I’ve heard it said that food is just fuel for your body and nothing more. What? I don’t believe it. If food were just fuel, I’d be eating the same thing every day, every meal. Food is more than just fuel. Food is integrated into almost every special event in our lives. It’s is memorable. It’s essential.
Food is comfort. When my daughter Eden bumps her head or stubs her toe, what do I give her to sooth her and stop her cries? Usually milk. Eating for comfort is something that has been ingrained into us since the time we were kids. When I feel down, I reach for food.
Food is a reward. How many times have I told Eden that she won’t get that special treat if she’s not good? When she does something right, we often give her a jelly bean. Food as positive reinforcement can be very effective. When we finish a tough work week or a college paper, we want a reward—usually food! No wonder I want to go out for ice cream as a reward when I’ve lost five pounds.
Food is entertainment. Can you imagine a holiday with no food? Food provides a luxurious, indulgent activity that few other entertainments can rival. Vacations and holidays are filled with lots of food because those are the times we allow ourselves the most entertainment.
Food is a celebration. We have all been to countless weddings and parties celebrating birthdays, graduations, and retirements. These celebrations have one thing in common. And it’s not a jump tank or free hot air balloon rides. It’s food! Anything else at a party is just icing on the cake.
I wonder how many events we could plan and omit the food. Would anyone come? How about the rewards? Are there alternate forms of celebrations that could compete with food?
Think about it. I’m interested in ideas for parties that might get the mind off food. I want alternatives for rewards that work effectively for my daughter. I want an inexpensive entertainment that doesn’t involve hundreds of calories. Any suggestions?
It is true! Food has much more meaning for people than pure nutrition. I think it is good you are thinking of alternatives for Eden so she can think of non-caloric rewards for good behavior. Maybe a dollar and then a trip to the Dollar Tree to pick out her own toy. Maybe a trip to the park -- just her and you (leave Lance w/ Jay) and you push her all she wants on the swing. Maybe a trip to the local wading pond, or a special time in the sprinkler at home. Maybe a special art or craft project together, etc.
ReplyDeleteAs for you -- maybe a magazine with beauty/diet/exercise tips. Maybe some new barretts, or something else to wear. Maybe $5 for every five pounds in a jar to buy something special to wear.
We need rewards in life. I agree, it is good to think of things besides food for at least some of them!
I agree with your mom. Find other things for rewards instead of food. For yourself, a pedicure, a new book, time alone (have Jay watch the kids) to do something you love to do - chat with a friend, read, take a long bubble bath, etc.
ReplyDeleteFor the little ones, try prizes. At school the kids get an "essential piece" for rewards (fake money) then they can turn those in at the office for prizes like pretty pencils, cute erasers, silly little toys like you find at a dollar store. The kids LOVE these things. Of course, you have to gear the reward to the age of the child. I like your mom's ideas of things to do with Eden.
These are great ideas! Read tomorrow's blog and you might see some of them :)
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