I am a foodie. It’s clichéd but it’s true—I live to eat, not so much eat to live. Am I doomed to commit the sin of gluttony this Lent?

Simplistically, gluttony is an inordinate desire for food, the extent of excess being contrary to reason and way much more than what the body reasonably needs. But look at me… I have been blessed with genes that erase all evidence of the glutton in me. In fact, some might even say I look malnourished. So I can’t be guilty, right?

I have also encouraged my travel companion to participate in eating challenges like the Wanko Soba Extreme Noodle Eating Challenge where one downs a 100 portions of noodles in quick succession and then be bestowed with a certificate and medal. I merely cheered him on. I’m not guilty … right?

But what I have learnt is that the pleasure I derive from food comes in many forms. I am guilty of lusting for delicately decorated food —I have chosen pretty sashimi platters over boring seared fish countless times. I am also guilty of eating too much. Why have a three-course meal when I can feast on a lavish international buffet? And of course I have been guilty of not sharing a huge bottle of coveted pineapple tarts.

So am I doomed?

What a relief it is for me to understand that gluttony becomes a deadly sin only if one is willing to disobey God’s commandments in order to obtain these pleasures. So I should be safe, right? I mean, I won’t kill anyone to eat in a Michelin-Star restaurant! But I must always be guarded because an obsession to dine could blind me from tasks or people that plead silently for my attention, and my immoderate eating and drinking could dull my senses and perhaps even loosen my tongue which could lead to the lowering of inhibitions and excessive talking. Goodness knows what consequences these could lead to next.

I know I risk gluttony when I am obsessed simply with satisfying the desires of my palate. I am guilty of planning trips to distant places, yes, to be awed by the wonders of God’s creations but too often the true priority of my travels focused on exotic delicacies that awed my taste buds and literally, whisked me away to seventh heaven.

But wait. Is this the heaven that is eternal? The one that we have all been promised? I know the answer. But why am I slow to change my ways? Why do I struggle with gluttony? Who can I blame for making Singapore a food paradise? Food is everywhere. When I am stressed, comfort food like chocolate and ice cream comfort me. When I am bored, a snack fills the void instantly. I spend countless hours reading food reviews, learning the best ways to cook the most exquisite ingredients and watching Tasty on FB create beautiful meals and desserts. I allow myself to be fixated. I watch YouTubers egg me on to create meals with tips to make food more crispy, more aromatic, more zesty, more delicate, more pretty, more … more …more …

Unfortunately, gluttony forces me to turn my attention on myself so much so that I may not see the needs of others in my urgent rush for self-satisfaction. I become desensitised to the harm that my insatiable appetite may do to my family, the environment and my relationship with God and His creation. And I guess that’s why gluttony is one of the seven deadly sins, because in that moment when I succumb to it, it puts the things of this earth before everything else. I’m not minding my health, my sensibilities, nor the impact my actions have on those around me. Because in that moment when I succumb to it, all that is on my mind is the next treat, the next flash of pleasure. Can it be that I am mistaking that feel-good moment for a being-good moment?

What about turning the logic of gluttony against itself? Instead of allowing myself to have one more drink, one more serving, one more tart, just one more … why can’t I programme myself to offer one more prayer, one more fast, one more rosary, one more charitable deed or one more choice to forgive? Why does just doing one of these make me feel like I am done for the day but when it comes to having drink and treats, I can auto commit without thought nor limit?

So, back to my question. Is this foodie doomed? In this fast-paced digital age of ours, is there a workaround? Is fasting the silver bullet that would assuage my guilt? If it is, how can I make it a sustainable endeavour? If I promise to take the time to appreciate the food I am blessed with and to dine to encourage fellowship with others, would that suffice? I pause as I mull over this but there is no answer. I know that the food itself is not the problem, but how I seek it. I know that I should eat for nourishment, community and friendship, and the best case scenario would be when I can combine them together. Why? Because eating for pleasure alone can make me a slave to food. I guess I must learn to achieve that healthy appetite that embraces reminders that I should indulge in moderation and that ‘whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.’ (Corinthians 10:31)

I didn’t mention earlier that I had started on a new jar of pineapple tarts when I commenced writing this. And I have mindlessly eaten most of it by now. Did I mention I am lactose-intolerant? I am beginning to feel ill. I am glad God has His ways to keep me in check. Maybe there is hope for this foodie after all.

By Anonymous

• Gluttony is not just related to food but also something which we have an addiction to. What am I a glutton for?
• How might my gluttony affect others?
• Will my appetite for self-indulgence spoil my appetite for God?

This reflection is inspired by the following online articles:
1) “7 Reasons We Struggle With Gluttony”, by Dr Roger Barrier
2) “How To Avoid the Deadly Sin Of Gluttony This Lent”, by Gerald McDermott

If you feel inspired to share your story with us, drop us an email at [email protected].