Portion sizes in both Italy and France have continued to
increase in size. And, restaurants now welcome diners to share a course,
whether starter, main, or dessert. Sharing courses, while common in the U.S.,
had previously triggered disdain if not outright opposition from Italian and
French restauranteurs. This year I would guess that at as many as a third of
the tables in the restaurants where I dined people shared at least one course.
Meanwhile, my anecdotal observation is that Europeans are
gaining weight, though they are not yet at the levels of overweight and obesity
found in the U.S.
God created humans to enjoy food and wine. One aspect of
life in Europe that I have enjoyed in the past is eating a multi-course paired
with several different wines, finding myself at the end of the meal pleasantly
and comfortably sated but neither stuffed nor inebriated.
Temperance, however, is one of the four Christian cardinal
virtues. I find the practice of moderation in all things (a Confucian teaching
that helpfully defines temperance) increases my interest in savoring what I
consume. Temperance also can help one avoid gaining weight (I was pleased to
return from my extended sojourn without having added pounds in spite of having greatly
enjoyed the food and wine).
Temperance is an under-appreciated virtue. Hoarders, the
greedy, and people who hang on to every item regardless of its serviceability
or continued use could all benefit from the practice of temperance. Conversely,
those who oppose any consumption of alcoholic beverages, the 19th
century Temperance movement that promoted abstinence rather than temperance, gave
the word temperance an ugly and lingering negative connotation.
Perhaps most importantly, the Dalai Lama helpfully connects
temperance to practicing concern for the environment (Dalai Lama and Sofia
Stril-Rever, My Spiritual Journey, p. 137):
As Tibetan Buddhists, we advocate
temperance, which is not unconnected to the environment, since we do not
consume anything immoderately. We set limits on our habits of consumption, and
we appreciate a simple, responsible way of life. Our relationship to the
environment has always been special. Our ancient scriptures speak of the vessel
and its contents. The world is the vessel, our house, and we, the living, are
its contents.
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