Monday Musing: Food Rules

I came across this list recently on a message board. I don't agree with everything on the list.  The main reason I don't like is how it's phrased in the negative.  I do like the idea of creating some food rules to live by.  Although I am in weight loss mode I want to have some patterns set in motion so I can maintain my goal weight. 

1. We should not live to eat, but eat to live.
2. We should not focus on deriving pleasure from eating.
3. We should not indulge at any meal.
4. We should not reward ourselves with food.
5. We should not pamper our moods with food.
6. We should not feel deserving of food in excess of needs.
7. We should not sacrifice our food quality due to time restraint.
8. We should not view a craving as something normal and give in to it as though it has to be attended too...
9. We should not starve ourselves to a point of destruction.
10. We should not deprive ourselves from proper nutrition.

So below I changed it up a bit and came up with some rules I'd like to live by. My rules are in black. 

1. We should not live to eat, but eat to live.

1. Eat to Live.

2. We should not focus on deriving pleasure from eating.

2. Enjoy eating simply.  Everyday fair can be tasty and enjoyable.

3. We should not indulge at any meal.

3. Eat until I'm satisfied.  I'm eating smaller amounts. I'd like to get smaller plates.

4. We should not reward ourselves with food.
5. We should not pamper our moods with food.

4. Enjoy on occasion decadent, rich, flavorful foods I really want. This is when a cheat day is helpful or what I plan to call indulgence day. I like the idea of calling it an indulgent day as opposed to a cheat day because cheat sounds like I am doing something bad.  I don't think eating something rich or sweet occasionally is bad.  During the week I'm not being good I'm just enjoying my simpler yet tasty food. 

6. We should not feel deserving of food in excess of needs.

See number 3

7. We should not sacrifice our food quality due to time restraint.

5. Make time for making real food.

8. We should not view a craving as something normal and give in to it as though it has to be attended too...

Seen number 3 and 4

9. We should not starve ourselves to a point of destruction.

6. Eat satisfying, simple and healthy meals daily.  My goals is 3 meals a day with minimal snacking.

10. We should not deprive ourselves from proper nutrition.

See number 6

7. Only eat when I'm hungry.  

One more time all in one place:


1. Eat to Live.

2. Enjoy eating simply.  Everyday fair can be tasty and enjoyable.

3. Eat until I'm satisfied.  I'm eating smaller amounts. I'd like to get smaller plates.

4. Enjoy on occasion decadent, rich, flavorful foods I really want. This is when a cheat day is helpful or what I plan to call indulgence day. I like the idea of calling it an indulgent day as opposed to a cheat day because cheat sounds like I am doing something bad.  I don't think eating something rich or sweet occasionally is bad.  During the week I'm not being good I'm just enjoying my simpler yet tasty food. 

5. Make time for making real food.

6. Eat satisfying, simple and healthy meals daily.  My goals is 3 meals a day with minimal snacking.

7. Only eat when I'm hungry.  


Do you have any food rules?   Michael Pollan has some good food rules here and here.