In a recent Communications class, we discussed television's Food Network. Food is no longer viewed as simply fulfilling a biological need. Rather, it is representative of who we are. Our society views massive consumption as an indicator of having achieved the good life. The more pristine your kitchen and the more luxurious food you consume, the better off you are. If you notice, most shows on the Food Network are filmed on sets and in environments that are quite extravagant and pristine; therefore, these programs are selling more than recipes by utilizing them. However, I would like to argue that in recent years, the Food Network has definitely begun to cater more to the viewer's reality. There are shows such as "Semi-Homemade," "30 Minute Meals," and "Hungry Girl," all of which promote accessible ingredients and quick and easy cooking for the working parent or even college student. I'll come back to this, but let me digress a moment...
For many years I used food as a way to manage the stress and pressures of life. I would either eat large amounts of food to feel better, as it sort of buried my emotions and was a way of escaping reality for a few minutes, or eliminate eating, as it was one less thing to think about and something which I had total control over in my life. It did not take long to realize that although these behaviors provided comfort in the short run, they were extremely detrimental to my health and well-being. To combat this awful coping mechanism, I now set aside an hour or so on the weekends and plan out my meals for the upcoming week. When the chaos of classes and other obligations ensue, it is one less thing I have to worry about because it has already been mapped out. There is no chance that I will restrict or binge to cope with what life throws my way. While I remain extremely health conscious and slightly obsessed, always reading labels, making comparisons, and researching, I have found that nutrition and cooking are things that I am really passionate about! I rarely go out to eat or grab food on the go because I like knowing how my food is made and exactly what's in it, and love the whole process of shopping for groceries and preparing my meals.
Personally, I love watching shows on the Food Network. I am well aware that I may not have the same type of pans or décor as these television personalities yet they help spark ideas for recipes and creative uses for various food items. As an extremely healthy eater, I like the challenge of watching these cooks prepare a meal and then refining it to make it more figure-friendly and compatible with what I have on hand in my own kitchen. I definitely believe that what you cook and eat is a reflection of who you are and I love experimenting and exploring that, sometimes with a little inspiration from the Food Network.
I have included a photo of a dinner that I made just a couple nights ago for myself. It is a homemade turkey burger that is comprised of 99% fat free, organic ground turkey, sautéed onions, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. I topped it with all-natural cranberry chutney and served it atop organic spring mix and alongside a baked sweet potato sprinkled with cinnamon. Are you hungry yet??
For many years I used food as a way to manage the stress and pressures of life. I would either eat large amounts of food to feel better, as it sort of buried my emotions and was a way of escaping reality for a few minutes, or eliminate eating, as it was one less thing to think about and something which I had total control over in my life. It did not take long to realize that although these behaviors provided comfort in the short run, they were extremely detrimental to my health and well-being. To combat this awful coping mechanism, I now set aside an hour or so on the weekends and plan out my meals for the upcoming week. When the chaos of classes and other obligations ensue, it is one less thing I have to worry about because it has already been mapped out. There is no chance that I will restrict or binge to cope with what life throws my way. While I remain extremely health conscious and slightly obsessed, always reading labels, making comparisons, and researching, I have found that nutrition and cooking are things that I am really passionate about! I rarely go out to eat or grab food on the go because I like knowing how my food is made and exactly what's in it, and love the whole process of shopping for groceries and preparing my meals.
Personally, I love watching shows on the Food Network. I am well aware that I may not have the same type of pans or décor as these television personalities yet they help spark ideas for recipes and creative uses for various food items. As an extremely healthy eater, I like the challenge of watching these cooks prepare a meal and then refining it to make it more figure-friendly and compatible with what I have on hand in my own kitchen. I definitely believe that what you cook and eat is a reflection of who you are and I love experimenting and exploring that, sometimes with a little inspiration from the Food Network.
I have included a photo of a dinner that I made just a couple nights ago for myself. It is a homemade turkey burger that is comprised of 99% fat free, organic ground turkey, sautéed onions, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. I topped it with all-natural cranberry chutney and served it atop organic spring mix and alongside a baked sweet potato sprinkled with cinnamon. Are you hungry yet??