We have a TV in my studio for the clients to watch while doing cardio, much like most gyms do. Everytime I turn on that godforsaken TV in the morning as I’m opening its always tuned to the same channel: The Food Network.
What is it about food that we want to watch other people make it? Especially while working out? Every morning I change it to the news, thinking eventually someone is going to complain about having to watch Paula Deen add sticks of butter to a bowl of lard after just completeing an extra hard work out, but no one does. Not once. I’ll come out to check on them and they have turned it to The Food Network themselves.
I’ll admit it- I love cooking shows. Top Chef marathons are my idea of a perfect Saturday afternoon, and I have a huge crush on Ming Tsai (and his blingin’ watches.)
I don’t cook. I do, I mean, I know how my microwave works, and I own a frying pan, but that’s about it. So obviously, when I watch these cooking shows, I don’t have any intention of actually making any of it. And I don’t think that is was they are for. The chefs never give you any measurements, so even if you did want to sit down and write out the recipe as they make their dish, you wouldn’t be able to.
I think for me its the creative process. Its cool to watch people make stuff I have no idea how to make, or see how things I’ve always wondered about (IE. sugar sculptures-awesome) are actually created. That still doesn’t mean I would attempt it, but I just like to know. And plus, its food, so if its between watching someone knit a scarf, or make a souffle, I’m picking souffle.
I like to think my clients watch it out of the same curiosity and not to torture themselves with visions of things they aren’t supposed to eat, but I’m not so sure. The TV serves as a distraction while doing exercise, but if that distraction is drooling over roasts and cookies, I don’t know how much it is helping.
Or perhaps its just food porn: its delicious and horrible for you, you will never actually eat it, or be able to afford it in real life, but its really fun to look at. Like real porn. Sorry, mom.
Are you obsessed with food shows? Why do you think it is?
I’m a total Food Network addict…I think some of it is living vicariously through the food that I wouldn’t even necessarily want to eat.
I also find that by baking cookies (and sneaking a little dough) that I don’t really crave the cookies, I usually give them away.
Gotta love food porn!
I draw the line at Paula Deen. I once had a bad gym experience with a treadmill and some deep fried mac and cheese. You’ve got to know your limits.