Reflections on Gastronomic Infidelities
I often come across stories about the infidelities that people fall into. Especially those related to food, which are the ones that bear the most stigma of being loudly proclaimed. A moment in which one observes a plate of enormous hamburgers, adorned with a waffle soaked in chocolate that could build a candy factory, and above that image, a note or a hashtag that says: “cheat day.” Using the word “to cheat” implies cheating or deviating from a commitment, thus revealing how we deviate from those goals we had previously set for ourselves.
The Pitfalls of the Modern Lifestyle
Pushing yourself to follow a path that doesn’t actually feel authentic is a practice that, in the short, medium, or long term, is rarely satisfying. Just like a goat that has learned to jump, it will do so without hesitation. Every time I read about “cheat day” and eat a colossal meal, whether fast food or an extensive menu in one of those nice restaurants we have in our city, I realize that this nevertheless symbolizes our contemporary trends. .
Delgado’s Ideology and Social Stigma
The pressure to maintain a weight is evident, since since the 1970s, being thin has become a fundamental indicator of success in the social sphere. These are not mere perceptions of those who deal with overweight, the reality is clear: there are studies that maintain that prejudices towards overweight people are more severe, considering them less competent in various aspects of life, from the workplace to relationships. personal.
A friend who defies social norms, who was born with a disability, candidly expresses that she found her experience of being overweight more discriminatory than her physical condition. This discourse resonates deeply in our society, which has oscillated between countless diets, whether it be maple syrup, apple, the Atkins diet or the famous ketogenic diet that is once again taking center stage. In this 21st century, the latest trend has included the practice of intermittent fasting, complemented by intense workouts to the rhythm of catchy songs by artists like Rosalía or Bad Bunny.
The Rise of Giant Food
In the midst of this maelstrom of restrictions and demands, it is notable how restaurants have begun to offer dishes of ostentatious dimensions. This penchant for culinary gigantism is nothing new, since it has always existed. Many will remember spaces where extremely large sandwiches were served or gastronomic challenges in some restaurants in the United States. However, today, the presentation of dishes that combine ingredients that simply do not harmonize, just to highlight the hypercaloric, has become more prominent in the last decade.
Social Networks and Culinary Excess
Unfortunately, the proliferation of places dedicated to this type of impressive dishes has increased. It seems to me that success on social media drives this trend. People perceive these quirky platforms as potential content for their profiles, while some entrepreneurs believe that such exposure will generate a significant return on their investment. It’s completely understandable to be drawn to the idea of capturing images of these delicacies for display, but what really catches my attention is the fact that there is an audience willing to experience and consume those massive portions.
The Search for Balance in Nutrition
The trend that promotes a sculpted body and thinness has found its place in how many believe that exercise should be accompanied by high protein intake. It is no longer about simply eating a salad after a workout session; We now opt for a wide variety of foods that are designed to maximize muscle growth. Often, the cuisine of my generation tends to be uncreative, and although we can look for inspiration on platforms like Instagram, the monotony of the dishes can become tedious.
The Effect of Food Restriction
This type of nutrition, when it is not dictated by a health professional or when there is no genuine enjoyment, can feel like a real sacrifice. In our culture, influenced by the Judeo-Christian tradition, sacrifice continues to be associated with personal growth, a concept that, although it may resonate with the beliefs of some, is a reality that many try to challenge in their daily lives.
Cheat Day as an Escape Option
We don’t have to be so rigid; After a period of deprivation, we all long for rewards. The common solution to this dilemma is the much-mentioned cheat day. This day, in which all dietary restrictions are abandoned, becomes a feast where the taste buds demand what they truly want: indulgent flavors loaded with fats and sugars. This is, without a doubt, a reminder that gastronomic freedom is one of our greatest pleasures, which we should celebrate by enjoying the food we crave, whenever we want.
