on Saturday. I've already lost 25 pounds, so I'm willing to gain two to maintain my mental sanity and get through the rest of the week. Diet-Blog has a great entry on how to break a plateau, which I am doing:change it up, relax, don't obsess, and change exercise. Less running and more walking. My mantra for this week-"Give the body a break."

The Plateau

Just to let everyone know that I am here and doing well. I went away for the weekend to Tremblant in Quebec. I swam, ran, and kayaked. After the weekend I took the night bus back to NYC from Montreal. (Which it itself was an experience) I arrived home at 715 and then worked all day. So I'm a little tired. My fatigue caused me to eat some chocolate-obsessively. And then I realize I am allowing myself to hit a plateau. Since I got to 157lb. So, I started wondering about that and how a plateau works and how we get there.

Anyway, this is a topic I want to explore in depth. Any comments about plateau are welcome.

Thanks,

Heather

Raw Fish and Sas

A few days ago I kinda did a bad thing, but for good reasons. As a Vegan I do not eat any animal flesh as a rule. Yesterday, I was suffering some forceful female flow then became pale and tired. I hadn't had any of my normal protein foods like beans or quinoa. When I got home from work I was too tired to lift a pot and pour water. Plus, Sebastian danced at my heels begging for his ambulation. What's an anemic gal to do.

I took the beast for his walk(too fatigued to run) and hit up the nearest Sushi joint for a Sashimi appertizer (sic). I also got some eel sas(sic) and seaweed salid.(sic) I did feel better afterwards plus if I have to eat something animal I feel that raw fish is the best thing. My dietary beliefs stem from my spiritual beliefs. A human being can catch, kill and consume a fish without the use of tools. Therefore, from an anthropological perspective, humans are meant to eat the fish. On the other hand I was proud of my Vegan label, one I work hard to maintain. My desire to maintain the label convinced me to stop eating seafood in last year. I chose to eschew dairy for health reasons in January. So there I was-A Vegan. I don't wear leather or wool. I only buy shoes that say, "Man Made Materials Only."

And now because I forgot to take my iron pill-for one month. I ate some fish.

I feel bad. I feel like I let my fellow Vegans down. Soon they will come after me with carrots.

I did make a lovely Hummus this evening with Avocado and a quarter shot of Tequila. Yummy

I Covet...

As I ran tonight, this woman blazed passed me in the park. She had that slim 4-pack figure seen on every cover of Shape magazine. And I thought, "I really want that." And I knew it was not because she looked "HOT," but because I knew what that body could do. She reminded me of a gazelle from the discovery channel as she glided across the black-top. I imagined that she could climb a 5.10 big wall using just her taut abs. Her skin glowed-maybe that was the sweat-and looking at her made my 2010 Marathon resolve even stronger. The work it would take to stay in motion for 4 hours would get me that which I covet.

I was pumping hard too. I kept my heart rate above 110 for 1 hour 20 minutes and stayed in the good zone for 45 minutes. Sebastian came with me tonight. He likes to stop and smell bushes, he likes to stop and stalk squirrels, he likes to stop and take dumps. Sebastian can be annoying when I am in the zone. But I love my boy, without him I'd be eating another Boston Creme doughnut, not blogging. Without my boy, I'd still weigh 230 pounds. Without my boy the events that led me to create Fat Pants/Skinny Jeans would have never happened.

According to my heart rate monitor, I burned 1007 calories. In light of my 1/3 pound metabolic fire, I turned down 105th street to hit up the Dunkin Donuts for coffee(yup, i like java after a workout) and a munchkin. The Donut man snuck in a Boston Creme alongside my chocolate munchkin. At home, I handed the bag to my roomie who thankfully demolished the 250 calories treat. I had three chocolate munchkins after my broccoli and dandelion sandwich.

Tomorrow I will do a short form workout and make hummus.

The Underside of 160

Wow. I honestly did not think it would happen. I presumed my 38 year old body reached a point of rigidity and stubbornness that I would never see 159 lbs. I am fully back in my size 10s without signs of a shiitake mushroom. A month ago I spoke about the "not thinking about concept." Yup, Just going through my day, eating the food I like and exercising, did the trip. Sure it took a bit longer, but the weight-loss will stick like sushi rice.

On the running front, I completed a 4 miler this weekend with a time of 45:36 min for a pace of 11:24. That's a full minute improvement from my last run which was a 5 miler. Though I do feel I had one more mile in me.

I happy with my progress and I know I want more. I want to go all the way. Now I am really battling the last 20 pounds.

Plugging Away

Hello friends,

I have done very well this week not thinking about it. I did have one faux paus: I stepped on the scale and I went up. I attribute this to bloat and having already eaten. I vowed not to return until my Ann Taylor size 10 petite jeans loosened. Putting those jeans back on was awesome;they make my man-thighs look smaller. And I hadn't worn them in two years. I will never lose to excess again. But I'll toss them on the top shelf when I slip size 8 Banana Republics.

Next Saturday I do my second New York City Road Runners Run, the Run for Central Park. It's my favorite place in the world, I will do anything to keep it just as it is. It's a 4 miler and I am going for 50 minutes and no stopping on the hills. To this end, I have powered myself up the hills(which are brutal in CP) giving myself the option of walking at the top. I never do. It's easy once you get to the top. So I have three more training days, Tues-Thurs with a rest on Friday. Tired thighs are the running devil's plaything. I had a great run on Sunday, pacing an 11:38. But I am really going for the 11 minute mile mark for this run and the next.

I'll keep everyone posted.

Not Thinking about it works!

So I stepped on the scale at work a few days ago.... survey says...162lbs. I am a few weeks away from seeing the underside of 160. I haven't been there in 4 years. My size 10 jeans fit and so many of my post-makeover clothes will soon be liberated from their hangers.

This weekend I am hanging with my parents, niece, and dog in Newburg(about 2 hours north of NYC) and I am getting good exercise. My parents, having battled their own bulge with Weight Watchers, eat small portions and low-fat snacks.

I guess my one concern would be that, now, since I am aware of my success, I may subconsciously go the other way. Now, through my work during the writing of this blog, I am aware of this tendency, therefore I will fight against it. Size 8 here I come....

-Happy 4th everyone!
Pic from one of my first blog entries.

My first 5 mile run

I did my first 5 mile run in Central Park on Saturday. I had a lot of fun but I noticed a trend in myself that I am not sure is a good or bad thing. The park is very hilly which saps my strength, so I tend not to overexert myself with the intention of saving some for later. When I hit the last mile I knew I was going to finish and finish well under my goal time. I finished sprinting and felt I had more in me. A lot more. My friend, who doesn't run regularly, joined me in the race. Today he is sore, every muscle hurts. I feel fine. Should exercise exhausted me? Will I only progress to the next level if I feel some burn?

Next month I am doing a 4 mile run benefitting Central Park, my favorite place in the world. For my training I will focus on running up the hills. My goal for the entire 4 miles is not to walk.

I ran/walked the 5 miles yesterday in 1 hour 02-minutes and 40 seconds. That's a 12:32 pace. I know I can do better than that. But it was my first official run so I am happy with my performance.

Live and Enjoy

I love food and I love to workout, so that's good. One balances the other. I would like to get to a point that I can stop obsessing about food and exercise. I feel that lately I get so crazy about checking my weight and clothing and heart rate. When can I get to the place where I am just me. Doing what I want to do. With the blog's help I discovered I had to give up the dairy and chocolate. When can I just be a person that eats certain foods when she is hungry and stops when she is full. When can I just be a person who runs for forty minutes. I am always thinking about the next hurdles: run the 5K then a 10K, then the marathon, climb the 5.6 then the 5.7. Can't I just live in the moment when it comes to food and exercise.

Does living in the moment remove goal-oriented thinking? Is this a bad thing? Would I be able to do both. Live in the moment and have goals.

All the major granola crunchy spiritualities boast that living in the moment opens doors to lifelong bliss. But then if I am blissful all the time it doesn't matter what I do next. Or does it? Where is the line between ambition and obsession

Trying to wrap my cranium around this one.

Dangling on a precipice: The Roadblock

It's Sunday night, I've had a hard week and I am trying to psyche myself back into my routine. I was doing so well, but my female issues which I've dealt with over the last two months came to a head and required some minor surgery. I wish I had a weak stomach, but alas, I am that obnoxious person who can wake from anesthesia, eat a chili-cheese dog, then ride the cyclone at Coney Island with nary a hiccough. Therefore any benefit gained from my forced fast was lost when I came home and ate Empire Schezuan, the finest Veggie Pork Purveyor in all of NYC. Just because it's not real pig doesn't exclude the soy from being processed and dripping with oil. Such Yummy Goodness, baby. Post-operative Vegan Soul Comfort Food

I skipped out on two Boot Camps this week. One I was exhausted from the month long leakeage in my nether parts on Wednesday, slept all Thursday, and had the procedure on Friday. I've spent the weekend slightly overeating take out because my mom sent me a check for, well, take out. All vegan, so that's a good thing.

I wish I didn't have to obsess about what I put in my mouth. But I am just one of those obnoxious people who take comfort eating to a new heights. If I didn't have the blog I might be comforting myself till next month.

I'll be strict again... as soon as I finish this Mexican Salad from Blockheads. Loaded with Guacamole which is loaded with fat. Good fat, but still fat.

Peace. Tomorrow I will discuss High Fructose Corn Syrup. Why is it so bad.

Shockley's Ceiling

Had bootcamp last night. Sergeant ordered 50 of the sadistic squats that seared my thighs. To her credit she'd rather us do the exercise with the proper form even if that means some of us would only do half. She wants a quality squat leading to quality burn. She even threatened us with extra if just one of use performed it incorrectly. Then we did push-ups. 20 sets of 20 second intervals with 10 seconds of rest. I like to do man push-ups just to prove that I can, but in this case my man form carried me for...um...10 seconds. I switched to femine style. Which lead me to the title of this entry. The why of my quest for toned arms and strong thighs: Rock Climbing.

I am majorly, totally, butt-crazy in love with Rock Climbing. I jumped out of a plane twice. I rafted Class 4 rapids. I hiked with the Jaguars. But nothing is more interesting and fun than Rock Climbing. The sport combines style, strength, and science while forcing one to conquer their fears like falling and spiders. However, it's an expensive proposition for a city-girl: two hour drive, rental car, guide. I went up to the The Gunks about two weeks ago. We did a chimney route, Shockley's Ceiling. Hoisting myself over the overhang proved to be a problem. I tried three times, only making it halfway. With my biceps quivering like jello, I conceded to the rock and asked for an assist. My only thought as I piloted the Zipcar onto the New York State Thruway, "I will be back. And I will climb that without aid."

So that's why I pay this woman to order me around like the inferior weakling I am.

Never thought I'd ever say...Can I do a lap instead.

Boot Camp Report Day 2

We did a military run in which the leader sets the pace, then the last person sprints to the front and becomes the leader. Rotate through so that everyone gets to lead and we make it around the great lawn with "No Man left behind." My group ran a 4:45, 15 seconds shy of our goal. Sergeant Stacy asked if we wanted to go around again or do 25 squat thrusts. Someone said squat thrusts.

I will describe the Squat Thrust, a new form of torment thrust upon me by Sergeant Stacy. I bend over, into a squat, place my hand on either side of my feet then shoot them behind me into a plank position. I then jump them forward, returning to the squat and standing up. Bend, Thrust, Repeat, and hope to contain the gaseous remnants of my pre-workout beans. Then some people showed up late. 25 more squat thrusts for all of us. Arggh! I think I understand how hazing happens.

Throughout our hour of squatting, and all it's forms, I questioned my dedication to the task. After my pickled arms could not support my legs, I rested. But, I thought, is this really the limit or can I squeeze out one more squat. I'd only rest for seconds then move forward. As I write this, I wonder, have I always pushed myself to my limits?

I know I have in skiing and snowboarding. What about rock climbing, or even Physical Therapy. I should have good abs after PT, but today I fought for every Jackhammer. Two weeks ago, I gave up on an overhang move on a the rock, knowing there was no way. My arms had not yet reached the jelly stage, but somehow I knew it was futile to keep trying. That's not my normal m.o. Hmmm things for me to ponder.

I ended the hour doing monkey crawls, another hideous exercise for the arms and legs. I was the last one to finish. I asked the assistant if I could do a lap instead. He said no?

Today's Positives:
I can lunge without tipping over? The aforementioned assistant told me to imagine pushing myself into the ground. And it worked. I did 45 push ups, 10 standard, 35 girl. And still took the dog out for a minor jog when I got home.

Thanks for all the support, Everyone. Have a wonderful evening.

I thought I was in Shape....

But then I took a Boot Camp Class, which as I sort of expected proved to me how little strength I have. My arms are jelly right now, and I want to hit my bed, but am determined to blog. On the upside I was one of the top 10 runners.

Some backstory, then a picture.
Sorry about my two month absence. Once I figured out that I really was a food addict and discovered my trigger foods I was actually afraid to blog about my progress. I worried I might have gone in a spiral again. On April 1 I chose to become, for the last time,a vegan. I was always a vegetarian but would weave in and out of dairy consumption as my desires did. I would loose weight when I omitted the cheese and chocolate, but then once I got to a nice place I'd consume again. Once I realized my pattern and embraced the emotional reasons for my yo-yo behavior, I made that choice to never eat an animal based food. I see now, that, for me, dairy consumption coats me in a layer of fat. I cannot control myself.

So I have made progress. In January I weighed 182 at the doctor. This morning I weighed 165. I am about one week of sit-ups, crunches, and squats from my size 10 Ann Taylor Jeans. The poverty diet gave me a good jump start. On April 1st it hit me that I was one month away from my best friend's wedding. And I too was going to walk down the aisle and stand with her. My dress(she let us choose our own, black being the only requirement, she rocks) I wore one year ago at 165 pounds. I started jogging every day and, I admit, cut back on my portions for some rapid weight loss-about 10 pounds in that month. Now I am a bit more relaxed about it.

I eat about six times per day. No big meals, all vegan, mostly raw, and only fruit in the morning. This is what works for me. I can still have fake cheese and fake meat, which I love, and carob or dark cocoa to satisfy my inner chocoholic. I swear I am only a B cup. This dress lovingly lifts and shapes the boobs.

Now I have my fitness goals which led me to Stacy's Bootcamp. Today was the first day. We start with a 10 minute jog. Then the mega-fit Stacy orders us to get down and do sit-up, for a minute--OH MY-then push-ups, then crunches, then laps, sprints. You get the idea. I needed to shake up my routine. And the best part, it's all in Central Park, my favorite place in the world.

On another happy note-I had injections in my back for my Herniated Disk, did my Physiotherapy, lost weight and now I have no pain. And likely I will not need surgery if I get back down to 140.

So that's all for now. Here I am with "Weird Al" at 180. My face holds a lot of Weight.

Ride the Yo-Yo

Before I lost the bulk of my excess weight, I didn't not have a pair of skinny jeans. Then I lost my weight had my surgery and voila, I hung a pair of size 6's in the closet. Now four years later I have sizes 6-12 in my closet. Back in my twenties, I had size 14-24 in the closet. I'm still a yo-yo but now I playing in a different pool.

I'm sure anyone reading this has felt the utter thrill of slipping into a pair of formerly too tight pants. My confidence goes through the roof for a week. And then for some reason I start eating poorly. I eat chocolate, easter candy, and cheese. A month later, usually after my cycle, I start eating better. Rinse and Repeat.

Why do I do this. My life good enough that I don't need the momentary rush that comes for putting on a size 8.

Right now, I am falling a little. I lost three pounds from the poverty diet, but then I got paid. On the positive I am not eating cheese. I am also dealing with a herniated disk which causes constant discomfort. Exercise is against advice. I had a spinal injection today and the doctor said I'll know if it works by Sunday. If it doesn't then surgery is the answer. I wish I could get it done now, but because of my job, I'll have to wait till after summer. I also said that I wanted to loose weight. The doc said I am not overweight that it would cause a problem.

Sorry for the ramble; I just want to be skinny again. I liked it.

Stick with Me

Sorry for the week off. My sister came to visit after I've complained for years that she's never come. So taking time out to Blog seemed just not nice. I wouldn't want to give her a reason to never come again either.

Two entries keep rolling around in my head:

1. I think I am addicted to dieting. More on that tomorrow.

2. Why do we give our children food we've not touched since the freshman fifteen?

My sis, niece, and I had a good time. We saw Shrek The Musical which was loads of fun. I took her to Canal Street, Chinatown, where she haggled, bartered and clawed her way to 6 "designer" handbags for $160. My niece scored big at the American Girl Place with a Molly doll plus PJ's for her and the doll. They looked so cute at night I need insulin They dragged me to Time Square and Rockefeller Center plus the aforementioned Chinatown-places I don't dare to go in my normal life as a New Yorker. My friends and family can gauge how much I love them by where I am willing to tread.

Will expand tomorrow night.

Quinoa Casserole--The Poverty Diet's Healthy Friend

When I embarked on the Poverty Diet, I knew I'd have find a healthier alternative to white carbs like pasta and bread. Since becoming a vegetarian 6 years ago, I used Quinoa in my diet, but it's preparation scared me and I witnessed many diasters. It would come out too soggy or too hard. The art of cooking anciet grains escaped me. Until one day last year, out of boredom, or maybe a wish to really screw up so I'd forever purchase ready made Quinoa at Whole Foods, I boiled the germ in butternut squash soup. Wowsa! I am a culinary genuis. I've since used Veggie Broth, Mushroom soup, and tomato broth. Last night, I hit up the Garden of Eden Grocery on Broadway with 5 dollars credit and 8 dollars cash. Here is my creation:


Ingredients:(My brain numbs when faced with numbers and measuring so I eyeball it! And I'm only hurting myself, and my roommate, if I mess up.)


Kidney beans
Onion
Zuccini
portabella mushroom
red pepper
spinach
broccoli
garlic(only fresh, anything less is sacrilige to the muse of spices)
red chile flakes
salt
pepper
ginger
1 cup Quinoa
2 cups water, or broth of your choosing.

Boil the liquid and Quinoa-when it reaches a boil, cover and simmer. In the saucepan heat olive oil, garlic, onion. When it starts to brown, in stages, add the zuccini, red pepper, portabella, and spinach. The veggies with the lowest water take longest and don't lose their flavor and texture when cooked. When the Quinoa has absorbed the water the veggies should be done. Add them to the pot with the beans, mix then spice to taste. I put the broccoli in last because I like it crunchy.

Loaded with protein and I made enough for six servings at a cost of 10 dollars.

Picture to follow when I get home.

Food Fear Factor

First I'd like to say thanks to all my new readers. I appreciate all the support. And shout out to my reader in Atlanta, Ga. for being the best fan, and friend, a girl could have.(I am talking you, Miss M.C.R.)

So today's topic is Fear.
Poverty week has me eating salad, hummus, and PB and SJ(Strawberry Jam) sandwiches. Kinda boring but I feel that this is good for me. Food should not be the center of my world; I don't work for the Food Network.

Last night I stayed at my friend's place who doesn't know how to just throw a meal together. Everything requires cooking and chopping plus always tastes good. He prepared Bean Burritos with spicy guacamole, fresh bread, and veggies with blue cheese. I wasn't terribly hungry but I ate anyway then felt the fear takeover. I thought I had vanquished my fear issues, but it seems they come up at times. I worry that their won't be enough food or feel like I have to load up because I won't be fed again. This worked for Neanderthal man, but not for Manhattan woman who never has burn more than 50 calories to obtain sustenance.

Another example of the Food Fear Factor at the 116th and Fredrick Doughlas Rite Aid:

The poverty diet works because I cannot afford anything like Easter candy. Yea!! Oh but I wanted it so bad the other night at the Rite Aid. They had the 'Hersey's Candy Coated' Chocolate Eggs, my other favorite which I had not had this season. I only had 9 dollars for gum, diet soda, and tampons. Good tampons are expensive!! DAMM. I never noticed before. Then the evil fear thoughts started: What if they don't have them anymore? Get this bag and then you wont buy anymore till next year. That's bull you will totally get more this year. Don't give in. ARGH! Go eat some spinach both of you crazy people living in my head.

Anyone else motivated by fear when it comes to eating.

The Smartest Woman I know

My co-worker, E, bit into a Dulce de Leche Girl Scout Cookie. I did the same. We both found the cookie to be bland in the middle plus too sweet at the top. I for some reason sunk my teeth into the over processed cookie, as if my initial assessment lacked the power of all my taste buds.

E. walked over to the garbage and tossed in the remaining portion. "It's not very good, I'm going to throw it out." Brilliant woman. She's got a healthy figure, size 4.

Remember the food critic from the movie Ratatouille. His mantra, "I love food,so, if I don't love it, I don't swallow."

Good Advice! But how can this be practical, especially on the poverty diet and many people don't want to waste food. Also, this idea is in direct contrast to the 'eat to live' philosophy. But I get the idea: love food and appreciate it's beauty. Eat to feed your palate, not your stomach or soul.