New Year's resolutions
for a happy, healthy and
satiating 1997
Illustration by Bob Blumer
By the time you read this, you probably will have sworn off rich food and alcohol until next year. Fortunately, next year is just around the corner. To get you there, here's a little fat-free food for thought.
Get fresh. Whenever possible, use fresh rather than processed ingredients. Buy real lemons instead of plastic ones, whole garlic, fresh herbs, real cheese, vegetables off the stem and so on.
Get real. Whenever possible, make it from scratch. Squeeze your own orange juice, mash your own guacamole, bake your own cookies...
Linger longer. The French spit on us for our heathen ways, then eat and drink like cochons and have the last laugh by outliving the average North American. Recent medical research by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services attributes this feat to the regular consumption of red wine in France. Unfortunately, these studies seem to overlook the benefits of the social lifestyle that revolves around the dinner table. My theory is that lingering, laughing and honoring food minimizes the stress on the digestive system and allows the body to concentrate on more important business. (Note: Until this is scientifically proven, let the cabernet flow.)
Buy the farm. Shop at a farmer's market once a month (in season). Most vendors at these markets are the farmers themselves. These salt-of-the-earth souls grow produce for flavor, not shipping endurance — and they're proud of it. Ask them for cooking tips, storage suggestions or recipes, and you're bound to expand your culinary horizons.
Start a food fight. Send your food back in restaurants when it's not right. Remember, it's a service industry and you are there to be accommodated, not intimidated. (Notable exception: If the chef resembles Primo, from the film Big Night, just do as he suggests.)
Be more complimentary. Praise the chef when the food is exceptional. Even if it's just a humble pancake joint, walk into the kitchen and pay homage.
Be more sinful. Once a week take pleasure in eating something sinful. If it makes you happy, it's good for you.
Be more spontaneous. Have a dinner party just for the hell of it. Whether the reason for throwing such a bash is as mundane as the February blues, a full moon or a cost-of-living raise, there's always an excuse to invite friends over, throw together an impromptu meal and dust off a few bottles of wine.
Be more giving. Make an annual donation of time, energy or money to a food bank. If you are reading this on a computer, you are probably in a position to help those less fortunate than yourself.
Be more daring. Try a food you've have hated all your life. If it still makes you squirm, you're that much braver for trying.
Have a great New Year's Eve. See you in '97 (if that plate of liver and anchovies doesn't kill me).
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