eat to live or live to eat?


about 5 years ago we were planning a family trip with my adult brothers and sisters.

after hammering out the major details, my b-i-l neal said to me, "you know that you've basically planned this trip around places to eat, don't you?"

to which i replied, "um, YES. there isn't any other acceptable way to do it. welcome to the party!"

food has always been my bff--a source of comfort when i am down, a source of happiness when i am celebrating, a source of coping when i am stressed.

i like to reason with myself that i just REALLY APPRECIATE food. and i'd rather like to think that food feels the same way right back at me--i feel that it can sense my dedication and attention to detail when it comes to all things edible. sort of like i've achieved "all state" in food appreciation or snackology 101.

i do know some people, however, who are not that 'in' to food--they view it as a source of nourishment, or to sustain life. (that's some bat-shizzzz CRAZY thinking there!) they can take it or leave it, so to speak, and are fairly happy with the basest of basics.

i would LOVE to feel like that about food--i realize if my relationship with all things edible worked like that, i wouldn't have to watch every single carb i put into my mouth. which BLOWS, btw. but it seems to be the only thing that works. (still down 24 pounds from april! major miracle for me. but, again, did i mention that IT BLOWS to maintain? wasn't sure....)

so, my question to you is this: are you an "EAT TO LIVE" or "LIVE TO EAT" ??

23 comments:

Mrs Anne said...

Interesting post...

I once was a Live To Eat person... and it got me to 310lbs. (ya you read that right).... i was out of control and needed to stop. i had gastric bypass, some therapy sessions and found a new outlook...

lost 155lbs and now i eat to live.

dont get me wrong, there's some things i find enjoyment in. but it's all about portions, and right choices.

:)

Tiffany said...

Live to eat. Pass the carbs, please.

kami @ nobiggie.net said...

Live To Eat! I had a friend who took a trip to Tahiti and they packed trail mix and food like that just so they could afford the trip. I would much rather go to Vegas or somewhere close just to eat like I was on vacation.

Great Post!

R-Eight said...

I go back and forth too. I remember somebody said to me once, "Does it really make you live longer or does it just feel longer?"

24 lbs!! You are a stud.

Elena's Custom Designs said...

I am totally a Live to Eat! But I've learned to restrict that behavior to the weekends and behave during the week. I definitely plan vacations around where to eat...favorite restaurants, famous eateries, snack here, dessert there. What other way to plan your day is there? Weird. :)

Vanessa said...

Live to eat.

And good job on the maintenance!

Suze said...

I live to eat, and complain about my weight constantly. But I do so love food.

alex dumas said...

Eat to live. I appreciate food...sometimes. But mostly it's just a bother, and if I could I'd take a pill to sustain me. It gets in my way.

Heather said...

Completely and totally live to eat. After a day of eating really well, I was hanging out with my boyfriend outside, thinking of the things I wanted to eat, and said to him, "I wish I was naturally skinny and could eat whatever." Pathetic, eh? I definitely relate to what you are talking about.

{Annie N.} said...

Live to eat! My family has the same agenda when traveling. I just wish I had a higher metabolism to keep up with my love for food.

tammy said...

You and me, we are the same.

I gained two pounds this weekend while Vanessa was here. Damn.it.

Totally doing another round of my diet before we go to Lake Powell.

mCat said...

Great post. Wish I could answer.
There isn't a second of any day that goes by that food is NOT on my mind. I wish I could just think about something like, say, oh I don't know.....Monkeys?

Amber said...

Oh honey. Life to eat!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Anonymous said...

I would definately say live to eat! There are so many amazing things to try and indulge in, why not?!

The Beauty and Her Beasts said...

Live to eat. So much happens around food in my life. BUT I must say having been on a gestational diabetes diet these past few months has given me a huge perspective on life.

I really miss cake.

And chocolate. Real chocolate not that sugar free junk.

I'm hoping when I'm in that hospital bed minus a baby in my guts someone will PLEASE bring me a cupcake.... or two.

Anonymous said...

I live to eat!
I also need to lose 24 pounds too-
Whats your secret to some of both sista?

Anonymous said...

I live to eat but that has got me in trouble with my weight. I had lap bad surgery and I am trying to change my way of thinking - easier said than done.

Chillygator said...

Oh, man, I always plan vacations around where I can eat! I realized when I was giving some trip suggestions to my travel partner that all my suggestions involved where I want to eat. Luckily it doesn't carry over to when I'm home. There can't possibly be a better way to travel.

Cole said...

I'm pretty sure that one of us is the reincarnate of the other, however that would work with both of us alive and kicking.....or eating

When I'm getting directions to somewhere I've never been, I ask what food it is near, then I can find it. I always know where the food is!

Just SO said...

I live to eat. And it shows. I would love to see food as just that but I don't. *sigh*

Alyssa said...

I have to say live to eat - but I think it is all about finding the balance between the two. I cannot travel without taking in local culinary delights and baking is my passion. But I'm also constantly seeking out tasty and delicious foods that are good for me and reeling in those portions so I don't have to wholly give up the sweets.

Omgirl said...

Live to eat, for sure. My husband is an eat to live type. Not that he doesn't appreciate good food, but he doesn't consider it much. for me, it is #1 on my list of things I enjoy doing and things I want to do when I go places and things I consider when making any major decision. Food is just so...yummy!

tiburon said...

I used to be a live to eater. Now I am an eat to live girl. Mostly because I eat enough calories to sustain life and sadly I still gain weight. Guess I should just stick to liquids.