Rev, you make me lul so hard sometimes. ^_^ We have got to hang out someday.
And yeah, I myself have had my own gripes about these things, being raised Mormon and all. But it's my humble opinion that dietary concerns, while requiring careful weighing and measuring, should be taken with at least a grain of salt where religion gets involved. For example, I'm sure you've heard all about Mormons and their restrictions: no recreational drugs, no tobacco, no booze, no tea, and no caffeine.
Now, the 'recreational drugs' and tobacco... that's pretty damn easy to understand. Stuff's bad for you. And even if a drug doesn't get you chemically addicted, it can still happen psychologically... and that's arguably an even tougher nut to crack. Booze... somewhat less so. A drink or two isn't going to kill you - I know from experience. Where people start getting into trouble is where they get addicted to alcohol, and that's an addiction that's just as tough to crack as any other. (Poor Whitney Houston never had a chance going to that party without a trusted friend.)
No caffeine... okay. I can kinda understand this one. It's not great for your heart and it has the potential be addictive as well. But there are times when you just can't do without it. Seriously, when you are in the Navy you practically mainline caffeine sometimes (the Chiefs over in the Chiefs' Mess get VERY picky about their coffee maker).
My bigger nits are in regards to tea. My mother, for example, will only drink tea for medicinal purposes such as sore throat or upset stomach. Me? I love tea, especially Japanese blends which tend to be very healthy. Green tea, oolong, and barley are among my favorites. And have you ever had green tea icecream? Try it, it's delicious. Other favorites: Mint, Spearmint, Peppermint (yeah, I'm big on mint - shoulda seen the one we had at my Great Grandfather's house - grandpappy of all mint plants), Earle Grey and English Breakfast.
And yeah, I myself have had my own gripes about these things, being raised Mormon and all. But it's my humble opinion that dietary concerns, while requiring careful weighing and measuring, should be taken with at least a grain of salt where religion gets involved. For example, I'm sure you've heard all about Mormons and their restrictions: no recreational drugs, no tobacco, no booze, no tea, and no caffeine.
Now, the 'recreational drugs' and tobacco... that's pretty damn easy to understand. Stuff's bad for you. And even if a drug doesn't get you chemically addicted, it can still happen psychologically... and that's arguably an even tougher nut to crack. Booze... somewhat less so. A drink or two isn't going to kill you - I know from experience. Where people start getting into trouble is where they get addicted to alcohol, and that's an addiction that's just as tough to crack as any other. (Poor Whitney Houston never had a chance going to that party without a trusted friend.)
No caffeine... okay. I can kinda understand this one. It's not great for your heart and it has the potential be addictive as well. But there are times when you just can't do without it. Seriously, when you are in the Navy you practically mainline caffeine sometimes (the Chiefs over in the Chiefs' Mess get VERY picky about their coffee maker).
My bigger nits are in regards to tea. My mother, for example, will only drink tea for medicinal purposes such as sore throat or upset stomach. Me? I love tea, especially Japanese blends which tend to be very healthy. Green tea, oolong, and barley are among my favorites. And have you ever had green tea icecream? Try it, it's delicious. Other favorites: Mint, Spearmint, Peppermint (yeah, I'm big on mint - shoulda seen the one we had at my Great Grandfather's house - grandpappy of all mint plants), Earle Grey and English Breakfast.