Let me be clear: I really like good food. I truly believe that enjoying a leisurely, slow-cooked meal and a nice bottle of wine with friends, family or a significant other is one of the best experiences life has to offer. I love the ritual as much as the food itself.
As I entered my 30s, restaurants replaced bars on my social calendar. My taste buds became more forgiving and I became more adventurous about what I allowed on my plate. I’ve become passionate about the relationship between food, culture and travel (I defy you to find an episode of “No Reservations” I haven’t seen). And now, it seems, I’ve made a career out of eating.
It was bound to happen, since I’ve been writing more and more travel and lifestyle articles. In the past month, I’ve eaten my way through Central Chile, one empanada at a time; sampled more than 30 wines in two days (paired with fantastic five-course meals) in Paso Robles, CA; and set out in search of some of San Diego’s most decadent sushi.
That last challenge was one of my first assignments as a Food and Dining Guide for AOL City’s Best. For my second assignment, I interviewed the talented Brian Malarkey, owner of the new San Diego restaurant Searsucker and a past contestant on Bravo’s “Top Chef: Miami.” Naturally, I had to dine at his highly anticipated eatery (I can still taste the beef cheek and cheddar biscuits).
My editor at AOL is excited to get me on a weekly writing schedule; let the feeding frenzy begin. The goal in upcoming weeks will be to balance my hand-to-mouth upper-body workout with some quality time at the real gym. I’ll also need to learn to enjoy the finer things in life in smaller portions—something I’ve had success with in the past (I recently lost 22 lbs. on Weight Watchers).
Stay tuned to see how it goes. In the meantime, I’ll take all the tips I can get! How do you manage to enjoy good food and get in great shape?
You are what you eat……and if you do not know what you are eating, then what gives? Stick with the chicken.