For some reason or another in our culture there is a negative connotation surrounding food consumption. Maybe it has something to do with the fear that consuming a measly carbohydrate will makeone gain ten pounds. I am personally a bon vivant. Someone who enjoys sitting down to a gourmet meal, savoring each flavor and not feeling ashamed to go back for more. Here are five reasons why you too should pick up a fork and chow down.

1. It has been proven that eating less food more often is better for people who are either trying to lose weight or maintain their weight. Instead of eating three large meals per day with snacks in between; try eating smaller meals throughout the day. This way you’ll feel hungry less often and spread out your calorie intake throughout the day instead of piling them on at one time.
2. There are so many opportunities to try new foods and flavors from all around the world right in your own backyard. Food not tasted is an opportunity wasted. Don’t be afraid to venture out and try new things. Trying different foods from around the globe will increase the repertoire of dishes that you can incorporate into your life. If you’ve never experienced authentic Moroccan couscous then you can’t say you don’t like it.
3. Food tastes great! If you like something, why would you give it up for a “better body.” This is not to say that you’re going to sit down and eat ten pieces of cheesecake on a daily basis but everyone needs a little guilty pleasure once in a while. You can enjoy what you love in moderation.
4. Maybe one of the most important reasons to embrace food is that it is a necessity of life. Calories, carbs, fats and starches are all vital in helping our bodily systems function properly. Some people feel that by cutting out carbs or calories and eating less is going to benefit them but in reality if we cut back too much we are actually going to harm our body and the way it functions.
5. Crash diets are overrated. The Atkins Diet, The South Beach Diet or any other self proclaimed weight loss solution don’t touch at the heart of the matter. If your goal is to lose weight the first place to start is the mind, not the stomach. I think there is a stigma that eating helps you lose weight but exactly the opposite is true. It’s not how much you eat, it’s what you eat.

If you find that you’re someone who doesn’t like to take risks when it comes to their legumes or likes their fromages mild, don’t be afraid to think outside the plate. As cheesy, no pun intended, as it sounds, food is inspiring. Not only is it an art form but it has been at the center of human culture since man first traded precious metals for salt to cure meats. With a dash of oregano and a pinch of coriander maybe you too can love food.