Eat This Not That

January 10, 2010

“The soul of the world is nourished by your happiness”
–Alchemist
Eat this not that, don’t even think of eating this. Who do you believe? As a
practicing nutrition consultant, I have believed it all, followed many gurus,
and have read so many books it makes my head spin. The final outcome is
simple; trust yourself. Take all the amazing information, tools, and health
care professionals support and apply it to how your body feels.
Every day of the month your body is different, whether you are male or
female. Try not to control what you eat with your mind; however listen to
your body’s needs. On a personal level, I eat vegetarian 70% of the month,
and listen to my body’s cravings for meat. The meat my body usually craves
is lamb, duck, and dark meat chicken. If you just listen to marketing, the
latest fads, or our unhealthy healthcare system, you will most likely have been
programmed that these foods are “bad”. The minute we label a food “bad” or
“good” it is bringing more confusion to our personal health.
Becoming free from the labels and restrictions toward your optimal health can
be known as “heaven on earth”. We always want to get to “heaven”, bliss,
vacation, or whatever this means for you. When I ask my clients what their
“perfect day” looks like, it usually consists of food that is healthy and
nourishing. It includes picnicking with loved ones, activities, a nice barbecue,
etc. Rarely does it include pizza and soda. Which on some days can be the
perfect food. An example to eat pizza for me is a cold, rainy night watching
movies, not before a marathon or scheduled surgery. Those are especially
sensitive times to treat your body as a super-healing vessel. If you decide to
never eat “bad” again, I commend you on your perfect life of no change. One
thing I do know is life changes and the more we respond with ease versus
reacting with stress, the better we will support our health and the people
around us.
Does this mean you can eat whatever you want? If you experience any of
these: low energy, undesirable mental and emotional health, physical disease
symptoms, or not happy with your weight, you may want to begin your health
and nutrition journey. Most likely it is what you are eating or not eating that
is causing this unbalance in your body. The main goal is not to feel guilty and
overwhelmed while you begin this journey. Stress is definitely not going to
assist your health. Changing your nutrition gradually is the number one way
to improve your stress levels and health.
Simple Strategies to get your started:
1. Start Reading: Find a book by a reputable resource and author you can
relate too. One of my favorites is “Eat, Move & Be Healthy” by Paul
Chek
2. Start Implementing: Begin by adding healthy alternatives to your
daily routine. For example, add 10 ounces of room temperature water
within 10 minutes of waking, or breathe 5 times before every meal, or
walk up a flight of steps daily
3. Start Gathering: Journal about your health for 3 days including; food
logs, sleeping and activity schedule, bowel movements, water intake,
energy level and list of medications or supplements you are taking.
Then consult with a health care practitioner that practices prevention
not disease management.
4. Start Listening: Take note of how your body feels through out the day,
week, and month. You will begin noticing patterns, especially when
your energy level slumps. If it is every day at the same time it may be
the meal that precedes the slump. You can implement conscious
snacks an hour prior to prevent the slump. For example: fruit and nuts,
veggies and hummus, dark chocolate and herbal tea, and more water.
5. Start Being Happy: Enjoy your food. Don’t call it names. Eat food
that feeds your body and soul.
“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it -
even if I have said it – unless it agrees with your own reason and your own
common sense.”
- The Buddha
Believe in your self and your health will believe in you.
by Heather Fleming