What's On My Mind

You Are What You Eat

by Cecile Cinco

My mom used to say when we kids were little, “you are what you eat, so eat right.” Candies were banned and we ate brewer’s yeast and wheat germ…and I love them! In fact, just recently, I wolfed on some my sister gave me. Wheat germ, that is. None in my family liked it but I sprinkle it on my food and when I feel I had just a little, I’ll spoon some directly into my craving mouth.

Back when I was little, my choice of food were all healthy. There was no Jollibee, KFC, McDonald’s at that time. The only fastfood I remember was Tropical Hut which was far from our place and we see once a week when the bus passes by EDSA corner Ortigas, if I’m not mistaken. I love the smell of TH because you can savor its goodness from the bus!

When I became independent, living alone at my hometown (Olongapo City), eating at my own will, I was still living healthy, I should say. I rarely eat rice but I down about 5 glasses of full cream milk every day. Since I knew then that milk is a complete food in itself, I thought it could be enough. In 2 days, a kg of powdered milk gets ready to be replenished. Being sportive at that time, I did not find it hard to get energy, even for mere milk meals. Oh, I ate bars of cheese too. My sports included biking, volleyball, hiking, swimming and bowling.

When I moved to Quezon City for another job, my life became different. I lost the sports and all I did the whole day was sit in the bus while traveling to and from work (3 hours each way) and most of the time in the office, in front of the computer (then a 286!). My food became mostly junk. Wendy’s was just near our office and I’d usually get a baked potato cheese and cheese…my favorite! I could get the salad but I have no one to eat it with. With my tower skills (getting as much salad on the plate at one go) I’d feel guilty just to waste it if no eaten.

Now, with all the junk food I’ve eaten, I think I need to check on some weight loss products.

Popularity: 17% [?]