I’ve never attempted a diet to lose weight (my strategy is eat less, move more) and I don’t ever plan on partaking in one.  I go by what I have now dubbed the “hedonist diet” – also known as eat what you want.  I tend to follow my cravings a lot, whether it means snacks, greasy food, or even Ethiopian.  It’s the one thing I don’t control very often and I allow myself to enjoy almost unconditionally.  After all, why not enjoy eating and turn it into an experience each time?  It’s not just something we have to do, but it’s something we can love to do.  Food can bring us a lot of pleasure, from alluring smells to delicious tastes, and I like to appreciate every moment of it.

This is what makes me a terrible grocery shopper and a big spender on restaurants.  When I grocery shop, I usually have one or two things in mind that I want to grab, and then I end up wandering the snack or ice cream aisle and come out with way more than I probably should.  Last time I went to Ralph’s, I came out with four boxes of popsicles because they all looked appealing.  More recently, a Whole Foods run landed me some grapes, string cheese, Greek yogurt, and chocolate fudge bites – none of which I originally intended on purchasing going in.  At restaurants, I usually make the mistake of overestimating how much I can eat at that moment and get one dish too many.

Well, this is how I spend my money.  I don’t really buy clothes or shoes or makeup (or whatever else most other girls probably buy).  I don’t drink or smoke or gamble, which are all pretty costly ventures.  Instead my money goes into retirement savings, rent, and FOOD.  Lots of food.  It’s the greatest pleasure in life next to love.  At least it is in my world!  I am very content with my hedonist diet and I’m lucky enough that my genes allow me to eat a lot without bloating like crazy.  Hopefully that lasts me well into old age so I can always enjoy eating the foods I love when I want, and as much as I want.