Today I went to the grocery store for two things: water and salt. Too busy to make the trip this past week, I've been rationing both items and it's kept me strangely preoccupied. Yes, I do have running water, but I am a bit of a water snob and not proud to admit it. A few years back I bought a water cooler at Target. Truly, it tops my list of best investments (Suze Orman I am not). I buy filtered water for .49 cents a gallon, and my two, three gallon containers are never empty for more than a day. I'm lucky in that water, over all else, is my drink of choice. Heavily-creamed coffee and good vino run a close second, but water is my liquid nirvana. Included in my morning ritual is drinking a large glass of water, and for the balance of the day rarely an hour passes when I'm not sipping it. In fact, one of the greatest perks of my job (even as I write this it sounds lame - but it's true) is having unfettered access to filtered water. I love my water.
A deep affinity for water is understandable, maybe even admirable. But salt? Anyone who knows me knows my love for the age-old preservative. I salt virtually everything: pizza, bagels, salmon, pasta, salad, bread. Everything but drinks and foods that are naturally sweet gets a dose of the stuff. And I won't just shake the sodium chloride at the beginning of the meal. I salt between bites. While growing up, one of my favorite meals - and I feel the need to add a disclaimer for those with weak stomachs - was buttermilk and pickled pigs feet. And I salted both.
When I sat down with my dietician before stepping into my G.U.L.P. project, she certainly didn't recommend that I keep salt as one of my five condiments, rather it was the one condiment I thought about most. I knew that I could, for a prescribed period of time, so long as I wasn't hungry, give up nearly anything. It was salt that tripped me up. I vacillated for weeks before settling on keeping it. Okay, that alone should have been an indicator of my, ah, enthusiasm. It's easy to toss salt into the cart when it's brimming with real food. But planning a trip to the market for salt, one of two "necessary" items - that's eye-opening. It's like making a midnight trip, with a full tank of petro, to the gas station for cigarettes. Problem.
The good news, I have normal blood pressure and have never had an issue with water retention, two distinct consequences of too much sodium in one's system. I like to think that my copious water consumption offsets my extensive salt intake. It's all about balance, right? Or, it's finding a rationalization for my extreme, let's call it, fervor.
Something more to think about...
28 Days | $700 | 3 Non-profits
For the next 28 days, from November 27 through December 24, I'll significantly reduce my food choices: I'll eat only 7 foods, 5 condiments, and drink only 1 beverage (what are they? You'll have to read my blog to find out!). Lattes, fish and chips, veggie pad thai, and vino be gone--Yaaouch! By doing this, I will save approximately $700 that I will then donate to three extraordinary, greater-Denver non-profit organizations.
We've all felt the pinch of these tough economic times. Hit especially hard are organizations that function solely to help the most vulnerable among us. Click the links on the right to learn more about the great work of three such organizations, and then cast your vote. Your vote will determine the percentage of the $700 that each organization will receive. I encourage you to influence the votes of others–but please only vote once. I'll blog about my G.U.L.P. journey and update my progress daily. If you scroll down, you'll find my daily blog postings. Your comments are encouraged!
WHY FOOD, WHY NOW? I wanted my G.U.L.P. choice to be a significant but realistic sacrifice. Food seemed an obvious choice for several reasons: First, I spend a lot of money on food. Not just basic sustenance, but on brunches, dinners out, pricey markets, happy hours, and expensive take-out. When I reviewed my budget and found that I spend roughly $700 each month on eating and drinking, I realized I needed to check this luxury. Second, I think the act of eating is relatively thoughtless for many of us--it has been for me. The question isn't what will I eat, but rather, what do I want to eat. Finally, I chose this time of year for my G.U.L.P. project because the holidays tend to intensify our emotions. For those who have plenty, it’s often a time of celebration and feelings of joy can be readily identified. For those who are barely getting by, the holidays can be agonizing.
JOIN ME: What would you give up for 28 days? I have chosen to limit food choices, but that's just one idea. If each one of us gave up a non-essential item, service, or even a certain food for a manageable period of time--something that we've been conditioned to believe is a need rather than a want, and commit the money saved to an effective community organization, imagine the impact! If you decide to give something up--and I hope you do!--I'd love to hear about your experiences.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
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day 24. Wow, I would venture to guess that the days have passed more quickly for me than for you. I am now wondering what is on the menu for day 29. My guess is that it wonnt have eggs or cabbage in it. Whatever it is, I bet you savor every bite of it. I will be sad to see the end of your blog, I think I have become addicted!
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