The Mental Edge

My summer has been insane with opening the Hampton Seafood Company in East Hampton this year, especially since my catering has been rolling along as busy as ever. I am both physically and mentally drained and need a fix of Road To Healthy.

This summer has been successful yet a struggle, both with dealing with double the number of employees and also my fight to stay on track with my weight loss and improved eating habits. I have come to realize it’s not only my weight and health that needs to be improved, it’s also my mental well-being that I need to keep in check.

We live in an area that—for good or bad—is often the playground for the rich and famous. Sometimes overlooked though are the many great fundraisers, philanthropic endeavors and organizations who do so much for various charities and causes here on the East End and beyond.

Last Saturday, I had the task of acting as local catering coordinator for the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s “Jean Georges A La Carte” fundraising event in Bridgehampton. My time was donated, along with some “Peter” spins on ceviche—that if I say so myself stood up quite well to the amazing foods put out by Jean Georges’s restaurants.

Sitting here at my desk typing away I must tell you I feel great that I was able to work with and help such an amazing foundation. But I definitely sampled some foods that wouldn’t pass the Wellness test (most notably the mini ice cream sandwiches created by Sag Harbor Baking Company, which were insanely good).

Though my physical health and weight loss probably stayed about status quo, I was able to take solace and pride in helping to pull together an amazing event. My mental health got a big boost of wellness, and I am better person for that.

For all of you who are with me on this quest: remember to concentrate and remain aware of your mental health and ability to give back. I guarantee you that helping others will make the physical part of your road much easier to travel.