Southern Hospitality- When we share food it means I love you

EliteDeeDee77

Is anybody else out there from a Southern family or live in the South and struggle with the mentalilty of food is a cure all for any and every situation? I live in the fattest state in the nation (Mississippi) I love the genoristy of the people here, the pride in working hard, and focus on family, but there is a terrible view as food as the go to means of spending quality time together. I do not wnat to end up a MIssissippi statistic!!!! I know we have all the barbecue, seafood, and biscuits abounding but has anybody out there got a success story of overcoming this culture, losing weight and keeping it off?

cmriverside

It's not just in Mississippi. It is the culture in general. Especially women. With men, love equals gifts. With women, love equals feeding you.

I suggest making friends with some thin people. Find out what they do throughout their week to stay thin. You can still have celebrations, you just need to be the one bringing the healthy foods.

There is food all around us in the U.S. You have to learn to avoid eating it just because it is there.

boomboom011

Im a texan and half mexican! We revolve EVERYTHING around food. One of my uncles just said we never do anything physical when we get together. I just laughed cause dare we even suggest we meet at the park for a walk or a run? I would love to see the looks on their faces when the get together email comes out.

Luckily my messican side is starting to get their act together and our get togethers have gone from beans and tortillas and queso and enchiladas to grilled chicken, turkey burgers and an occasional BBQ brisket. Doesnt make it any better but they are at least pretending to try. lol

Bless their hearts.

aippolito1

Talk to bellinachuchina. She's from a big Italian family and believe me when I say Italians are the epitome of saying I love you with food. I'm Italian too but all my Italian family is out of town so thankfully, I don't get bombarded with food all the time but if I lived there, I sure would. I hear stories from my parents when they visit them... oie. Anyway... I live in Texas and my mom is the daughter of two professional chefs so it's really hard to go to my parents and eat right. My parents are on "diets" (hcg) but still make unhealthy portions of everything... they'll be on a diet but make crap for everyone else. It's super annoying.

stariera

I'm originally from South Louisiana, now live in South Mississippi. I grew up with aunts and grandmothers who loved to feed us and would get highly offended if we did not eat at least one meal while visiting with them. On mom's side Italian and Danish...on dad's side Cajun... All big eaters... and boy can they all cook. I don't think I've ever went to a family reunion, wedding or party where there wasn't good food as long as it was prepared by my family. I've learned to make many of my favorite dishes in a healthier way... and learned that by cutting back on some of the pasta and rice in the dishes I can cut back the calories. Over the traditional pasta I use whole grain pasta... over white rice I use either brown rice or a wild rice blend. I cut back on alot of the salt and often use sea salt in my recipes in less quantity. I use as many fresh ingredient or frozen ingredients over canned items.... and if it is canned I go for the lower sodium option. I still love to eat but have learned to eat in moderation at all times. When I go to visit family I take smaller portions and have often explained to them yes I will eat but no I am not going to do it where I'm fighting a losing battle here. They support me in wanting to get healthy. I've had many of my aunts cheering me on the whole way since I started this journey and have even taken some of my recipes for their own. I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.

arewethereyet

It's not just in Mississippi. It is the culture in general. Especially women. With men, love equals gifts. With women, love equals feeding you.

I suggest making friends with some thin people. Find out what they do throughout their week to stay thin. You can still have celebrations, you just need to be the one bringing the healthy foods.

There is food all around us in the U.S. You have to learn to avoid eating it just because it is there.

Funny you said this C, because when I stopped feeling guilty for how I wanted to eat it was because my healthy friend always ate that way. I never remember caring what she was eating. In fact, I would share her app. I would have ordered fried what ever. She chose mozz/tomato/balsamic vinegar and basil *what is that called??? grrrr

She would hold the butter, enjoy her meal of fish and veggies, huge salad and dessert of berries. I loved having dinner with her as it was an adventure.

As to eating as socialization, try being Italian!! :laugh: Christmas at 6 yrs old. We ate lasagna, sausage, foccacia, and many other red sauced yummies. My mom's eyes popped out when the 30 pound turkey was served!! :huh: (she was Irish, married to Italian)