If there's one thing my mother taught me when I was young [that I still wholly embrace today], it's this:
There are many schools of thought that would say I'm completely off-base, but I'm a firm believer that what you put
into your body affects not just what comes
out of your body, but how you're body functions overall. It's a science, really, but in the same rite, it's not a concept that should be so complicated.
That ancient adage,
You Are What You Eat holds more stock to me than the combined amount of advice I've been given along the way. It's simple:
You eat well, you'll be well.
You eat crappy, you'll be crappy.
I know: "Healthy food is expensive." Here's something to consider:
1. That's an excuse not to do our research into cost-efficient ways to eat better. They DO exist; I know this because I am not oozing money but I manage to maintain a healthy menu. Think about it in terms of what not to buy or eat, instead of I need to GET this, and BUY this. Also, on that note - don't accept at face value anything you're told, unless you're willing to go and test that advice. For instance, a doctor might tell you you're lacking manganese. You could get a supplement for that, or .... you could eat grapes. And green beans. And cucumbers, kiwi, strawberries, rice... the list goes on. Not every fancy-sounding element our body needs will cost you big bucks to satisfy.
2. Yes, sometimes the healthier options are a bit pricier, but often times, they're NOT. Don't believe all the hype about prices. A bag of apples is cheaper than a case of those minibags of chips, and I don't think I really need to lay out the nutritional benefits of apples v. chips.
3. It's all about educating yourself and how much discipline you're willing to have.
4. Don't diet without exercise. It'd be like putting a full tank of gas in your car and then never driving it. You're fueled for performance, but you're sitting in the garage. Take a walk with your kids, if nothing else. Don't use kids as an excuse to never do anything [just sayin'].
5. Make it PERSONAL! Have you ever considered just how unique we each are? We have different hair, different skin, different digestive systems, different pH balances... we are not cookie-cutter creatures? So why use a cookie cutter diet? You might not need to eliminate gluten from your diet. Lactose intolerant? There's calcium in beans, salmon, orange juice and some types of soy, almond & rice milks. Don't think that because you are allergic to, or can't eat something, that you will consequently never be able to get/have what you've been told those things provide. I for one cannot eat red meat [I lack the necessary digestive enzymes, womp womp!], so I find iron, protein and Vitamins B & D elsewhere.
6. Find an accountability partner! [Or 2! Or 5! You get it..] This applies to many areas of life - conquering anything is usually easier - and more fun - if you're not doing it alone. Find someone else to hold accountable, and to do the same for you. You'll both see gains, and you'll both find out what works for you that perhaps didn't work for the other, and likewise.
I could go on.
Nobody certified me to know that stuff. I don't have a degree in any version of nutritional science. I am not a doctor.
BUT,
I've never had cavities. Until four years ago, I had never broken a single bone. I was born with excema, but have flares about once every 21 years [that's the average so far]. My hair is thick, my nails are strong, and my skin is smooth. I am physically capable of running and exercising. My vision is 20/15 [although sadly I think that's decreasing with prolonged computer usage at work :(... ]. And, as far as I know, my memory is still working the way it should ;). I'm not trying to brag; My point is - I didn't eat processed foods growing up, and I try not to now. Don't think I never do, because that's just not true - I love pizza like fish love water. I've found though, that when I eat it, I usually feel sluggish for longer than I'd like afterwards.
I bought this book several years back and loved every page. It's a short read, but direct and simple.
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| love it, michael pollan! |
Basically. :)
Anyway, if I stay here much longer, this rant may never end.
Tonight, Jessica and I made a run to WFM to pick up a few essentials for dinner at her place. We got to cooking: chicken, sweet potatoes, sauteed veggies, homemade guacamole and lemon water. It was incredible. Rob joined us, and we continued on our winning night to some Yahtzee. [When was the last time you played?]
Here's what that looked like for Rob & Jessica:
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| yahtzee 6's for rob | yahtzee 4's for jess! |
I struck out on this one, but it's been about 15 years since Rob played the game, so I didn't mind letting him beat me the first round. Haha. Jessica took both games [THIS TIME, Jess. THIS ONE TIME :p.. ], but we'll be back to battle it out. ;)
Good friends. Good food. Good gaming. That's my kind of Tuesday!
xo | cmd
