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Old things are often good things. While this is not always true – manual typewriters, pay phones, beepers, push mowers – it works for certain foods, and especially particularly American foods. And when it comes to snack foods (invented here or not), we should always find the time to enjoy some classics. Hot dogs, tacos, pizza, popcorn, cookies, and cotton candy are all great, depending on where you're enjoying them. They probably don't all taste very fun in a prison cell, but they're awesome at the park, the movies, a ballgame, on a picnic bench, at the beach, or at the state fair. Fudge is fun, brownies are beautiful, cake is cool, and pie is packed with powerful tastes. But for my money, ice cream wins the prize as the snack food that brings me the most joy.
In my stressful life, it is the Comfort Food of All Comfort Foods, something that improves my mood, lightens my load, and reminds me of the best parts of my childhood. Whether it's a hand-scooped waffle cone, a chocolate-dipped swirl, a cup of creamy gelato, a messy banana split sundae, some exotic and expensive fare from the gourmet grocery, or even the generic stuff they sell at the big-box supermarket, I'll try it all. And so should you. Feeling blue? Go to your local ice cream shop and get a scoop. Long day at the salt mines? Go to your local ice cream retailer and buy a pint to go. Celebrating something great or bummed out about something bad? Make the trip to your local ice cream retailer and get a sundae with nuts and whipped cream, heavy on the chocolate sauce.
I believe in moderation in all things, including the need for a careful diet and regular exercise and being cautious with too many feel-good foods just because you don't feel absolutely perfect. Who ever said life was going to be easy? But once and awhile, like maybe a few times a month, go and get some ice cream and savor the taste of each bite in a mindful way. Do more crunches at the gym, eat salads for a week, do whatever you need to do to cover the extra calories. Patronize your local grocery store for your meat or veggies, but choose your local ice cream shop for their specialty flavors.
A July 4th posting on MSN by Jeff Rindskopf on the "20 Oldest Ice Cream Shops in America" (http://bit.ly/2wFGxcH) tells us that there are lots of ice cream stores that have been around this country since the 1900's and several are still operating today, often run by the relatives of the original founders. (Lots of Greeks seem to have gotten into the cone and soda fountain trade.) Jeff's list covers this country, from LA to Boston, Philly to Alabama, Indiana to New Orleans, Virginia to Dallas, St. Louis to Rhode Island, and Cincy to Pittsburgh. These places are blasts from the past and should take you back to a time in your young life when things were just easier, better, calmer, more fun.
Ever seen anyone vigorously unhappy at an ice cream shop? The only time you'll see tears is when little Jimmy drops his triple scoop cone on to the floor. (Worry not, the shop will give him another one, and some napkins for his watery eyes and runny nose.) Ever heard people shouting, fighting, or pushing and shoving at an ice cream store? No? Why? Because for almost everyone who comes inside, it's a place of fun, of peace, of things that look good and taste good.
We're constantly being bombarded by food experts who tell us that what used to be bad for us is now good for us and just when we get finished digesting that information, they flip the switch and the new good stuff is now back to being the bad stuff. The list is endless: wine, coffee, bread, Chinese food, soy, butter, fats, oils, vitamins. Make up your minds, food scientists and registered (or unregistered) dieticians!
Every so often, I recognize when I need to make a trip to my local emporium, pick out some new or old-favorite flavor-filled combination of sugar, cream, butterfat, and ice, and just sit outside with it, watching my fellow citizens and their kids go into the shop and do likewise. There are worse vices than ice cream. Look for the shop you used to go to as a kid; it's probably still there. Or pick a new place and make that part of your tradition for yourself or your family. This world is tough on people, all day every day. Treat yourself to some butter pecan, mint chip, or vanilla bean.
Dr. Steve Albrecht is a keynote speaker, author, podcaster, and trainer. He focuses on high-risk employee issues, threat assessments, and school and workplace violence prevention. In 1994, he co-wrote Ticking Bombs, one of the first business books on workplace violence. He holds a doctorate in Business Administration (DBA); an M.A. in Security Management; a B.S. in Psychology; and a B.A. in English. He is board certified in HR, security, coaching, and threat management. He worked for the San Diego Police Department for 15 years and has written 17 books on business, HR, and criminal justice subjects. He can be reached at drsteve@drstevealbrecht.com or on Twitter @DrSteveAlbrecht
