In honor of Michael Pollan’s new book Food Rules I decided to write down a few of my own that I like to live/eat/cook by.  Some are about healthy eating, some are just about doing what makes you happy-not to be confused with trying to find happiness in food.  I mean this in a sort of “I’m miserable on this diet, I hate eating this to make me healthy” kind of way.  I believe that if you don’t like what you eat, no matter the nutritional value found in it, there will always be a disconnect between your soul and the way your body absorbs the nutrition.  That said:

1) Most things are better with chocolate, especially chocolate chips.

       I put chocolate chips in anything I think it will taste good with. Ice cream, cheesecake, cookies, bread pudding, just a handful of frozen ones on a hot summer day.  Dark chocolate is better for your health (and I think taste buds) but man, are they just plan tasty.

2) It is ok to indulge every so often.

    Going all out with a hamburger, fries, milk shake, beer, etc once in a while is good for you.  see-eating what makes you happy. 

3) Eating an entirely vegetarian meal is good for you.

         Despite our American Heritage, you don’t need meat at every meal, or to be the mainstay at said meal.  Once in a while, just eat some really tasty vegetables, or soup, or a nice dinner salad.  You can always make them taste a good.  Personal exceptions being eggplant and tofu.  I don’t care what anyone says, it’s like eating a sponge, no matter what you do.

4) Try everything, once

    As my parents always said, taste buds change, and you need to try everything once, sometimes every once in a while.  In 2nd grade my teacher had everyone bring in different foods to class for a whole week.  It is how I found out about artichokes, and Nori.  The Nori I didn’t like, so as I grew up and sushi became popular I didn’t think I would ever like it.  Now, I love sushi, but can still do without the Nori on most rolls-more because of the texture than the flavor.  Either way you cut it, it’s good to branch out and give your taste buds a little jolt of a new flavor.

5) Share meals with people you love.

    Gathering around a table with a group of family members or friends is a lost art, and I wish more people would cultivate the practice.  It’s about community, communication and relationships.  Not to mention, studies (don’t ask me which ones though) have shown that when you eat with a group, you tend to not over eat-good news if you’re worried about your waistline.  Laugh with your friends (also good for your waistline), cook and share a meal, and see what sort of fun you can have.

*more rules to be added as I see fit, or make them up-whichever comes first.