Monday, August 2, 2010

Monday Munchies: Better Than Sex

As I lamented last Thursday, breaking bad habits is not an easy task, especially when you're enduring a so-called diet – or, as my mother says, a healthy lifestyle change – and you find yourself fantasizing about yummy treats from the past. True, the past that concerns me now happened fairly recently – only six months ago, in fact, when Dan and I were exploring Key West in preparation for my Moon Florida Keys guide. You see, it was at that time that we ventured into Better Than Sex, a bordello-style dessert lounge and wine bar just a block from Duval Street, the city's main drag.

Back in April, I wrote about our sensual experience on my American Nomad blog – an experience that I won't easily forget. In fact, every time I sit down to eat my perfectly proportioned bowl of oatmeal and blueberries, I dream about the tempting delectables we consumed that night, and I try to take small comfort in the fact that I'm a little lighter than I was then, so at least this diet – I mean, healthy lifestyle change – is good for something. Still, at my most desperate moments, I gaze at the photos we took during our memorable meal, and I try hard not to salivate at the thought of my Kinky Key Lime Pie, a fluffy, tangy lime chiffon mousse pie covered with macadamia nuts.

It might seem like pure torture – just as Dan torments himself by watching Giada, Paula, and his other favorite Food Network stars – but I actually find it comforting to remember how delicious the Peanut Butter Perversion was that night. At least, it gives me something to anticipate on our next trip to Key West. Besides, we've come to realize that deprivation is no way to modify our eating habits. Frankly, neither of us is ashamed to admit that we relish food – so I suppose it's just moderation that we need...

...and a white chocolate-rimmed glass of sparkling red Dolce Stilnovo Moscato – otherwise known as Kelly's Klimax – wouldn't hurt either.

14 comments:

Nighfala said...

Ah, I sympathize. I've been trying to embark on a healthy lifestyle change for a while now. I thought summer would be easier to diet (fewer calorie-glutted holidays, the motivation of having to wear a swimsuit) but was unprepared for the onslaught of cookouts, ice cream and funnel cakes that awaited me.

Actually, those desserts seem so rich I don't think they would tempt me now after all the goodies I consumed on vacation. But if I'm ever in Key West, I will definitely save some room for dessert. I am a sucker for Key Lime Pie. Right now I'll have to settle for the Yoplait yogurt version.

Joshua McCune said...

Hey, Laura... how u been?

Er... bad habits... food is definitely my vice... the whole reason I work out's so I can eat sweet treats... now that father time's catching up to me, I might have to change my wicked ways, in your intimated abstemious manner, of course :)

Laura Martone said...

Hey, Christine! Glad to have some company in my desire to stick with a "healthy lifestyle change" and the inability to avoid temptation. I, too, thought summer would be an easier time to diet/exercise, but I didn't factor in the family visits and research trips for my travel guides. It's hard to avoid temptation when the ice cream-lovin' nieces are around and, likewise, when you're on the road so often. Still, while you might not want the Key West desserts now, believe me, you'd find something there to tempt you, especially if you like key lime pie, as I do.

P.S. You know, the Yoplait yogurt version isn't so bad... but the pie pictured above is way better, trust me.

Laura Martone said...

Hey, Josh! I'm doing okay - staying busy with my travel guides... and missing bloggy pals like you. So, how the heck have you been? As for vices, like you, food is mine. No smoking, gambling, or drugs for me. Food is definitely my, er, bane, so to speak. And you know it's funny... though I haven't visited your blog in a while, you're never far from my thoughts, at least where food is concerned. Every time I exercise (which is usually every day), I think about what you once said about why you work out - in order to "eat sweet treats," as you say.

In fact, I often try to get the hubby to see it your way, too - whenever he complains about the diet, I remind him about your reason for working out. More exercise means more yumminess, but you're right that age sometimes puts a damper on such logic. If only we were 20 again. Poop.

Joshua McCune said...

20 would be nice... worked as a cashier in college and ate chicken tenders and minimum of 5 cookies for every meal... ah, the good ole days, when life didn't get in the way :)

Laura Martone said...

Yeah, that would be nice. Back then, I could stay up for the sunrise without feeling sick... and eat Ramen noodles and lemon poppyseed muffins all day long. Mmm, good times.

Becky said...

Mmmm I'm watching my weight these days too :-(. Those desserts my be better than sex, but sex burns calories and sure is fun! ;-) Good luck with the diet... er, healthy lifestyle change!

Laura Martone said...

Oh, Becky, you're so right, you naughty girl!

R.R.Jones said...

I have no problem laying off the food, it's beer that stretches my conscience. Don't get me wrong, it's not a problem, well, not a big problem, it's just that summer is the season of BarBQ's, meeting up with friends, afternoons in the park blah blah blah and all my friends drink beer.
So imagine the scene: one turns up at a BarBQ and the host say's "Reg, have a steak."
"No thanks", I reply. "I'm trying to lose a bit of weight".
With that situation there's no problem. Now try it with beer.
"Reg, have a beer."
"No thanks, I'm trying to lose weight"
What's the matter, aren't we mates anymore? You hate me, you do! You want to wreck my BarBQ!"
I'm sure you get the picture... ;-)

Laura Martone said...

Pretty much all food and drinks tempt me, I'm afraid. Even when it comes to alcohol, I find it hard to pass up an imported beer, a glass of wine, or a mojito - at least when I'm socializing. But I usually drink in moderation, so it doesn't really affect my weight. Good thing I'm a lightweight.

dolorah said...

You're just plain mean (sobs and slobbers on keyboard)!!!!

I would never leave that place. Just looking at pix makes me gain 20 pounds.

So nice to see you back Laura :)

.......dhole

Laura Martone said...

Oops. Sorry, Donna. Hope your keyboard survived the waterworks. ;-)

P.S. Thanks! I'm glad to BE back!

Tabitha Bird said...

OH MY! YUM!!! I feel like I am 10 pounds heavier just for having seen the pics!

Laura Martone said...

I must admit that I'm pleased the pictures have been so well received, but I'm not happy that they've added weight to all my online pals. Sorry, Tabitha. ;-)