The Wallworks

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Food Pushers


Living in Argentina Glenn had many dinners where food was thrust upon him like it was his last meal.  Those Latin women aren't satisfied until you have to be rolled away from the table.  Be it meat that still had hair on it or gnocchi's covered with bottled ketchup, he ate it all.  After all, these people were dirt poor (their floors were literally dirt) so passing up their generous offering of food was not an option.

Glenn is hilarious when telling about the gnocchi dinner.  He says he finally managed to get a plate down only to have the host come fill it up again.  As he was trying to get through the second plate he was sweating profusely on the verge of vomiting.  But the trooper he is he got it down.

He's never had gnocchi's since.

I am not a food pusher.   I pride myself on being the exact opposite because I don't like food being pushed on me.  I always have plenty of food at gatherings and make sure people know they're welcome to as much as they'd like, but then I leave it at that.

Being a health nut I get plenty of comments on what I eat.  Sometimes I love it, sometimes I feel uncomfortable when I feel like every bite I take is being noted and commented upon.  There's always a weird silence when you're with a group who wants to stop at a fast food joint and you tell them you're just going to run across the street and pick up your lunch at the grocery store, or what happens more often is I have a lunch I just whip out of my purse and then I am just the weirdo food hoarder bag lady 

I  don't want to make anyone feel they've made bad food choices, the truth of the matter is I love food & eating way too much to even have one bad experience.  I want all of my meals to be filled with fresh produce, roasted nuts, legumes, wheatberries, strong cheese, whole grains with some dark chocolate on the side, is that too much to ask?

So in the spirit of being a non food pusher, cupcakes are the perfect dessert.  With cake or pie you as the host have to ask if they'd like a slice and then get all fancy with a plate and fork.  With cupcakes there is zero confrontation.  You serve them up all pretty and if people want one they'll grab it.  No awkward moments when you're trying to ask the server for just a sliver of cake (which always seems rude), really just about 3 bites worth, the amount you would steal off your husbands plate and he in turn would get mad at you because you said you didn't want any.  It may have taken my husband many years but if I say "No thank you" to dessert he is well aware he needs to get a bigger portion.  Glenn's brilliant like that.

So if you're at my house I'll probably offer you freshly ground oatmeal, a smoothie, vegetable soup, sprouted cookies, whole wheat banana bread or homemade granola.  If you say no thanks I will question your dietary choices but I'll also offer you mac & cheese.  Cause guess what, I've got that too.






45 comments:

  1. We are constantly trying to better our eating habits. And tell Glenn, I empathsize. The first time I tried gnocchi I was 8 weeks pregs with Cullen and it made me so sick. Now just the word makes me queasy!

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  2. "Hi, yes, I'm ready to order," "I'll take a salad with fig goat cheese, roasted pecans and sunflower seeds, butternut squash, carrots (only grated please, like my darling Marie), an apple or pear (whatever you have behind there), cranberries and some bell pepper...oh and a yam on the side-of course." :)

    My dearest, you're so kind not to push food on anyone. And I relate perfectly to what you're saying about everyone watching you eat. I love it when you pull out your bag lunch, it's so you. If you were to get lost and I had to give the cops a list of characteristics it would go something like: She's super pretty, she has medium blonde hair, blue eyes, a dog will be attached to her ankle, named Brutus, (she calls him Bru, Bru), and she carries a bag lunch. Hahahahaha.

    Hey that's such a pretty dress you have on, who got that for you? Oh, I diiiiiiid!!!!!!!!! I love it, I've never seen it on you until now.

    Cute post Marie, I can't believe that Glenn had to eat that nastiness, which I'm assuming was mainly the ketchup causing him to want to heave, I mean it's meant to be eaten in small doses. Yikes. But, I love his mission stories though.

    Love to you always,

    Shauna

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    1. You are simply the best! You totally know me, yes always grated, never chopped (unless in soup). And that would be my description!! The dog and bagged lunch, hahaha!

      And I love the dress, totally love it. I was just thinking yesterday how much I love the neckline and length and cinched waist.

      2 plates of gnocchi's with gobs of ketchup. Could Glenn be any more awesome?

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  3. I am the same way with Brandon. He knows when I say "Can I just have a bite off your dessert?" that he actually needs a bigger portion b/c I will always have more than one bite... more like 4-5. :)

    I would love to be a guest at your table. All of your food choices sound delicious!

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  4. I am not a food pusher either. It was one of many things that bothered me when I was trying to lose weight. I just couldn't understand why people did not seem to respect my choices.

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  5. Oh, I just got a good laugh at Glenn's expense. Poor, poor Glenn. I can't imagine I'd ever be able to even look at a gnocchi again. Such a shame, too. They really are delicious when served up with something other than ketchup. ;o)

    I don't think you should feel bad for bringing your own lunch when you go out to eat with others. I do the exact same thing. Most of my friends already know ahead of time I'll be doing this. They forgive my weird quirks, I suppose. Eat at Taco Bell when I can bring my own avocado and lime chicken salad sandwich? No thanks. ;o)

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  6. Those cookies look divine!

    You're right, cupcakes are brilliant non-food-pushy entertainment choices!

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  7. I want to come to your house- because of all your "offerings" sound delicious!
    I am not a food pusher- but- I do always want Greg (or whoever I'm with) to try a bite of something that I have if it's especially delicious.
    I know that my healthy eating habits have come off as rude to certain people before, because they think it's me judging or saying that I'm better than them. It's not that at all- I just prefer to eat the way I do, and like healthy, delicious food!

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    1. I totally relate. Trust me I have eaten plenty of bad food so as not to make others feel bad.

      My good friends I have no problem saying 'you must try this' (about something I made) , usually they love it so that's good.

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  8. I will eat at your house any day.

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  9. Awhah. Love this post. Your treats look delish!

    xo
    Haylee
    http://www.dolledupdaily.com

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  10. What a sweet post, Marie! Made me smile. And yuck...I think it's just an out-of-country thing? 'Cause I was served spaghetti with ketchup when I was in Africa--and yeah, it's not something you want a second serving of. I'll take a cupcake over that. Although I'd rather have a bowl of oatmeal topped with a giant spoonful of PB. Or the healthy treat I have hidden away in my purse like a crazy lady, too :)

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  11. I made dinner last night for the first time in I wanna say 11 days. It was after a week of eating Nuetella. So basically I am asking you if I can move in.

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    1. I think at this point your life depends on it.

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  12. I love feeding people, but I hate food pushers. I'm a health nut and have IBS so eating corn-syrup laced crap isn't my idea of a good time. People get upset b/c I'm known as the 'pie queen' but won't eat their grocery store pie....so my trick is to take it home for 'later.'

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    1. Yup I do that trick too. "Of course I'll have some", then take it home for whoever wants it.

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  13. We're healthy at our house too....and you know what I had for breakfast this morning?? A cupful of homemade granola! ;D

    Thank you so much for the comment you left on my blog. It was the cherry on top of my day. Have a lovely day,

    purposelyathome.blogspot.com

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  14. Can I come eat at your house please??

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    1. I love visitors, really! I grew up with a family of 11 so my little family of 5 is too quiet, although my kids try and make up for it by being ridiculously loud.

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  15. Um yum. Look deslish. P.s. totally have that dress and I love it :)!

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  16. I would definitely be able to eat with you!

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  17. Oh, Marie. This post spoke to my heart. To that end, food hoarders, unite. I always carry a LARA bar in my purse for "emergencies."

    My parents and friends alternate between wondering if we're giving up meat forever or "Big Food"-type processed things.

    Answer: Neither.

    If I am EVER, EVER in your part of the country, you had better believe that I will be stopping by so that we can make All Of The Above. It's a date.

    p.s. The image of poor Glenn trying to be such a gracious guest in the face of such hospitality alternately tickled me and broke my heart!

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    1. Yes I love food hoarders. I even bring a big ziploc full of ice to sneak frozen yogurt into the movies in the summer. Is that going too far?

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  18. I don't blame him for never having gnocchi again. The poor guy was traumatized. I'm kind of impressed that you don't cave to peer pressure and you still eat healthy. I love that!

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    1. Sometimes I do out of pressure, and sometimes just cause I can't resist something, but for the most part I am always prepared. My purse usually has some fruit and nuts or salad thrown in just in case.

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  19. I'd prefer to have strong cheese at every meal too! I am not a food pusher at all - but know several people who are - drives me nuts! But that's okay, I like nuts too. :D

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  20. Such a cute post and I don't blame Glenn. I agree with your philosophy!

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  21. Can't we just have cupcakes for dinner? I mean, let's cut to the chase!

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  22. I like this post. And I like your philosophy. And I'm not a food pusher either.
    And my husband also knows, when he needs a bigger portion. (Ah, women!) :)

    P.S.: I would love to be a guest in your home!!
    P.P.S.: These cupcakes and cookies look yummy!

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  23. Being different is good, and staying healthy when others would prefer fast food is just the right thing to do (you never know what is in fast food).
    However seeing the food you post here would completely make me want to be a guest at your house, if for nothing else just to see all of the antics of your children.

    Please do post a sprouted cookie recipe I am dying to find a good one.

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    1. My kids are loud and wild but they are actually really good kids who for the most part get along great. I will post more recipes soon.

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  24. Those cookies look sooo good Marie! I love big cookies. And the cupcake frosting looks so delicious!

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    1. The frosting is so good, it is made with fresh strawberries and the you can tell in the flavor.

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  25. I hate food pushers I'm always the gal at the party pretending I had a slice of cake when I really didn't. I try to eat healthy too and have definitely pulled a snack out of my purse when we have stopped for fast food. Though I have to tell you something about this post made me want to go out and buy cupcakes : )

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    1. I've done that too "Oh it was delicious", just to keep the peace. If I really think something is delicious I tend to go on & on and will follow the cook around like a puppy. If I really like something, you'll for sure know it!

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  26. This is fabulous! Husband is SMART to get a little extra for you! Inspiration!

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  27. Ill have one please. Thank you. :)

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  28. I have always wanted to go to Argentina...so envious of your hubby's time there! Although, I can't handle too much food...I get full really quickly. I would have certainly thrown up (if I'd even attempted to down gnocchi to begin with).

    I want to eat at your house! Everything sounds delicious...especially the homemade granola.

    Great picture of you Marie!

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    1. I wish I got full quickly, I swear I have a bottomless pit for a stomach.

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  29. I think I would like living at your house. I'm kinda a health nut too in a way. And you're right, cupcakes are the perfect dessert... cookies too!

    Allyssa

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  30. You would have a lot to question about my dietary choices, because they're usually admittedly awful. But I'd love some banana bread.

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  31. I'm not a food pusher either:)

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  32. I think you've got a tasty food selection in there. Not a fan of gnocchi either. But I think it's more polite to just let your visitors have a chance on selecting their own food.

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