Empty Jars
Oct 19, 2009 by Bill Rawls, M.D.
It’s peculiar how objects that are so much a part of an everyday life can gradually become unnoticed as life changes. The other day I was cleaning the kitchen counter and became aware of two large empty jars sitting in the shadows of a corner underneath cabinets.
Made of clear glass, the powdered dust of white flour could be seen stuck to the inside the walls of one container, and the granular residue of sugar in the bottom of the other. Forgotten, it had been years since either one had been filled—other choices haven taken their place.
The transition had not occurred overnight. In their time, these jars were each refilled every other week. But gradually healthier choices took precedence, and they were refilled less and less often. Oddly, when their absence was finally noticed, there was no sense of loss. My approach to food had changed so much that these items were no longer necessary.
Learning to appreciate flavor over taste was a necessary part of the conversion. Taste is sensed by taste buds on the tongue and flavor is related to smell. For physiologic reasons, we tend to be driven by the taste of sweet more than any of the other tastes or by any flavors. We need the sugar glucose to survive, and therefore it dictates the priority of our food choices. Most natural foods contain little glucose and in days gone by, getting enough of it was an ever present concern.
In present times of overabundance, however, we have the opposite problem. Excessive amounts of glucose found in refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup and processed starch is a major contributor to not only diabetes, but all health problems. Once I was able to get beyond the taste of sweet I began to experience the real flavor of food. Flavor comes not only from the food itself, but also from spices and seasonings that can be added in almost unlimited variety. Adding flavor is usually synonymous with adding health, because flavors in food and spices often represent disease-fighting chemicals. The most flavorful foods from around the world are generally the healthiest.
Make effort to find flavor in your food. Leaving processed foods behind and learning to enjoy fresh whole foods and spices is the first and most important step toward a healthier lifestyle.
Categories: Nutrition,
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Previous Comments
Holly Ashdale- Oct 19, 2009
Is it cheating if I put this article on "hold" until after the holiday season? :)
Dr. Rawls- Oct 19, 2009
Hi Holly, Thanks for your comment. You are right, dieting during the holidays is never easy! I am working to post some ideas for "healthful Holiday eating" that I hope you will find useful. There are lots of delicious ways to enjoy seasonal dishes without "cheating" or taking your diet over the top! Best wishes, Dr. Rawls
