Deep Fried Butter

I draw the line. Deep fried butter. I refuse to eat it. There is nothing in this world that sounds more unhealthy (and I am even on the good side of butter). I'm at the Iowa State Fair - the best one in the country. Where else would you find such a crazy food item?

I enjoyed many delicious food at the state fair.

• pork chop on a stick
• 1 mini donut
• half of a breakfast sandwhich (no bun)
• a few bites of biscuits and gravy
• half a double bacon wrapped corn dog - yum
• half a hot beef sundae (mashed potatoes, hot beef and gravy, cheese)
• a few bites of a "Nothing Spared Fair Square" (rice krispy treat on a stick with potato chips, pretzels, M&M's, and Oreo's)
• a few bites of a pulled pork sandwich (no bun)
• about 5 mini choclate chip cookies (but no bucket)
• and then.......THE DEEP FRIED BUTTER
• tons and tons and tons and tons of water
• tons and tons of Diet Coke

The deep fried butter must have been inspired by the butter cow and the yearly butter "statues." This year is Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs. 

My relationship with food has evolved over many years. I remember portioning out my SnackWell's mini choc chip cookies into small containers but then adding about 10 cookies more than the serving size (but those don't count!) In college I ate a lot of hot pockets and whole wheat bagels. Most recently I have moved towards more protein, fewer carbs, very little wheat products, a little dairy, and lots of vegetables. 

I was reading the book "Co-Active Coaching" the other day and it talked about the catchy word "balance." I have been especially interested in helping people achieve "balance" and incorporating it in my life. I feel like I have a pretty good balance between work and life. But the question is: do we ever fully achieve "balance?" This book makes the point that we work towards it on a continuum. Are we closer to balance or farther away?

I feel closer to balance in my relationship with food now more than I ever have. Protein makes me feel full, carbs make me feel crappy, healthy fats like avocado, nuts, and oils are awesome, and vegetables can actually be delicious.  Approaching the fair I didn't want to eat tons and tons, but I wanted to experience it. My solution: share, eat a little bit of a lot of things, and drink a TON of water. Did I also mention we walked almost 20 miles while there?

I do not believe in depriving myself of food, even if it is not the healthiest. This is my balance with food.

Ask yourself, where am I on the continuum of balance? Closer or farther away? 

And yes, I did try the deep fried butter. Two bites.