On Being Indulgent – Choose happiness with some Tasty Food

Have some fun food for Happiness

Hollywood is always bombarding us with images of stick-thin, willpower-driven women on a quest to find the perfect figure. The problem is, while we would all probably like to change something about ourselves, being disciplined is tough, and it doesn’t always make us feel great or bring us happiness within.

A company I know has a marketing department, made up of about seven women. They are all slim, fashionable and perfectly made-up, with great clothes sense and ‘Sex and the City’ type attitudes. It’s always a bit daunting to go in there and talk to them, as it makes me feel really aware of my own flaws. On the wall, they have a big poster which reads:

“Nothing tastes as good as slim feels.”

The message serves as a reminder for the group, that when the cakes and cookies come around the office, they should turn them down.  Does this make the happier?

I have a big problem with this. Firstly, anyone who thinks that nothing tastes as good as being slim hasn’t actually tried Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Secondly, what message is this really giving? That it is more important to live in strict self-denial to preserve a waif-like figure, than gain pleasure and happiness? What about good old fashion fun with food? What about that incredible high that comes from munching away on a very large, very sweet and indulgent donut?

My theory on this isn’t backed up by any scientific evidence that I know of, but I’m pretty sure from experience that an element of self-indulgence is very good for the soul. I’m not talking about eating so much cake that you have to be airlifted out of your house, but I think that treats make us happy.

I knew someone once, and elderly gentleman, who used to eat the same meal every evening, for years. Roast chicken and beetroot for dinner EVERY day. He was grumpy. He was difficult to get along with. When I asked him why he always ate the same thing, he explained that he wasn’t interested in food. I found this heartbreaking, because it seemed more as if he wasn’t interested in being kind to himself. When people lose interest in food, they’ve lost one of the most fundamental pleasures in life. Food is sociable, bringing families together and giving us an excuse to spend time with our friends.

When we see celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and Sarah Jessica Parker, they look a bit boney to me. I know for a fact that most people like curves. My husband has a paunch, and there is nothing better as far as I’m concerned than snuggling down using it as a pillow. If we look at paintings of pre-Raphaelite women, the most beautiful thing about them is their stunningly voluptuous, womanly figures. Curves are cool. Curves are natural. If I have to dedicate myself to a bit of self-indulgence to get them, then all the better! I’m going to have some lunch, and think it all through over something sweet and decadent. For my health and happiness within, you understand.

What food brings you happiness?  Love to hear from you.

Debbie