Can we talk?

Talking About Healthy Eating

         Some topics we avoid: politics, religion, politically incorrect items, etc. We don't pass judgment on anything, and we avoid disputes. But mention dieting or healthier eating, and suddenly you are surrounded by experts. Everyone preaches the virtues of fresh fruits and vegetables, but how to serve them or in what quantity vary in opinion.

         Some folks just count calories. Some people just don't eat anything when someone's looking. Others throw your food away when you're not looking because the expiration date was yesterday. You bought it on sale this morning, because of the expiration date. Other people know the fiber quantity or portion control. Of course, they can always judge someone else's food better than their own. Still others know about the artificial ingredients or the gluten or peanut byproducts.

         You're guaranteed an animated conversation almost anywhere you go if you bring up food, healthy eating, or dieting. I've gotten a room of strangers engaged in talking up a restaurant and it's add-ons to otherwise healthy food. Everyone eats, so everyone can relate.

         Need an ice breaker? Just ask someone what you can do for a fast healthy snack. Never ask what they do; they'll think you're making implications.Gripe about breaking your diet, and you'll get a lot of sympathizers. Yep, universal topic.