Remember when...

I felt really nostalgic and sentimental this weekend.

Part of it has to do with friends of the hubby and I getting married in Colorado Springs this weekend. I wasn't able to attend, but the hubby was and I just saw some of the photos... it brought back memories of my wedding and, despite the craziness that surrounded the event, it was so worth it to be married to the amazing man I am honored to call my husband.

And it got me thinking about how much has changed over the last year - I feel like I've grown in some ways by leaps and bounds. I have a phenomenal group of friends and mentors (and some are both ::coughRamonacough::) around me that are motivated to be the best them possible. To all my fantastic friends reading this: I'm grateful every day that you have come into my life and can't imagine where I would be without you.

I've renewed some friendships, and have let others lapse. While the latter isn't always fun, it's necessary sometimes to remove yourself from the company of people whose path doesn't complement your own.

As I was talking with one of my dear friends this weekend, I realized I was feeling particularly sentimental about something else... something silly, but no less meaningful. You see, the conversation drifted towards health, nutrition, weight, etc., as it tends to do when I'm around... (big shocker, I know! LOL!) and in the midst of the conversation, I stopped and asked my friend:

Do you remember when food was... well, just food.

We both started going down the "remember when..." road and, while it wasn't specifically explored, our musings begged the question: when did food cease to be the sum of it's parts, and just became... parts: carb, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, etc.?

Bagels ceased to be bagels and became nothing more than a guilty carb indulgence (and as big as your head!)

Chicken went from a meat that was part of the weekly dinner rotation to a coveted source of lean protein.

Dining out was an event that you got excited about, something you dressed up for, something that happened on special occasions. Now it's more common for folks to use a restaurant menu more than they use a shopping list.

The fridge became a receptacle for leftovers and "food" rather than a warehouse of ingredients waiting to be transformed into savory meals.

And meal times used to be when the whole family would sit around the table, at the same time, and ::gasp:: talk! Ok, during my teenage years I know there was less talk on my part, but still, the meal was eaten together. If the phone rang, we let it ring. If it was important, they'd call back.

I also realized during this trip down memory lane that, while I'm firmly in the 'food is fuel, food is divided into various macro-nutrients and consumed in certain ratios' camp, I'm moving more and more back towards the "good old days" when food was enjoyed, not vilified, or something to be feared.

I also really enjoy cooking. I LOVE the meditative action of chopping and prepping the veggies and meat, adding in seasonings, waiting for the aromas to waft out pan or oven. I love to savor the meal I prepared, and love even more the complements/jealous looks I get in the lunch room. I eat off of a real plate - our "nice" dishes - and sometimes pull out a wine glass for my fizzy water. Even when the hubby's not home, a little extra sparkle on the table (eh, who am I kidding, the TV tray) make me happy.

So the next time you sit down at a meal (yes, you're actually supposed to SIT to eat. LOL!) shift your thinking ever so slightly. Pull out the nice dishes once in a while. Turn the common place into a celebration and savor the food on your plate.

Yes it's fueling your body, but let the experience fuel your heart.