Let's try this correlation on for size: I'm thinking that fostering the discipline of creative thinking could lead to a thinner and healthier population. As funding shrinks and schools balance their tightening budgets by cutting art classes and art related resources for our children, I see the obesity epidemic increasing. Of course, most of the reasoning behind the need for creative thinking is for it to apply to problem solving skills in today's business sector and government - much needed in these troubling times. But I say being able to tap into one's creative abilities would lead to better choices in diet and cooking abilities.
Think about it. Ever watch those cooking competition shows on the Food Network (note: the Food Network is our TV's default setting). Contestants are generally judged on taste (duh), originality and presentation. Countless times, I have seen victories go to the chef who scores highest on originality. These are the foods we really want to eat.
Without an ability to think creatively, despite the plethora of "good" food choices and combinations, it is extremely difficult to make smart, tasty and healthy choices for our daily meals. Instead, default systems kick in and we resort to easily grab-able simple foods - usually from the white flour, sugar and fatty variety. This is why systems like Jenny Craig© and Lean Cuisine© are successful (I mean the marketing of these systems are successful). Customers don't have to make any choices or create anything in the kitchen. Instead, they receive their meals already prepared and frozen in boxes. A variety of menus and flavors are available. Sounds better than stuff we would come up with on our own.
My point is planning a variety of meals and a healthy diet that tastes good is not easy. It requires a high degree of creativity. This is why it is much easier to go to a restaurant and order off a menu of 15 options than it is to come up with a yummy, nutritious meal straight out of your head and prepare it at home.
As our education system pulls back on the opportunities for our children to learn the discipline of creative thinking in art classes, I believe it hinders the efforts of people to keep their weight down. Instead it will lead to the continued proliferation of poor eating habits and the reliance on prepackaged and/or prepared foods full of unhealthy and fattening stuff. Yuk.
So an education that includes a ciriculum in the arts has the ability to not only increase the number of talented artists in the world, but it might also make us healthier and ultimately happier. Sounds like a nice place to live.
Now I'm hungry. Looking forward to tonight's shrimp, black bean, fresh tomatoes and tomatillo salsa corn tortilla soft tacos - created and made by Laura, of course. Yum.
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