It all started yesterday while I was on Facebook, one of my friends had been to one of my favorite local restaurant spots for lunch, Dame’s Chicken & Waffles. She posted a picture of her menu choice as her status and the comments started to roll in. Now, the food is heavenly and the menu caters to everyone. You have your vegan waffles, salads, greens side dishes and that old famous finger lickin’ southern fried chicken. But, you know you always have that one HATER that has to turn something so simple into a HUGE debate and wants to ruin it for everyone. I commented that I loved her menu choice (The Carolina Cockerel w/ side of Mac & Cheese), it looks delicious and it’s actually what I get every time I visit Dame’s Chicken & Waffles. I always get a side of fresh fruit with my chicken & waffles, I love fresh pineapple and strawberries! This photo was her Status…
Another comment that came in went like this… AND I’m quoting but, I’ll leave the hater anonymous! Comment: “And people wonder why 2/3 of adults in the US are overweight and obese. Americans are in hospitals on meds from kidney issues, high cholesterol, obesity..you are what you eat — fat, animal fat, more animal fat and more animal fat, nice.”
My reply to that comment was… “I think you can splurge once in a while but it all comes down to moderation and portion size. I have tons of “phat girl moments! however I try to eat healthy regularly. People have choices and need to make the right decisions for them and recognize how it’s going to affect their health! #JustMyTwoCents”
Then I was hit with… “It’s a matter of perspective. I don’t eat flesh or dead animals. Eating birds who have been tortured for gluttony and unhealthy grease food with tons of condiments and butter (dairy — veal is a by product and cows are slaughtered), white processed flour, eggs (baby male chicks are ground alive or shoved in garbage bags), more sugar — processed maple syrup (or corn syrup) etc… for what — self indulgence, bad health. What anybody eats directly impacts this world. It doesn’t come out of a vacuum. People need to think about their choices, absolutely. Two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese (Flegal et al., 2012). 68.8% of adults are overweight or obese; 35.7% are obese (Food Research and Acton Center). Over 30% of American elementary children are obese. This is a perfect example of why.”
Do you see that this is turning into a full on Facebook debate? THIRTY SEVEN comments later she’s the only one bitching about what someone else has decided to put in their body! We all “Liked” the picture and had nothing but, positive things to say and I’m sure Dame’s will be receiving some new visitors because everyone who commented that hasn’t visited wants to go and get the Dame’s experience! NOW… Here’s my problem! If someone chooses to have a “phat” moment, be baptist, gay, or a democrat that’s their CHOICE! Just because someone doesn’t live the way you do doesn’t mean that you should push your views on them or be a “hater” Who are you to judge them? They are living a life they want to and you are living the way you want to. If they wanted to live that way they would, simple as that!
My friend who started the unintentional debate on her Facebook page had this to say… ” I am a flexitarian/semi-vegetarian, meaning I mostly eat a vegetarian diet but I eat meat occasionally, and that is my choice on how I want to eat. Everyone has the right to choose how he or she wants to eat, whether it is eating healthy or unhealthy. Everyone knows the risk that they take when they put something in their mouth that is not good for them. However, no matter what it is, everyone can choose how he or she wants to eat. For instance, there are several types of eating habits that a person can have, whether it is because of the way they were raised, or the life choices that they choose to make.”
My mom is a vegetarian and eats nothing but greens, nuts & berries… and occasional seafood! I’m so serious! When she visits I shop for her and she cooks but, she makes non vegetarian dishes for the family all the time! I took her to Dame’s Chicken & Waffles and she LOVED it! Take a look at our menu choices… We had a great lunch!
The moral of the story here is this, and I’m quoting my friend… “There are many ways of eating, and it is up to the person to decide what kind of lifestyle, and eating habits they want. So no one can force anyone, or change anyone’s viewpoint on how they should eat, or what they should eat. It is up to the individual, and I for one respect the way other people eat, and if they want to eat fatty foods and become obese then that is their prerogative. All we can do is educate people on the benefits of eating healthy; the rest is up to them.”