FOOD

Recently, I read in the Rockford Register Star about a study published in the journal “Science” showing a fix to the food climate problem. Co-author of the study, Jason Hill, a biosystems engineering professor at U of Minnesota, was quoted, “The whole world doesn’t have to give up meat for us to meet climate goals. (set in the 2015 Paris climate accord) “We can eat better, healthier foods. We can improve how we grow foods. And we can waste less food.” Many adults need around 2,100 calories a day.

I like to cook but I also enjoy going to a restaurant. My biggest complaint when eating out Is the large portions they bring each individual. The servers are quick to offer a box to take uneaten food home. I usually decline because I’ve found few meals reheated in a microwave the next day taste like they did when served.

In 2009, we celebrated our 50th anniversary by joining other senior citizens on a tour of Alaska, which ended with a cruise. One evening, we were told we would be served a 7-course supper. I didn’t expect to enjoy all 7-courses because I couldn’t eat like I did when I was younger. I was pleased that each course was small enough that I could consume them all. It showed me chefs can create meals that fit an older person’s appetite.

Several years ago, flying to Las Vegas upset my stomach. After landing, I quickly recovered, but, during our stay, I limited my food intake. It was up to me how much I ate of the meal I had ordered. I’d grown up with the admonition, “Clean up your plate or no dessert.” I love desserts so I ate everything whether I liked it or not. Now, I’m mature enough to have dessert without cleaning my plate, but I hate wasting food.

When a contemporary tells me about a new restaurant she’s found, she extolls their large portions as a good thing.

Are you satisfied with the size of the meals restaurants serve?