This week I have heard some naughty talk.
Since I’ve been thinking through how to change my speaking patterns about food, I’ve noticed how often people, particularly women, use ugly, downright disgusting verbiage when describing a certain kind of food. It’s a category from which I choose any number of items that are often delicious, smile-provoking, and might I dare say sensual to consume?
Oooh, yes, I’m speaking about dessert. The coveted dessert tray at any fantastic high-end restaurant that hosts a generous portion of smooth chocolate cake, a tall slice of perfectly baked cheesecake, and usually a carefully crafted and just-sweet-enough custard (sometimes referred to as flan in this here part of Texas.) Or, since we don’t always have access to high end, what about the oh-so-tasty and warm fried apple pie at McDonalds? I’d bring shame to my Southern roots if I left out my favorite go-to Blue Bell ice cream treat — two scoops of Buttered Pecan smothered with hot fudge, refrigerated whipped topping, and toasted pecans.
And last, but best of all desserts, is my mom’s airy and delectable homemade strawberry cake with cream cheese icing. You know if you’ve tasted it. It’s memorable.
So, in defense of dessert, I write. Not because I believe that everyone should fill up on dessert as much as they like. Choosing dessert is after all just that, a choice. But I write to defend because I believe that if you’re going to eat it, you shouldn’t speak about that delicious piece of deliciousness like it’s done something bad to you. Moreover, I believe you shouldn’t speak harshly to yourself for eating something delicious. So, here goes.
Dear Dessert,
I apologize that we (we as in women…I mean, let’s be honest, men don’t say this kind of stuff) have demonized you for being wonderful. We have a tendency of doing that with so many beautiful things in this world, and you, for one, do not deserve it.
We pledge to retrain our brains and work toward not lambasting you aloud, especially when our children are around attempting to enjoy your greatness. They don’t need to be carrying around our baggage about what we consume after the dinner hour.
Specifically, we, your consumers, admonish one another to refrain from comments like the following:
1. I baked a lemon meringue pie today….I know, I am so bad. Baking is my nemesis.
2. That chocolate cake went straight to my thighs. You can see it here and here (pointing to that lovely piece of skin that rests somewhere between your knees and butt.)
3. I feel sooooo fat. I did not need to eat that cookie, but it was just so tempting.
Finally, sweet and mouthwatering dessert, we thank you for being exactly what you are. For not hiding your true self and just being, well, delicious.
Truly yours,
Women in America
So, as a community of truth speakers and daughter influencers and hope givers, let’s join together and choose to just enjoy what we enjoy. To the fullest. I’m becoming more and more convinced that kind of choice will bring freedom along the way.
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