Different approaches to health

Jaime and I will occasionally have major differences when it comes to getting in shape.  For instance, Jaime likes to exercise with a partner; even if we both have ipods in our ears she appreciates having a companion along for the journey.  I prefer to run alone, on my own terms and without anyone else to consider.  This is not usually a big deal for us because our schedules only allow us to run together a few days of the week anyway, and then the other days we have to figure things out on our own.

More of an issue, however, is our eating habits, because one person's choices inevitably impact the other's.  This year we both made New Year's Resolutions that impact the other's lives in this respect.  Jaime chose to buy fruits and vegetables from local farmer's only, which means that I shouldn't buy the delicious peaches (or whatever) I see at Albertson's.  I resolved to limit my fast food consumption to two meals per month, which means that we've had to work harder to figure out what to eat for our lunches and dinners when we don't have a lot of time one our hands.

And then we have moments like this afternoon: Jaime made a beet and apricot soup for lunch and it was obvious to her that I was not enjoying it.  "You don't have to finish it if you don't like it."  Maybe this comment was said without full sincerity because when I dumped the rest down the sink a few minutes later I could tell she was in a bitter mood.  "Don't take it personally that I don't like beets.  It's not meant as an insult to you," I said.  "Well that's what all your health books say you should be eating," she answered.  And she was mostly right, but so was I.

We have two very different approaches to our food habits.  I'm the type of person who will read a number of books about health and wellness (I think I've read 4 in the last year).  I'll be sitting in my chair with a bowl of Cocoa Pebbles in one hand and "Eat to Live" in the other, all the while sharing with Jaime the latest nutritional guideline I've read that I need to immediately adopt in order to jumpstart my healthy living.  Meanwhile, Jaime will actually make healthy food and has been eating a pretty healthy diet for years, but she will occasionally become defensive about something one of the health books says.

So sometimes we butt heads when it comes to health, like over beet and apricot soup, which Jaime liked and I didn't (so she'll probably stubbornly never make it again).  But most of the time, I must say, it is great having someone around to help me with my crazy resolutions (which, coincidentally, is the purpose of this blog and why I appreciate you all so much).  Anyway, point being: Jaime, sorry I didn't like your soup - but I do appreciate all you do for me and, well, thanks for being you.  I love you, and I love you all.