Check out my progress on Reader Request: Thoughts on Alcohol
In following with last week’s post, I am now designating Thursday as “reader request” day, so if you have any topics addressed or questions answered, please don’t hesitate to ask!
A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from a B-Hut reader asking me about my stance on alcohol:
Hi Caroline,
I have been reading your blog for about a year and half and I find inspiration and motivation in the way you live your life. I think I am roughly your age (I am 22). From what I can see on your blog, you don’t seem to be a huge alcohol drinker. I was curious whether you drink it at all? I used to drink a fair bit, but as I am becoming more active in my pursuit of a healthy lifestyle I am reconsidering whether I should drink at all. From the perspective of a dietician (in training), what are your beliefs? Also, if you don’t drink that much (which is merely what I presume from your comment that the Broccoli Hut is notoriously alcohol free) how do you get around social events and the expectation that you should go out and get drunk to have fun?
I would really appreciate any thoughts you might have regarding my question.
The truth is, I’ve never been much of an alcohol-drinker. First, I’ve always been an old soul—I’m 23 going on 45. Plus, as a vestige of my eating disorder, I happen to have memorized the Calorie content of every food under the sun, including alcohol; a few margaritas and a glass of wine provide you with more Calories than a meal and nearly none of the nutrients.
I certainly understand the social implications of eschewing alcohol as a young adult. I spent the majority of my college years not drinking, that is, coming up with alternative ways to have fun without booze. I was fortunate enough to have found friends who had similar attitudes toward alcohol (shout-out to Alanna!). I still attended plenty of events at which alcohol was served (I mean, c’mon I was in a sorority after all), and I don’t regret my decision not to drink at those events. I was content being a “sober sister,” so long as I was able to have a good time with my friends.
I’ll admit, sometimes you encounter a negative reaction when you choose not to drink for the sake of your health. Others often perceive such behavior as pretentious and self-righteous, so if you choose not to drink, do be careful in the way you explain your behavior. In other words, avoid becoming a Debbie Downer.
All that being said, in recent years, I’ve begun to consume alcohol in moderation. I consider it a substance that best accompanies some sort of celebration, much like the way I consider dessert. It’s perfectly fine to indulge in a flute (or two!) of champagne on New Year’s Eve; I never said no to a birthday cocktail either. Accordingly, I don’t keep alcohol on hand in my kitchen. Rather, I prefer to reserve for truly special occasions.
More frequent alcohol consumption can certainly be part of a healthy lifestyle. As several studies have indicated, a daily dose of red wine is actually beneficial to your health in that it can help prevent heart disease.
What is your stance on alcohol? How often do you drink? What are your favorite cocktails? My beverages of choice: fruity white wines (e.g., Gewurztraminer) and anything with cranberry juice:)
Now let’s get onto the grub, shall we?
Many moons ago, my dad sent me a Paula Deen recipe for a fried egg sandwich, that admittedly sounded amazing. I remembered it this morning as I was deciding what to have for breakfast, and I made a few tweaks to suit my more health-minded taste preferences.
After another successful trip to the vet, Margot and I came back for lunch. (Well, really she watched while I ate). I made Ellie’s Savory Chinese Chicken Salad.
My tweaks:
-I used tofu instead of chicken.
-I substituted a fresh orange for the canned ones called for in the recipe.
-I used pre-shredded cabbage.
Once again, the dressing for this salad was delicious! Then again, I might eat anything if it involved toasted sesame oil. Still, Ellie knows how to put together a darn tasty salad dressing.
Side note: This was my first time using Sriracha—now what do I do with the rest of the bottle? Recipe suggestions, please!
As for dinner, I still had some pumpkin hanging around, so I made a hearty bowl of Pumpkin Bulghur Chili. YUM.
Alright, I am off to watch my latest Netflix arrival with Seth—Get Him to the Greek. G’night!
Filed under: Meals
Caroline Yoder, dietitian-to-be and all-around foodie.
Like you, I only drink socially in moderation. I’ll never say no to having a (one) drink with a friend after work or something.
ooo lala chilli and tofu in one post! loveeeeeeeeeeee!
as for LC wedges… I am often scared that they will be used as calories un-noticed if I don’t eat them plain. As in a waste because I can’t taste them? Have you found this to be true, or do you use the flavored Lc wedges? I used to adore them with carrots PLATE because then I could really taste the cheese, but often (with all cheese actually) I worry that it is a waste if I can’t even taste them in my meal!
BroccoliHut Reply:
June 10th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
@GlidingCalm I agree–cheese often gets lost in a sandwich with a lot of components. I hardly ever add cheese to a hummus/veggie sandwich for that reason; most often I use cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches when it’s the ONLY ingredient. However, I think in this case the Laughing Cow was able to shine through.
Nicely put– couldn’t agree more
I’m still under the legal drinking age, so I wouldn’t say I indulge in it, but come 21 I probably will do what you do. Not only for nutrition and health matters, but for my own sake also. I really don’t see alcohol as a “necessity”, rather as a treat, as is dessert!
….By the way, i’d love to know how you scale down Ellie’s recipes and what measurements you use!
I only drink on occasion as well. I’ve never been one for drinking, but I do enjoy a glass of chilled chardonnay now and then.
Your chili looks so delicious!
I like whiskey and dark heady beer
I’m against drinking. I hate everything about it, but especially the way it makes people act. I’ve had so many elementary school friends throw their lives down the drain in high school because of drinking! I remember a couple years ago, my parents went to go buy some liquor on Christmas Eve, and I actually started crying because I didn’t want it to “ruin Christmas.”
I love that you used tofu in the salad it looks great. I believe drinking is ok in moderation I dont drink a ton but I do enjoy a glass of wine occasionally with a green smoothie the next morning.. balance
Hi, I might have one or two drinks a week.
I definitely share your views on alcohol consumption. Personally I don’t have a problem with other people drinking alcohol, but it’s not something that I’ve ever really wanted to do. I’m currently a college student and though most of the parties I go to tend to revolve around drinking, I’m able to really enjoy myself without booze.
Oh, and on a side note, please open a restaurant so I can eat your food! It looks absolutely delicious!
I’m not into drinking, but I do “have drinks.” I like a good craft beer. I like a glass of wine for special occasions. I used to be totally against alcohol, but I don’t have a problem with it at all anymore. At the same time, I do not like people “getting drunk” and rarely drink more than one serving (one bottle, one glass).
As for the sriracha: I use it on everything. If you like heat in your food, it is awesome just on top of smoky beans and rice and pretty much any stir fry
The egg sandwich looks delicious! The tofu looks yummy as well. After becoming vegan, I slowed down on drinking alcohol a bit. Mainly because if you do not make things yourself, you really have no idea what is there. But I do drink red wine and beer on occasion. I have not ever been into drinking liquor. I do love margaritas, though.
The Chinese salad looks amazing!!
All things moderation, I think. And that includes alcohol. There is nothing wrong with a glass of wine here or there. If you are responsible about it, I don’t know why there would be a problem. If you are of age, of course!
Dippy drippy egg in a sandwich is what I’m talkin’ about!
First of all I love Sriracha. It is really good on lightly steamed kale. The other day I had a rice bowl with kale, black beans, pepperjack cheese, broc, corn all topped is Sriacha. It’s really good with eggs too. Actually it’s really good with just about everything!!!
As with the alcohol I am very conflicted. I went to a very alcohol-centered undergrad and my roommates drank a lot and I started to get sick of it all. Now as a graduate student the drinking is more low-key. I’m not one to just have a beer or a drink. But I do on special occasions. I just prefer to get up in the morning feeling good and ready to run I guess.
as a dietitian i think this is a great time to pull the moderation card. alcohol is not harmful when not abused. that said there is nothing wrong with choosing not to drink it, and there shouldn’t be a feeling that you need it to have fun or be confident.
I would drink more often if I could afford multiple bottles of Champagne every week.
As for sri racha, I put it on so many things: stir fries, beans, quesadillas, peanut sauces, etc. It’s very versatile and delicious.
I would love to see a reader’s request post about what it takes to become an RD. I’ve done some reading online, but I’d love to hear your perspective — the best schools, the coursework, the pre-requisites, etc.
I love sirachi sauce. We add it to all of our stir-fry, nachos, and mexican meals. So much flavor!