There are several different types of eaters. Many are just normal eaters that like certain things and not others. Then there are the vegans and the vegetarians who are more dedicated and disciplined in their eating regimes. Many want to get away from hormones, chemicals, and animal testing. Others just want to get back to the earth and eat what the earth produces. But the foodie is so far to the other end of this spectrum, that it’s really interesting to experience their enthusiasm about food. The following are what I believe to be the four types of eaters within our culture.
Regular: These people eat from all the four food groups and indulge in whatever they like or enjoy eating.
Vegetarian: Somebody who abstains from eating animals eats mainly vegetables and fruit. Their diet includes dairy, seeds, and grains as well. Most vegetarians feel they will be healthier eating like this, and they don’t like to think of eating flesh.
Vegan: These are people who do not eat eggs, dairy products, meat or fish. They refrain from ingesting those products that are derived from any animal ingredients or processed using any animal products. Many vegans are very strict about not eating any products tested on animals or using any animal-derived products such as fur, wool or leather. They are very dedicated and disciplined.
Foodie: These types are interested in all areas of food and beverage. Foodie levels range from mere hobbyists to those living the full on foodie lifestyle. From gourmets to restaurant enthusiasts, these are people that really enjoy good food. You’ll find that foodies are those that enjoy restaurant openings, take note of food fads, often seek out out wineries and other intriguing alcoholic beverages, consider cooking classes, take tours of culinary schools, consistently employ new cooking techniques, and enjoy shopping for good food. Some of these folks can seem very refined.
In the end, healthy eating is what it all comes down to. It is a lifestyle choice, not just a temporary diet. Each one of these types of eaters are generally content in their style of eating and the choices they have made. They each believe in what they are doing, and enjoy the foods their particular diet affords them.
One of the seven deadly sins is gluttony, right? Well, we can reach that level with any of these types of diets, if we aren’t careful. It’s important in food-laden cultures like ours, to show some restraint. Outlandish eating can cause diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. The trick here is to follow one of the most important truths in life: All things in moderation.
A succulent, mouth watering rib-eye steak or something rich and buttery from the bakery once in a while isn’t going to kill us. Nor is eating occasionally at at new trendy restaurant. But we should try to remember two other truths:
- We are what we eat.
- The less processed the better.
In addition, eating green, leafy vegetables and being sure our food is not shot full of hormones and chemicals, is going to help make our skin glow and organs purr. Take note. Eating processed foods with sodium preservatives, mile long chemical names, or dyes, is poisonous to our bodies. If you can manage it, this stuff should be eliminated from your diet. If the first ingredient in a food “product” is water, fructose, or some chemical, it’s not a good choice. After all, most of what that product is comprised of is that very first ingredient listed.
Remember that an evening of pure decadent eating isn’t going to grow the waist line, if it is met the next day with some exercise and normal eating. It’s a matter of planning ahead. If you have been taught to eat healthy from a early age, then you are better off and ahead of the game. Knowing the good foods from the bad is valuable. Small portions, balancing, maintaining a good variety of foods in your diet, and indulging in moderation are all important. And you don’t need those huge portions, if you have enough variety of foods (particularly fruits and vegetables) to choose from.
Moderation in all things is an obvious but important lesson to learn. Go ahead. Eat some of that specialty dish. But you don’t have to have a giant piece or a second helping. If you’ve learned moderation, you’ve learned one of the most important rules of life and eating.
Picture courtesy of Bing.