Wednesday, October 19, 2011

The Fat South

Did you know that Tennessee was the 4th fattest state in the US?? Me neither until this past summer when I attended the informational weight loss surgery seminar...but I am not at all surprised. Here in the south we mean business when we eat.

Here in the south we like our food fried and smothered in gravy. We will literally flour and fry just about anything...chicken, pickles, Twinkies...you name it, we can fry it up. We are all about some biscuits and cornbread. Did you know that "Crack"er Barrel originated right here in Tennessee?? Yep, it sure did. Oh, and sweet tea...I was shocked in my adulthood to discover that in other parts of the country you can't order sweet tea in a restaurant...it all comes unsweet and you have to add sugar to it.

The whole food experience in the south is not just about gravy and grease, it's how we show love. When someone dies, we bake that family a cake. When someone gives birth, we cook that family supper so the new mama doesn't have to worry about it. If it's your birthday, we are gonna have a barbecue for you. Whatever the situation, we are gonna feed you so you know that we love you.

I think this is going to big one of the biggest changes I will have to soon face. I need to learn how to show love without food. More importantly, I will need to know that I am still loved without someone feeding me.

7 comments:

A.J. said...

I come from one of those TN love with food families. Not letting my Nana shove food down my throat is about the same as saying "Nana, I don't want your love." However, the Band has really helped here. Most people don't really understand all the ins and outs of LapBand. All I have to say to people who are trying to love me with food is "I really would love some more but if I eat any more with this Band I will get sick to my stomach." Just start blaming it on the Band. The Band is what it is and no can argue with it. (The Band is also handy when people are trying to get you to eat things you don't like. )

LaniBani said...

Coming from a Pacific Island culture - food is everywhere! Even at church its always bring a plate - no one brings the healthy options. Late night maccas options with friends. Yup this all has to stop with me - especially from next month! Know that we have mad love and support for you out here on blogland!

Rhonda said...

Amen, this sums us up perfectly! What the heck are we gonna do about that? LOL

Lucy said...

I LOVE TO cook and I LOVE to eat... I want to find a balance... I've been trying no healthy recipes and I love sharing them with the people I love... I'm from Maine but my family has always given love with food too... I think it can be done but it doesn't need to be the only form of love and it doesn't have to be the same old same old food

JD said...

Gurl, I totally hear you on this one. I'm from Canada, but I still feel like this is how I show my husband I am taking care of him - he's a skinny mini, but I am constantly trying to cook nice things for him, make sure he has snacks, etc. When I grocery shop, I try to buy him "treats" if he's had a bad week - and he doesn't need any of it!! He could care less about food...and yet, that's part of how I show him I love him! And don't even get me started on using food for celebration!! I will say, I've been banded for 3 months now, and that eating for celebration has really, really decreased. I'm just not as interested in it. I'm a new follower, BTW, come on over and see me if you like - www.canuckbanditmusings.blogspot.com

vickyd said...

Oh boy, can I relate to this...I was born and raised in Georgia and live in New Orleans (the capital of rich, fattening, fried foods)! I can tell you that it can be done...it just takes a lot of willpower sometimes!

Steph said...

I am a Georgia girl living in Florida with family living in east TN. Southern food is wonderful...and the reason I packed on 20 lbs when I whent away to college in South Georgia. Everything in the cafeteria was southern cooking...fried something with gravy and starches galore!!!