From “Good” foods to Good Food
I used to think eggs were “bad” for me.
Cholesterol. Fat. Bad things.
And then I heard egg whites were a better alternative. No cholesterol. No fat. Less calories. You know, “healthy”.
So in college, during my hard-core calorie counting days, I started eating egg whites.
And when I say I started eating egg whites, I mean I started eating cartons of 100% liquid egg whites, that I microwaved in a mug with a tiny chunk of fat free cheese. Mmm, is that making your mouth water?
Yes it was a lot of protein and not a lot of calories, but it tasted like eating a shoe.
When I came to the realization that I could actually eat foods I enjoy, not just foods that are “good” for me, I stopped choking down those cartons.
And that’s been my relationship with eggs.
Then I started dating Alex, and found out that one of his many talents is making delicious omelets. I figured eggs deserved another chance.
Besides, if someone was making you a breakfast that looked that delicious, would you argue? I feel like I’ve learned so much over the past few years, not the least of which is that it’s ok to eat what I’m craving. The yolks aren’t going to kill me. Real food is quite delicious, and if you eat what you really want, you don’t leave the kitchen feeling deprived. I can’t help by roll my eyes at my college-me, who thought that endless packages of tofu noodles and celery sticks would make me happy.
I’m happy I can relax and enjoy real food with people I love.
So I think my definition of “good food” has changed a lot since my plain-egg-white-eating-days. I don’t “eat clean” 100% of the time, but I truly enjoy eating my vegetables. I love the taste of fresh fruit or a tall glass of vegetable juice. But I also enjoy wine, frozen yogurt, and real eggs. These particular eggs came from Pair-A-Dice farms, in Lunenburg, Virginia.
(Side note: I totally think egg whites are healthy, and if you love ’em, eat ’em! My goal was simply to remind you to eat things you enjoy!)
Life is about balance, and the more I embrace it, the happier I am. Besides, who could say no to that omelet?
I really agree with you on this. I like to eat pure maple syrup, pure cane sugar… all the real stuff. It tastes way better and a little goes a long way instead of adding globs!
It’s all about balance, right? Omelets are so good. I had one this weekend full of cheese and veggies. 🙂
Great post! It’s really cool that you shared your feelings about food from your college years and how your view has changed. Labeling food as good or bad doesn’t sit too well with me either!
I <3 omelettes so thank you for sharing the recipe!
Great post Liz! No one food is good or bad but that omelette looks delicious!
A good omelet never disappoints! My favorite is to add salsa inside . . . so good. 🙂
I am trying to shift from calorie counting to eating for nutrition now. I totally agree that ‘real’ food is much more satisfying and worthwhile. I think we wouldn’t crave as much if we were constantly eating ‘clean’ and ‘real’ foods! I am reading the book French Women Don’t Get Fat and that is one of the key philosophies in the French diet. I guess it’s somewhat common sense; however, it does appear that French women seem to have done a good job implementing this eating principle.
When I make omelettes, let’s say for four people, I’ll use three with yolk and three without yolk. I don’t know if it matters at the end, but it makes me feel a little better! Also, I really wish I could make omelettes, but I’m really bad at the flip part. I think I need to get a non-stick pan but I’m terrified of teflon.
Love that advice! There’s totally a difference in eating well and depriving yourself. My husband and I try to stay in during the week and eat homemade foods that are better for us, but we allow some divulging on the weekends. It seems to be a good balance.
I define good food as whole and organic and eating what you want in moderation! I find even a small salad packed with protein + fats (whole boiled egg, nuts, chick peas, etc) will keep me super full and satisfied despite the size.
very simple yet powerful message here 🙂 I did go through that phase a little bit too but now I am all about farm raised eggs and yolks the best part.