M. Suzanne Terry

It occurred to me this morning that I should probably define what I mean when I say “fast food.”

I don’t include my twice-a-week visit to the coffee cart downstairs at NCTC before my night classes in this category.

But I do include driving through somewhere and ordering a coffee.

I don’t include going out to eat with friends.

But I do include ordering a pizza when watching a movie with friends at my house.

Apparently, I don’t include buying a Cherry Coke out of the vending machine (because I totally did that yesterday).

But I do decline my coworker’s offer to bring me a soda when they call from the line at McDonald’s.

My overall goal for the month is to slow down my decisions about food.  I want this to begin a real commitment to knowing more about my food – where it comes from, how it was made, and who made it.  I want to end my mindless consumption.  Anything that I can get served to me in my car or brought to my house in a box or a bag doesn’t really serve that purpose.

This month is about increasing value.  I find value in my coffee cart visits.   I know the owners, and they know their coffee.  They also know me.  I just have to say “coffee” or “tea,” and they know exactly what my order will be (a large Americano with an extra shot of espresso, or a large green tea with just one bag, respectively).  I find value in sharing a meal with friends, even one we don’t cook for ourselves, where both conversation and wine flow freely.

I’m not sure I find a lot of value in soda, even if I walk to the machine or store to get it.  I might have to call “my bad” on that incident.

I want this month to be another step in my move more toward a slow food lifestyle.  That’s my ultimate food goal.  This month is about breaking the habit of its antithesis.

Themes, observations, and lessons:

– There’s just nothing good for you in soda.  Nothing at all.  I mean, I already knew this, but reminders are good.

– I like seeing how this month fits in with continuing goals.

– I need to prioritize, reschedule, and tweak my budget.  More on this later.

I’m going 31 days without fast food.