'What's for dinner?' Providing the answer to this simple question is getting increasingly complicated. Even a quick glance at the daily news turns every meal into an experience fraught with uncertainty and guilt. Because almost everything turns out to be bad for the health, or the environment, or both.
– Meat is high in fats and cholesterol and stuffed with antibiotics and hormones.
– Fish is full of metal deposits and also guilt-inducing due to overfishing. Sushi is particularly to blame for the depletion of the oceans. Another minus is that, according to a recent article, fish are eating minute particles of plastic – it seems that plastic smells good when mixed with seawater – and this ends up in their tissues.
– Vegetables and fruit are riddled with pesticides, unless they are organic.
– Dairy products are to be totally avoided, being indigestible and artery-clogging. Cheese, in particular, is maligned as being tantamount to poison.
– Sadly, almond milk, which is a good substitute for dairy, is terrible for the environment, since its production uses up huge amounts of water.
– Anything ‘white’ and ‘refined’, such as flour, pasta and rice, should be avoided like the plague. Only the wholemeal varieties will do, if that.
There is very little one can be sure about:
– Wine, in small quantities, appears to be good for you – until you read the next study, which has now discovered it is bad (or is it good again?) The same goes for chocolate (black, of course) and coffee.
– Eggs are terrible for cholesterol levels – BUT I just read an article that it is now considered advisable to eat up to ten a week. – Seafood is also high in cholesterol, with the added environmentally-unfriendly aura connected with fish (see depletion of oceans, above).
– We can’t even count on spirits to raise our spirits (pardon the awful pun). A lovely mojito, a vodka tonic, a drop of whisky – out of the question. Not should any morsel of dessert (brownies, ice cream, cake) pass our lips. I did, however, read an article that gin is good for the health.
– And salt? Is salt good or bad? Opinion differs here too.
There are also practical matters to be considered:
– Should you eat breakfast, or can you skip it? I recently read that it’s okay, even beneficial, to do the latter, although up to now we were taught to ‘breakfast like a king…’ etc. etc.
–Juicing helps with getting your five-a-day, but breaks down the fibers in the fruit and veggies. So better not.
And moral ones:
I admit I’m a terrible hypocrite, since I enjoy a lamb chop as much as the next person, but would probably be a total vegetarian if I had to kill the said lamb myself. However, I feel like screaming when I hear vegetarians self-righteously proclaim they still eat butter and cheese, ‘because no animals get killed in the process.’ When I try to explain the basic facts of agriculture, they just don’t seem to get it. I have good friends who keep repeating the same argument every time food is discussed.
So, what the devil are we supposed to eat?
As far as I can see, that leaves seeds (chia, sesame) pulses (chickpeas…) and insects (which are full of protein and totally devoid of fat). The Swiss are about to stack supermarket shelves with food made from mealworms, which are the larval form of the mealworm beetle. We’re talking ‘burgers’, made by a startup called Essento, in which the mealworms are combined with vegetables, herbs and spices. Sound yummy? Their byword is ‘delicious insects.’
Apparently, fried crickets and grasshoppers are also tasty and crunchy, I suppose as a substitute for potato chips, which are notoriously bad for the health. According to the experts, insects have a high culinary potential, their production saves resources and their nutritional profile is high-quality. They are the perfect complement to a modern diet.
On the strength of the above, I have compiled a menu for a dinner party:
Drinks: Gin and tonic (gin is good for you, right? Unless a new survey comes out before the evening in question, saying the contrary). Crispy fried locusts and organic carrot sticks.
Starter: Organic quinoa with kale chips and sliced raw radishes. I actually had this made for me by a friend, and it was surprisingly tasty.
Main course: Mealworms ‘burgers’ with raw cauliflower ‘risotto’. The latter is a recipe favored by vegans, but I confess I’ve never had it – I love cauliflower, but eating it raw instead of rice – not so much.
Desert: I need to find a recipe that avoids eggs, sugar and flour – probably something made with oats and fruit and sweetened with stevia. As if life was not complicated enough…
One must not forget to be extra careful because of people’s allergies to nuts, gluten or even strawberries. Thus the planning of a simple dinner has been turned into a major strategic exercise – what with reading up on the latest developments and finding the ingredients (although some might be captured in the garden?)
Perhaps the answer is to eat everything, but stop reading? Because it never ends. Today, I read an article about antibiotics. It seems doctors now are not sure which to prescribe, because of resistance and allergies. Also they disagree about whether you should finish the whole course, or stop taking them as soon as you feel better.
I rest my case.
Bon appetit, everyone!
I eat five eggs a day most days. Will never, never give up dairy. Meat and fish, 3 x a week each. I must be doing something right – I’m alive, kicking, and my immune system is made of diamonds (or something just as hard). Can’t remember the last time I had a cold.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good for you!!💪
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have had ‘cauliflower rice’. It tastes like grated cauliflower, nothing remotely like rice. I was offered insects to at in China, locusts, bugs, crickets, and scorpions. But I could not imagine putting an insect into my mouth. I have decided to ignore medical advice, and die when something kills me, however soon that is. I wrote something similar on my own blog, here.
https://beetleypete.wordpress.com/2017/07/11/expert-medical-nonsense/
Enjoy the cheese, seafood, olives, and lamb, Marina. Drink the wine, the ouzo, and Metaxa. You are Greek, after all. I am not Greek, and I am determined to enjoy all of those, and more.
What use is life if it is lived in fear?
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 4 people
I totally agree. I’m sure eating insects is a matter of custom, some people flinch when they see us eating octopus. As for all those surveys, its getting quite ridiculous!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Having it all laid out like that certainly gives perspective on the food wars. I cannot see giving up eggs and certain dairy. And I have found juicing does make me eat my vegetables-but I agree, eating should not be this difficult 😉 Great post-
LikeLike
Thanks! It’s crazy. Wes should just stop reading…
LikeLike
I think it is generally accepted that the Greek Mediterranean diet is the most healthy diet in the world. So I recommend lots of Feta Cheese, Greek Yogurt and honey, grilled fish and meat and those wonderful salads laden with large juicy tomatoes, Olives and Oregano and smothered in Olive Oil.
Simple .
LikeLiked by 2 people
Didn’t you read my post?🤣 You’d still get the pesticides, hormones, ocean depletion etc…
LikeLike
I did read your post Marina and know you have your tongue firmly in your cheek. The best advice is to ignore all advice and carry on exactly as before. Life is too short . I’m with beetleypete on this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, me too!!!!
LikeLike
It is a nightmare you’ve made me hoot with laughter. Moderation in everything I guess!
LikeLike
Too right!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true! And if I were responsible for killing my own food, I wouldn’t eat meat at all. I’d be restricted to shellfish. I could manage that. On the other hand, cheese and other dairy products, which I love, would present a major problem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m exactly like that! Perhaps one could rely on barter with some neighbor, who wouldn’t be as squeamish
LikeLiked by 1 person
Like most days, I started out eating healthy and moderately (which I think is the real key) but fell apart quickly and ate a few things I should not have touched. As for insects: they come into my house, I kill them – but I’m not eating them. I respect those who live in nations where insects and grubs are considered tasty protein, but I can’t do it.
Great article, Marina, you made me think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed it, Cheryl. I always wonder who finances all those surveys…
LikeLike
Enlisting all food groups in a large family’s diet is so important Marina. I agree everything in moderation. A salad is a daily (Yes, of course “Greek”!)…LOL A fruit smoothie midday. Fresh fruits are always in the home. As a food blogger it is always such joy sharing recipes. Such as Casseroles, pasta, etc. Seafood at least once a week, protein (chicken, small piece of meat-Lamb is a fav!). I use a 3rd generation Meat Market, Seafood Market, produce Market (plus my own garden), Italian bakery, Greek Market. I am very lucky to shop each week (Wednesdays are my days) early morning. It does make you wonder though. Hang in there my Koukla Mou! x
LikeLike
Thanks, Cheryl! I also agree about everything in moderation
LikeLike
Ugh, I am so tired of all these food limitations!! And don’t get me started on people who question everything you eat. Food shaming is now a thing 😦
-Fabi at Wonder Fabi
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it’s all so ridiculous! Thanks for reblogging🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would like to translate your post and publish it in the Spanish version of my blog, with due credit of course. Would it be okay?
LikeLike
Of course, Fabiola! Do as you like, it makes me happy you enjoyed the post 💕🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll send you the link when it’s done 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Wonder Fabi.
LikeLiked by 1 person
An excellent post! I think there’s a great deal too much preciousness about the human diet, and those who demand ‘purity’ in their food had better start growing and raising their own.
I refuse to be alarmed by any food except added sugar, which seems to appear in the most bizarre places. I eat at least 7 different vegetables and fruits a day, I buy and eat the best quality meat I can afford (and I’ve butchered my own in the past, so I can look lamb chops in the face), plenty of free range eggs, and as much dairy as my body will tolerate (I’m lactose intolerant). I don’t eat anything made of refined white flour (I’m a coeliac), or much rice or potato. I’m a fairly heathy weight, my blood sugar and blood pressure are both normal, and I drink very modest quantities of alcohol.
Given this diet, I’m not going to start stressing about the ever-changing opinion of the so-called experts, I’ll eat what tastes good and makes me feel good, and to hell with the diet police!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good for you, Kate! We are in total agreement 🌺
LikeLike
As a doctor and a nutritionist and still at unis studying the topic after 20 years I was not going to comment and annoy 🙂 ! Then read Kate’s just now and burst out laughing . . . the diet police would not go near her with her close-to–perfect habits 🙂 ! OK: my ‘extra’ tips – carbs are absolutely necessary but make them natural: vegetables and brown rice and all else unhulled!. No more than two pieces of fruit a day! OMG: DO watch your sugars! No frying except stir-frying! Oils: olive and bran in my book! You do not need cakes and desserts – make multiple interesting primo piatti instead ! Don’t buy farmed [Atlantic] fish for God;s sake! Make certain you have plenty of mackerel, sardines, anchovies etc – tinned will do! ! Black coffee and 70% cocoa chocolate – oh yes! Breakfast the most important meal of the day but no juice! . . . . Wine: what would a meal be without it . . . ? OK, methinks I have outworn my ‘welcome’ . . . 🙂 !!! But bugs and seeds only . . . . very, very funny . . .
LikeLike
I actually follow all of your advice! However, the proliferation of those articles and studies has become so ridiculous that I thought it was worth a laugh! 😊
LikeLike
Definitely 🙂 !! And am still chuckling about your presentation – thank you !!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fortunately I don’t read those kinds of articles. At this time of year, I mostly eat from my own garden. Things are going to have to be very bad before I’ll consider eating insects. I tend to think that the simpler your diet is and the more locally grown your food the better it is for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was trying to be funny 😂, but I’m sure eating insects is a matter of habit – or necessity? Perhaps it will come to that in a few generations. Hopefully we’ve escaped it, though 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was funny, but I’m sure there are people who think like that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would love to go vegetarian but that would make choosing meals even more difficult than it is now. Also, I used to live next to a dairy farm and I now feel if I ‘went’ vegetarian on ethical grounds I’d have to ‘go’ vegan too after some of the things I saw. Then what? Too many seeds make my tum go a bit funny and I’m not sure rural France has embraced insects as a food item yet. I just try to make the best choices regarding organic or outdoor raised, traceable food when I’m shopping but I’m going to have to start taking reading glasses out with me as I swear some producers are making the writing on food labels smaller and smaller 😉
I have this bag which is a very easy way to make your own guilt free almond milk https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Tree-Products-Nut-Milk/dp/B00KY3DZNM/ref
As for wine – it’s the only thing that’s cheap here in France so hopefully the amount of glasses I drink that are good for me will cancel out those that are bad 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I try to do as you do. And thanks for the almond milk tip. Will get organized, especially since we have an almond tree in the garden!
LikeLike
Great last paragraph. Lovely paintings
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Derrick!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read in the Times today that the food nutritionist of Liverpool Football Club is recommending that footballers eat Greek Yogurt just before they go to bed. I quote ” The protein in the yogurt digests slowly in the body and is ideal for rebuilding muscle following intense training, but particularly a gym workout using weights.”
Of course in my case it is not the consumption of yogurt that bothers me, it’s the intense training!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Or the honey and chopped walnuts that go on it, perhaps? 😊
LikeLike
You got me smiling, at the moment we are out of food ideas, as we tend to eat too well (that’s what I think).
During my pregnancy, I had to avoid all sorts of food, like every pregnant woman, but then I was put on an extra special diet, as I had diabetes… so even more restrictions and any starchy food had to be weight but was not to be left out either… fruits were almost forbidden, but dairy (except for cheese, limited amounts only) was to be had up to 6 times per day (at least 3). Eggs and white ham suddenly became a big chunk of my diet, I haven’t had white ham in months.
Have fun with the mealworms!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha, you know what they say about pregnant women – sex, drugs and rock and roll are ok, but NO SUSHI! 🤣 Glad i made you laugh, Solveig, better than being annoyed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The so called experts are just guessing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So did I. I guessed that having to cook food to make it edible was not natural – no kitchens in the caves, after all – so I eliminated everything that required cooking to be edible. I gave up root vegetables while I was at it. Best idea I ever had, my health could not be better. I wish I had done it much earlier.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hmmm. I love cooking, and a good meal with friends. Your way simplifies things a lot, of course!
LikeLike
I say eat what makes you feel good, don’t overeat, enjoy plenty of exercise, laugh a lot, eat with friend, eat with family, eat as naturally as possible with as little guilt as possible. I for one am tired of keeping up with all the eating trends.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too!
LikeLike
A very thought provoking post. I dont think I will be eating insects…🌼🌼🌼
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interesting thoughts, I say let’s just eat and not read about it 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very funny but my personal solution is not to pay any attention to all the science and PC. You won’t get me on Insects for a million dollars, and no way I’ll give up my mojito, my seafood spaghetti sauce and gloriously calorie & fat-gorged bufalo mozzarella 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love all those too! 😊🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good thing Ilona is such a great Vegan chef. We never have to wonder. We send love and greetings to youâ¦..F & I
LikeLike
Same to you both, Franklin! 😘🌺
LikeLike
I sympathise Marina. It’s a minefield! I’m thinking of giving up eating – or running fast through the minefield to get to dessert on the other side.
LikeLike
Definitely don’t give up eating! Everything has to be taken with a pinch of salt – pun intended ! 🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess we all do the best we can with the produce available and the ever-changing science behind the currently accepted ‘advice’. I’m fortunate to have fresh, and often organically grown produce, available to me. Others are lucky to have enough food of any kind to sustain them. I feel grateful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel the same
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interestingly titled and expressed 😄
Visit my blog too 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love dairy and meat products and your blog is awesome
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right it is difficult these days! I love the art work as well
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahah, great post! These thoughts run thru my mind way too often. Just had a
soy milk latte (because I prefer the taste to that of milk) but feel guilty because they say soy products affect your hormone levels. 😄 Oh my all these 1st world problems! 😂 Luckily they also say that chocolate containd cockroaches, since insects seem to be the next big healthy trend… so I can keep eating chocolate, yay!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ps I ADORE your watercolors!!!!! 😊
LikeLike
Thank you so much!🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Simple… food is life haha..
LikeLiked by 1 person
👍
LikeLike
I think if you follow every bit of food advice you wouldn’t be able to eat anything! Everything has benefits and drawbacks. You just got to work out what foods work for you 🙂
Awesome post though – in terms of a healthy dessert, you should try raw vegan brownies 🙂
xx
https://colourpotblog.wordpress.com/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊It was meant to be a bit of fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL totally agree, as a friend of mine recently said “I am so Diet Confused!!!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
I gave up on the does and don’ts years ago. Don’t smoke I drink at least one glass of wine per day, walk for exercise, eat (almost) everything, making sure it’s clean. My favourites a most forms of offal and fish such as herring, tuna or macaral.
LikeLike
loving the pears.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just eat everything.. like quite literally 😀 have to try everything atleast once
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Trending Blog With Fiona Lee and commented:
Interesting ^^
LikeLike
Thank you! 😊🌺🌺
LikeLike
I consider if you accompany every fleck of solid food advice you wouldn’t be able-bodied to corrode anything! .
LikeLiked by 1 person
This rocks! I Love it! Especially the eggplant and pear sketches ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Very kind🌺💕
LikeLike
Very true, it changes every single day as what is “healthy” anymore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In fact, nothing seems to be😊😬 Oh wait, insects. And I read something about jellyfish recently…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I literally love eggs! I crave them when I am ill! I don’t think I could ever not eat them!
LikeLike
I loved it! Really!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
theranch2017.wordpress.com
LikeLike
Nice article. But the truth is even with the pesticides, fruits and vegetables are far healthier than the other options you discussed.
I am passionate about food too and just started my blog. Do check it out!
TheVeganArtist2017.wordpress.com
LikeLike
Everybody’s thoughts on the matter penned down to a perfection.
The article is awesome…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!🌺
LikeLike
Omg this is so well written. Followed 🙂 I also aspire to spread awareness of neurological diseases through the love of FOOD. Do also check out my first post and read my blog at http://autismandeats.wordpress.com Here’s to a great friendship. Appreciate it ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the art in this post 🙂 Totally agree with the dilemma with food at the moment, ethics and health *sigh
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on PALAMPUR PANORAMA.
LikeLike