"A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch"

In this quote, James Beard compares a gourmet who is worried about calories to a tart who continuously checks her watch. Both are missing out on the point of their particular pleasures. A gourmet is somebody who takes pleasure in and values great food and tastes, but if they are continuously stressing over the number of calories in their meal, they are not genuinely savoring the experience. Similarly, a tart is meant to be taken pleasure in and relished, however if the person eating it is constantly examining the time, they are not totally immersing themselves in the indulgence. Beard's contrast highlights the value of completely embracing and delighting in life's satisfaction without unneeded diversions.