So, about giving up fried food…

I failed. 

I had really good intentions, though.  It seemed like my decision to completely cut off fried foods from my diet was the right thing to do; but it was impractical.  I have noticed that I eat fried foods less than I did before, but taking it out of pool of available foods was just too much.  When I really started paying attention to what I was eating, I realized I was eating at least one fried food a day. I also realized that when I had a late-night craving, it was always for something fried.  Unfortunately, the only way to get fast food at night is by frying it. So what the heck are we supposed to do?

Let’s talk a little bit about what’s happening and what you and I can do to overcome this.

First, just accept that fried foods taste good.

Fried foods are crispy on the outside and warm and juicy on the inside.  This creates a party in our mouth and makes us feel good.  When you’re devouring a fried porkchop, there are all sorts of chemicals being released in the brain – sort of like a food high.  And keep in mind that our brain actively seeks out the things that give us the most pleasure. Understanding this, it easy to comprehend why we want it, and in some ways there’s not a whole lot we can do about it. Or is it?

Second, realize that other foods taste good, too!  

This requires you to put down that chicken wing and pick up some celery.  I mean, really, at some point it’s about the choices you make.  Remember what you just read about the brain? Well, how about you try to find enjoyment out of something else – maybe even something healthy.  And don’t just try it once. You have to try something like 2 or 3 times (at least with foods) before you can say you really don’t like it.  Your mouth is always shocked the first time, so you have to give it more than one opportunity to make a decision. 

Third, remember that [almost] everything is good in moderation.

Too much fried food, too many vegetables, too much water, too much wine, too much sex, too much work, too much play, well, you get it…Too much of anything is bad.  Generally speaking, fried foods aren’t all that healthy. But it’s ok if you have it once in a while.  I’ve succeeded in reducing my intake down to 2-3 times a week. Judge me if you want, it’s progress.  Pay attention to the next time YOU eat a fried dish.  Are there multiple fried dishes on your plate?  Did you just eat fried food for lunch?  Can you get the same thing baked?

In conclusion, fried food is delicious and addictive.  But other, healthier foods are equally delicious and addictive – if you open your damn mind a little.  But don’t do too much of anything because that’s not really solving the problem.  Just like your car, your body runs on fuel.  The body’s fuel is food.  If you’re putting crappy stuff inside, you’ll have crappy performance.  Keep that in mind when you’re deciding how to stuff your face. 

Yours truly,

Dr. Bruce Devon