Background: I grew up as a very skinny kid in India. My lifestyle involved a lot of walking, not much in terms of sports and eating delicious homemade food was a big part of my family life. I remember eating rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We also ate a lot of cooked vegetables, lentils, beans and fish. I always had a sweet tooth and even back then I was crazy for a slice of decadent chocolate cake. However, I remember eating 3 high carb meals a day, and never really craving sweets or junk food very often.
Having lived in North America for the last 12 years, my food habits have changed quite a bit. When I first moved here, I was excited to eat burgers, pizzas as these were foods that were more exotic to me growing up as well as a variety of other foreign flavours that are more readily available at restaurants here. Needless to say, I am writing here because I have a few lbs to lose which has only been an issue when I started making my own food choices after moving to a new country for school.
A few observations (when I do eat foods I grew up eating like rice and lentils) 1. I am the most satisfied. Period. This realization has dawned on me after 10+ years of avoiding those foods. 2. When I eat more typical north american meals, I almost always crave dessert after. 3. I do not overeat when I eat basic Indian food. 4. Eating something as simple as some fennel candy cleanses my palate similar to brushing teeth with a minty toothpaste. However, when I eat pies, cakes, etc, I just want more.
The main worry that has deterred me from eating my typical Indian meals is the quantity of carbs and concerns over type 2 diabetes. You may say that don't eat the rice, but it just doesn't taste as good if I don't eat it with rice :(
Now, this brings to my question... Has anyone else made the observation that they tend to eat less junk food, sugars when eating more foods from one's culture/childhood? I hope I am being able to articulate my question. I wonder if I just stick to these foods, if reaching and maintaining my goals will be easier. I know theres no other way but to try. I have yo-yod for a long time and I want to find a sustainable way of cooking and eating for the long term. I love cuisines from all over the world and would never want to give it up altogether. Also, luckily, my not Indian husband, loves my Indian cooking if I were to take this path. So I do see this working.
Hoping to get some insights from fellow Redditors.
Thank you.
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/loseit/comments/oy7v8g/can_eating_ones_cultures_food_help_stick_to_a/
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