My relationship with food

This experience has already sparked a bunch of interesting things that I didn't truly consider until now.  Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my relationship with food now that I am being mindful of what I eat.  I would describe myself as an impulsive eater.  I don't know if that's an actual term, but I know that whenever I wanted food, even if I wasn't hungry, I would find something to eat.  It got to a stage a little while ago where I could drive past a Subway or Taco Bell, get the taste in my mouth, and somehow end up buying food from those establishments.  My relationship with food has indeed been a gluttonous one, in that regard.

On the other hand, I love the experience of food.  I truly enjoy eating.  I like to try different things, cook new recipes when I have the time, and eat locally if I'm ever out traveling.  I have always thought of good food as art.  Cooking takes time and energy.  Even if it's something simple to make, someone put the time and the energy into making sure it tastes good.  I think that's worth appreciating.  Mind you, I have more appreciation for a home cooked meal than I do for McDonald's, but you get the idea.

While food has been delightful in that sense, it has also been a demon at times.  Due to the impulsive tendencies and my love for eating, I naturally turn to food when I am stressed.  I've always found it fascinating that I eat when I'm stressed and my sister does not.  I think it's fascinating that some people have a reluctant attitude towards food, or even an apathetic one.

I have decided to do some pretty heavy research into nutrition and food relationships because of these thoughts and the discussion I've had with some friends.  I'd like to get to know that side of myself a little better instead of just regarding it as something I need to do to survive.