For the Love of Food and Dad

I am visiting with my parents for the next few days in Hemphill, Texas. My father believes that full bellies are a sign of love...in other words, he shows his love by stuffing us full. I explained to him that I am changing my eating habits, but I will manage and asked him not to go out of his way to appease me.



The moment we walked in the door he had Boudin King boudin (spicy & mild) from Jennings, Louisiana, 2 sacks of raw oysters with cocktail sauces and spinach and artichoke dip, and macaroni and cheese loaves for the kids...well, mom cooked all of it except the steamed oysters.  If you aren't familiar with Boudin, a Louisiana staple, it's rice, sausage, and seasonings packed into a casing.  It is served hot...and it is sooo delicious.  Being on my program and changing my eating habits, I would ultimately get stomach pains...but the pain not eating it would be worse lol.  It's only my dad's style to force us to eat...I mean, it is considered an insult in the South to turn down any food, especially when it's cooked in your honor. The problem is my dad is only happy when EVERYONE is eating ALL THE TIME.  If you aren't eating, you're not happy...needless to say I stay busy to say that I'm too busy to eat lol.  I can't blame Dad since it was how he was raised...hardcore Southern Pentacostal.  Family gatherings were about family, conversation, and always, always, always, involved TONS of food!

I complied and ate a very small piece of Boudin...I savored every morsel.  

The oysters are good for you.  Dad put the wet oysters on the grill and steamed them 'til they popped.  I was never big on oysters, but when Dad tells you to eat, you eat.  I had a few of them despite the texture, and he was happy.

Mom has been cooking her Gumbo base for the last 24 hours and dropped the seafood into her large pot this morning.  Now, Mom knows and understands what I have been doing.  I like to bypass the rice and, if available, substitute for quinoa.  4 oz of seafood and protein is all your body needs at each sitting, plus your HNS protein drink if you are on program or need a little more filling.

The only way my dad believes one is able to cook fish is by frying it.  I have preached to him over and over, but you cannot argue with a Jackson.  So, Dad fried a large batch and was able to set a few filets aside for me and my sister to bake with lemon juice, chili powder, and lemon pepper.  I do not try to be difficult, but I have worked very hard changing my eating habits and lifestyle, but, again, you cannot argue with a Jackson. I ignore his moans and eye-rolls when I explain why I choose not to eat something and why he shouldn't eat it either.

Family will always be family no matter what choices are made.  My family is very supportive of our choices and decisions, but, if you go away from their norm, you will always get playful backlash.  Making adjustments to family gathering foods can be challenging, but I hope to provide everyone with an idea on how to think outside the box and still eat yummy food.

So until the next blog, here's to Dad and the Love of food.