"Eat Less"

Chef Jim Dodge shared this profoundly simple piece of advice as he rolled out a decadent, butter-filled flaky piecrust that would later become an old fashioned New England apple pie.  Known for his decadent pies and tarts, Chef Dodge presented a compelling argument on health in the United States.  His career has relied on the human 'sweet tooth.'  Although his life's work revolves around producing luxurious, fatty, rich desserts, he sees his work as part of a much broader picture in which health and wellness ultimately reign supreme. 

A student asked Chef Dodge about the recent developments with "healthier alternatives" to the fats that make his pastries irresistible.  Dodge discarded these as viable substitutes for his recipes.  Anything but the true, quality ingredient that Dodge called for would disgrace his work.  Dodge's solution was short and sweet: eat less.

These two words are nothing new, but they have been cast aside throughout the years by overarching theories and faulty diet plans.  American society has become infatuated with appearance and, as a result, has attempted to defy the natural order by artificially manipulating our bodies.  We always want the best of both worlds.  We want to be able to eat whatever we want but maintain a flawless appearance.  Only a small percentage of fortunate people can do this.  As for the rest of us, we are inundated daily with new research on diet pills or reduced-guilt foods that promise to alleviate our issues of self-esteem and body image.  "The Cookie Diet" and its failure to make our entire country skinny by now is enough to show that our hubristic approach to weight loss is highly flawed.  There is no way to indulge regularly without ramifications.  The issue of American obesity will not subside until we learn how to not indulge.

If I want a chocolate chip cookie, I will eat one.  Not only will I eat a cookie, but I will seek out that cookie that has the perfect ratio of butter to sugar to flour so that it crumbles gently, melts in my mouth, and does not leave an unpalatable flavor lingering on my tongue.  When made properly with good quality butter, the pastry should meld into one smooth progression of flavors.  That is how we satisfy the sweet tooth.  Low-calorie, artificially manufactured treats injected with so-called "healthy" ingredients will not suffice and, as proven, will often lead to further consumption and over-indulgence of sweet treats.

Eating less is a delicate practice—where exactly is the line drawn?  It is a difficult skill to acquire, but at the same time it is incredibly straightforward.  It is not complicated by ten-syllable scientific terms or empty promises.  Once achieved, eating less will allow you to "indulge" in quality rather than quantity without jeopardizing your desire to live a long, happy life.  You will no longer have to decline invitations because you have your pre-packaged "diet" dinner waiting for you.  In fact, indulging judiciously can ironically make your life longer and more fulfilling.