Fuller-bodied, Strong and Intense.

Truly the only way.

I like my coffee roasted medium-dark, French press or espresso-machine made. Dunkin Donuts will never do, not even when traveling. I’ll take tea instead, if coffee at friends’ is sub par. Just don’t microwave the water. Yuck!

I like my red wine fruity and flavorful. Full bodied, from any region. Just don’t serve it with fish! For that, a selection of whites will satisfy, thank you.

Dark and intense is my passion for chocolate. Milk and white varieties will get left behind, Lindt or otherwise. Checkout-line varieties will never do, although in my past I loved Peppermint Patties, (although those hardly count as chocolates).

Okay, call me a food snob. I’m the first to admit it.

But it’s like this. If I’m going to eat something, and eat it mindfully, I’m going to taste it. And if I taste my food, I surely want to love what I’m eating. I want to savor the flavors and the textures. 

Every bite should be a pleasure.

A quick fix for dark chocolate, Petit Ecolier, LU France

For me, there is no compromising. I’d rather not eat out, unless the food is superb. Superb generally comes at a price, so I don’t eat out all that often. My husband and I tend to enjoy our own cooking more than the food at most places.

That said, my all time favorite restaurant in the Boston area is Oleana and I would gladly accept an invitation or a gift certificate there any day of the week! Their food is aromatic, texturally interesting, and full of flavorful blends of spices.  The experience is so satisfying, that even if the meals are more substantial (calorie-wise) than I usually prepare, a little goes a long way. Yes, in spite of a multi course meal there Sunday (including a shared Baked Alaska to die for), I was able to comfortably walk out, feeling quite good, I might add.

I believe we have a right to have foods taste the way we want them to. Trying to lose weight? Assuming you need to, ask for modifications to meet your goals—but only if they will also please your palate. If the resulting dish is bland, it will fail to satisfy. And if you only order what you think you should eat, you’ll do fine while out. But once you return home, you’ll be seeking out what you truly yearn for. At a local Chinese food restaurant our family orders everything “light on the oil”. Such cuisines don’t suffer with lower fat modification, given their rich flavor from ginger, garlic, soy sauce, to name a few.

Recipe for the greatest carrot and spice appetizer inside!

But at Oleana, I’d rather have a richer prep of an exotic entrée, eat it mindfully, and stop when I’ve had just enough. Then I get to enjoy the leftovers another day. (This does require asking for a second plate when ordering your food. Otherwise, the delicious meal before you will be consumed in no time, before you’ve thought to put some aside.)

If you are struggling with anorexia, just eating out may be a great accomplishment. Order foods however you need to, to be able to enjoy the meal and not be anxious. Regardless of what others may think. Just be sure to meet your nutritional needs when you get home, if necessary. Ultimately, though, wouldn’t it be nice to be flexible and have foods without analyzing their content?

Look closely. It's made of roses! MFA, Boston, MA.

The message here? Be assertive. Ask for what you need, and what you want. Not just regarding dining, but in life, I might add. And work on choosing foods you really enjoy, not simply foods you think you should be eating. You can't simply cross your fingers and hope all will go well.

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Hope you enjoy whatever you’re eating tonight.

Note: if you are following a special diet for medical reasons follow the recommendations of your medical team.