A fun read, Sharon. There's something in the air today. Maybe because it's Lent, which hadn't occurred to me till you mentioned it! I've just written about my teenage/early 20s food obsession. Look forward to reading more about yours.
Everything in moderation. If you can DO moderation!
Well, that's the second Substack I've read today about food and obsessions with it. Re Lent, I haven't given up anything for many years, but felt slight Catholic guilt as I finished up yesterday's pancake battle for breakfast. On Ash Wednesday! Gluten-free and lactose-free for me, as a coeliac, only diagnosed 4 years, suffering symptoms for 20 years. Lately, I've been told my cholesterol is high, and have been told to cut down on carbs. I have become obsessed with it, reserving treats for weekends (and pancake day, and Ash Wednesday breakfast) and it's rather miserable. My diet is restricted enough already. I also have to keep my calcium intake high, as coeliacs have a high risk of osteoporosis. So lower your cholesterol and eat lots of cheese, milk and yogurt (lactose-free)? What's a girl to do?
Pancakes are always a battle. Once you add the mounds of fresh berries and dollops of cream they turn into something too big to eat. But then you can't waste them can you? Then you are in a dilemma as clearly they are too big to bale :)
I am right behind you on the matter of alcohol and healthy eating. I feel that there is a lot of hypocrisy in the constant nudging. On the one hand things that are deemed bad are pushed at the public with advertising, then the government tells us we should not be eating/drinking/smoking it. I listen to all the data, try to be as healthy as I can, try to be moderate in all things and just do my best. I think everyone has something they need to make life easier, - cigarettes, alcohol, food, drugs, even obsessive exercise in some cases. They are all crutches, and to wag a finger at others seems pointless to me.
Great to hear your experiences, Sharon. Thanks for sharing them.
Thanks Jules. Yes I find it infuriating when people can’t see the extent to which we are being manipulated. You can’t move for a vape shop on every high street, but if you smoke and drink you’re deemed a pariah!
Yep - they should just leave us all alone. If we want to die a slow death by nicotine poisoning it's their fault - shouldn't be such a nasty government that makes everyday life intolerable for the average Aussie.
Lovely to meet a fellow crispie...skips, frazzles, and a particular fave, the scampi fry. Whole parties ruined because someone thought twiglets were an acceptable substitute!
I’m with you there Sharon, I’m not fussed about chocolate, but crisps and wine is my downfall ! I’ve never managed to give up anything and never done lent !
You are my Substack spirit guide! Let’s be sober on some awkward month. I’d rather feel fatigued through January and plough through than high five arseholes in June
This was brilliant and totally relatable. I share your alcohol and crisps vices. Can take or leave chocolate too! My personal favourite are Sensations - Thai sweet chilli 😂
You can also take things on for Lent. I guess it should really be something like volunteering or a good deed a day, but who says it can’t be learning a new cocktail recipe? 🤣
I’ll be brutally honest with you Sara, I detest Twiglets. I feel that your cheesy snacks are not Wotsitty enough, BUT Burger Rings, yes, and I’m partial to Smiths. Regardless of what country I’m in, I try to resist Pringles. Since hearing how unhealthy they are, in this house we call them ‘death in a can’
I have the wonderful Irish catholic blessing but have forgotten the rules. All sounds familiar. I find my binges a fun relieve that somehow recovers focus on the emerge like it was necessary and no harm done. A fun read and we need social spaces.
For a long time I practiced eating whatever I want one day a week. An obsession disappeared.
I love a healthy dose of sacrifice (of various sorts) - perhaps because it's a new game to play as an Anglican! In a first world country where everything is just so available - not much is special any more - it's not just at Christmas that we're eating figs and dates.
So whether it's sacrificing alcohol, mobile phones, chocolate or cheese, I'm going to disagree with you (for the first time) on this one Sharon - a little abstinence IS good for the soul. However, I do agree that we don't need the government interference; we are grown-ups after all.
As you know, I always give up something for Lent. I do so for 2 reasons. Reason 1 is because I’m normally eating too much of something to help get through the dark, cold months. This year it’s chocolate again, mainly because of my Twix addiction.
Reason 2 is good old fashioned Catholic guilt. I remember being terrified that poor children would suffer if I didn’t give up sweets and put the pennies that I saved in the poor box. Working in a Catholic school probably doesn’t help my guilt as there’s no escape.
I’m totally with on the need for some indulgences Sharon - and what harm can crisps do?! I’m a huge salt and vinegar fan I’m afraid. I just cannot get enough of them. Although I think I’m with you in that I now actually prefer crisps to chocolate. Or is it the wine with the crisps I like - I can never tell! PS I didn’t know Lizzie was known as ‘mad’! There’s an article in that for sure 😂
Another great piece doll. I am with you on the salt and vinegar crisps! :) Peter wholeheartedly supports your stance on the institution of the public house and gig venues. x
A fun read, Sharon. There's something in the air today. Maybe because it's Lent, which hadn't occurred to me till you mentioned it! I've just written about my teenage/early 20s food obsession. Look forward to reading more about yours.
Everything in moderation. If you can DO moderation!
Thanks Wendy. I look forward to reading your piece. Am hoping to have a window of opportunity today to catch up on my Substack inbox 🙂
Well, that's the second Substack I've read today about food and obsessions with it. Re Lent, I haven't given up anything for many years, but felt slight Catholic guilt as I finished up yesterday's pancake battle for breakfast. On Ash Wednesday! Gluten-free and lactose-free for me, as a coeliac, only diagnosed 4 years, suffering symptoms for 20 years. Lately, I've been told my cholesterol is high, and have been told to cut down on carbs. I have become obsessed with it, reserving treats for weekends (and pancake day, and Ash Wednesday breakfast) and it's rather miserable. My diet is restricted enough already. I also have to keep my calcium intake high, as coeliacs have a high risk of osteoporosis. So lower your cholesterol and eat lots of cheese, milk and yogurt (lactose-free)? What's a girl to do?
I feel for you Maria. That’s not fun x
Pancake batter, not battle!
Pancakes are always a battle. Once you add the mounds of fresh berries and dollops of cream they turn into something too big to eat. But then you can't waste them can you? Then you are in a dilemma as clearly they are too big to bale :)
I missed out this year on the pancakes! Shrove Tuesday always takes me unawares.
I am right behind you on the matter of alcohol and healthy eating. I feel that there is a lot of hypocrisy in the constant nudging. On the one hand things that are deemed bad are pushed at the public with advertising, then the government tells us we should not be eating/drinking/smoking it. I listen to all the data, try to be as healthy as I can, try to be moderate in all things and just do my best. I think everyone has something they need to make life easier, - cigarettes, alcohol, food, drugs, even obsessive exercise in some cases. They are all crutches, and to wag a finger at others seems pointless to me.
Great to hear your experiences, Sharon. Thanks for sharing them.
Thanks Jules. Yes I find it infuriating when people can’t see the extent to which we are being manipulated. You can’t move for a vape shop on every high street, but if you smoke and drink you’re deemed a pariah!
Yep - they should just leave us all alone. If we want to die a slow death by nicotine poisoning it's their fault - shouldn't be such a nasty government that makes everyday life intolerable for the average Aussie.
Lovely to meet a fellow crispie...skips, frazzles, and a particular fave, the scampi fry. Whole parties ruined because someone thought twiglets were an acceptable substitute!
Scampi Fry’s! A tad too fishy for me, but I loved the M&S version of prawn cocktail skips. Another crisp sadly no longer on the shelves.
I’m with you there Sharon, I’m not fussed about chocolate, but crisps and wine is my downfall ! I’ve never managed to give up anything and never done lent !
Life’s too short Francis!
You are my Substack spirit guide! Let’s be sober on some awkward month. I’d rather feel fatigued through January and plough through than high five arseholes in June
This was brilliant and totally relatable. I share your alcohol and crisps vices. Can take or leave chocolate too! My personal favourite are Sensations - Thai sweet chilli 😂
Thank-you Alice. I went a bit mad on those a while back, to the point I got sick of them. But now you’ve reminded me. Definitely worth a revisit!
I'm on a one man crusade to bring those beef and mustard Brannigan's back. A titan of the crisp world.
I will join your army 💪
You can also take things on for Lent. I guess it should really be something like volunteering or a good deed a day, but who says it can’t be learning a new cocktail recipe? 🤣
Low, I’ve given up electricity, which is sacrifice enough! X
But how do you feel about Twiglets? As an Aussie in the UK, I could not get on board. And what of our salty snacks? Cheezles and Burger Rings?
I’ll be brutally honest with you Sara, I detest Twiglets. I feel that your cheesy snacks are not Wotsitty enough, BUT Burger Rings, yes, and I’m partial to Smiths. Regardless of what country I’m in, I try to resist Pringles. Since hearing how unhealthy they are, in this house we call them ‘death in a can’
We’re on the same page! I can’t stand Pringles or Twiglets
I have the wonderful Irish catholic blessing but have forgotten the rules. All sounds familiar. I find my binges a fun relieve that somehow recovers focus on the emerge like it was necessary and no harm done. A fun read and we need social spaces.
For a long time I practiced eating whatever I want one day a week. An obsession disappeared.
Thank you
I love a healthy dose of sacrifice (of various sorts) - perhaps because it's a new game to play as an Anglican! In a first world country where everything is just so available - not much is special any more - it's not just at Christmas that we're eating figs and dates.
So whether it's sacrificing alcohol, mobile phones, chocolate or cheese, I'm going to disagree with you (for the first time) on this one Sharon - a little abstinence IS good for the soul. However, I do agree that we don't need the government interference; we are grown-ups after all.
Love this Rosie. If we were all the same, the world would be terribly boring!
As you know, I always give up something for Lent. I do so for 2 reasons. Reason 1 is because I’m normally eating too much of something to help get through the dark, cold months. This year it’s chocolate again, mainly because of my Twix addiction.
Reason 2 is good old fashioned Catholic guilt. I remember being terrified that poor children would suffer if I didn’t give up sweets and put the pennies that I saved in the poor box. Working in a Catholic school probably doesn’t help my guilt as there’s no escape.
Roll on Easter Sunday. 🐣
Jen, I thought of you when writing this. You are mighty in your willpower 💪
Crisps are great.
🥳
I’m totally with on the need for some indulgences Sharon - and what harm can crisps do?! I’m a huge salt and vinegar fan I’m afraid. I just cannot get enough of them. Although I think I’m with you in that I now actually prefer crisps to chocolate. Or is it the wine with the crisps I like - I can never tell! PS I didn’t know Lizzie was known as ‘mad’! There’s an article in that for sure 😂
Well someone has to like salt & vinegar I suppose…
I’m with you there Faith. Crisps are the perfect accompaniment to a glass of Vino Collapso!
Absolutely!
Another great piece doll. I am with you on the salt and vinegar crisps! :) Peter wholeheartedly supports your stance on the institution of the public house and gig venues. x
Thanks missus x