Diets, Fads and Game Changers
Dry January came and went and so did Veganuary. New faddy diets fizzled out together with probably most New Year resolutions. With so many new things happening at once, it is a no wonder that January can be a long dreary month.
Personally, I’ve been dry since the beginning of the year. Not a drop of fermented grape juice has crossed my lips since January 2nd, having gone to bed well after midnight on New Year’s Day. Staying off the alcohol has nothing to do with a guilty conscience, an addictive behaviour or any other reason for joining any famous automobile association.
This drastic exercise is a feeble but determined attempt to try and shed a few of the pounds I’ve piled on in the run-up to Christmas. Usually the odd glass of wine isn’t the problem but depending on how early through the evening I take my first sip, the night can either be simply merry or extremely messy. The accompanying snacks can range from a modest handful of roasted nuts, a tiny slice of Blue Stilton to a full-blown pizza with a mountain of toppings or even a steak in sauce with all the trimmings at the unholy hour of midnight.
The habit of eating late stems from my working days when the only time I could settle down with a relaxing drink and a bite was well past most decent people’s bedtime. My usual weekend routine on Friday or Saturday night was a late Indian meal in a quiet restaurant when, if I was spotted by a regular of mine, I was subjected to either a thorough examination of the reason why I didn’t eat at one of my own restaurants or why I had chosen a particular dish.
So far, I have managed to get rid of half a stone and so, I might keep up the abstinence until I feel happy with my weight.
On the subject of food and diets, I am pleased to count myself among those who are rather immune to sensationalism and fake news. I could be called a part-time vegetarian as I am fairly content with going meatless a few times a week, without the slightest withdrawal symptom. For the last couple of years, the relentless news on the benefits of vegetarian or vegan diets has been attracting my attention, especially as one of our very vocal directors-turned-militant-vegan is forever bringing food to the office and extolling its virtues.
A few days ago, on my son’s suggestion, I watched a video called The Game Changers by Academy Award winning director, James Cameron. I must say that my curiosity was thoroughly tickled despite the fact that there may be a hidden agenda behind the message that man is not suited to meat consumption. The film features many athletes happily singing the praises and benefits of plant-based diets on their improved physical performance.
Personally, although I’m well past being eligible for the Olympics, without advocating a total change of diet, I really feel that a well-balanced one that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables can only be healthy.