Food Writing - What is a "Foodie"

Food is a necessity for life. We get nutrition from the foods we eat. Sometimes we nourish our souls by the foods we taste. At parties and social events, food is a temptation and great for conversations.

I suppose I am one who eats to live now, not lives to eat. In February, 2005 I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. To say it devastated me is an understatement; after all, I am a travel writer who specializes in hospitality and food. My friends describe me as a foodie.

What exactly is a foodie? My definition of a foodie is someone who loves and appreciates good food and does their best to educate others about the art of culinary cuisine. A 'foodie' must be open minded to try new dishes, and to tempt their taste buds with the best of an epicurean world.

As a travel writer and someone who worked at a culinary and hospitality school for fifteen years, I learned to appreciate the art of food. When I was a child, I taught myself to cook and while at Johnson & Wales University, I picked the brains of the chefs and students. Now, I travel, meeting some of the best chefs around the nation and I write about them, sharing their stories.

My adventures as a foodie have taught me much. Now, I do my best to cook healthy, especially after Diabetes knocked on my door.

Last week, I learned another valuable lesson about Diabetes. Never procrastinate. After my diagnosis, I changed my eating habits significantly, dropped over 40 pounds, started a regimented health and exercise program and dropped my A1C level from 8.0 to 5.7 in only three months. Five years later, I got a bit lazy and failed to see my doctor for three months. Bad decision.

When I visited him last week, my A1C level increased. I listened carefully to my doctor's advice. I was still working out, walking daily, eating healthy, but in the morning's my sugar was over 200. Not a good sign. Change of medications seems to be doing the trick and I am furious with myself for being lazy. So now, I have made it my personal promise to myself to continue doing what I have been doing - following my daily ritual of watching my diet and eating carefully while still being a foodie. Never will I procrastinate and not visit my doctor regularly. Lesson learned!

I will remain a foodie, and I will get my A1C level down again. Stay tuned.

If you're reading this, you are probably a "foodie" too. Just to let you know -- Diabetics can still enjoy the taste of good food. All we must do is to watch carefully what we eat, don't overload on carbs, or overeat and exercise must be part of a daily life.

Stay tuned, Foodies. The story continues!