Son: Whatcha doin' Ma?
Me: (Over a mouthful of food) Eating dinner.
Son: Whatcha havin'?
Me: Hot dogs and knishes.
Son: Maaaaaaaa! You shouldn't be eating that stuff. You must learn to eat properly.
Me: Really? Do tell.
Someone tell me what planet he grew up on. Our family ate meat, fish, fruit, fresh vegetables, homemade soups and stews. hot cereal, skim milk, plenty of water. We grew two strong, healthy, active children into strong, healthy, active adults who are now the food police. My husband had juvenile diabetes. We were a sugar-free family long before it was the rule of the day and yet food was a celebration in our house. I liked the cleaned plates and compliments on dinner.
I didn't buy "organic" because there was no such thing. We were not gluten-free. What the heck is gluten anyway? My idea of eating clean was washing the fruit and vegetables thoroughly. In the summer we ate salad and vegetables grown outside the back door. The kids had peanut butter because not every living creature was allergic to peanuts. I confess we also ate the very sinful white bread.
When one becomes suddenly single, meals become more drudgery than celebration. No one wants to cook for themselves. I have never been a fan of take out and always considered pizza an "on the run" food. Suddenly food is only necessary to overcome hunger pangs. Cereal is a great solution. Then, just as suddenly, I missed the celebration of food. I began cooking for myself. Admittedly, the meals are a bit smaller in scale, but protein and vegetables are on a dinner plate with silverware and napkin. I admit to shortcuts. I purchase some sliced roast beef at the supermarket for open faced hot beef sandwiches with gravy. I cook and freeze my own instant meals. Most of the time I have a ritual meal but occasionally supermarket insanity strikes. I remember hot dogs, knishes, or mac n' cheese, or chili n' chips. So occasionally my ritual becomes a celebration of yumminess. I know going in I will get heartburn, but that's why Tums were invented. I know hot dogs are made from chicken beaks and cow snouts, but I don't care. The good Lord gave us taste buds for much more than tofu and celery. Tomorrow, I will go back to my ordinary meals...until the next celebration.
Somebody tell me where these preachy, food fad following, Paleo, vegan, organic, gluten free food nazis come up with the idea that I can't feed myself properly. I think we are all entitled to an occasional food detour. If I were to listen to the kids, I would live on dried out chicken cutlets and brussel sprouts.
Son: I'm coming over on Sunday. Will you make me some chicken and dumplings?
Me: Of course, sweetie....extra gluten?
