I am bi-coastal.  I lived in New York for 34 years and have lived in Southern California for the last 34 years.  When my wife and I return to the city, we walk, walk, walk, climb flights of subway stairs and complain there are no places to sit.  But after the first three days we find we stop hurting and start feeling good.  We would call it our Manhattan Diet Vacation if it wasn’t for the pizza and the memory foods our relatives bestow on us.

So when my wife suggested I read the Manhattan Diet by Eileen Daspin, at least for her city living insights, I jumped at the chance.  While the book made me homesick, Daspin’s insight into Manhattan food habits changed how I think about food.

My wife and I loved the book so much we discussed Daspin’s insights with a serial dieting couple at the Claim Jumper Restaurant in Los Angeles during happy hour.  We had a lively discussion about the book’s take aways:  the need for constant food editing, going to a restaurant for the energy in the room, not the food on the table, various creative responses to get you through the rough spots . . . like having a few walnuts in your pocket at cocktail parties, the influences of fashion, friends and co-workers on your choices and how we must learn to recognize the sweet spot between not being full and not being hungry.

We felt so sophisticated and knowledgeable discussing these insights until we looked at the eight appetizers in front of us and realized we could feed 60 New Yorkers for under $50 in Los Angeles.  We also realized we need to create a food strategy, adapt it to our surroundings and find a way to internalize these valuable insights.

Imagine the impact you would have on your subconscious if while reading the Manhattan Diet you took notes and then turned those notes into your personal aspirations.  I can assure you if you write this powerful Eileen Daspin quote everyday for ninety days you will astonish yourself at how much better you handle your food intake.  Try starting with this – I shall learn to recognize the sweet spot between not being full and not being hungry.