What do you think when you hear the words low fat, low carb,
high protein, or gluten free? How do you feel about diets, calories, portions,
or measuring? Do you subconsciously tune out when you hear talk about nutrition?
Sadly, I’m guilty of saying all of these words in one conversation.
I had a conversation with an innocent bystander at my son’s karate class this
past week. The conversation started when my daughter asked if we could buy food
after class. The woman next to me laughed and we enjoyed a pleasant discussion
on the pickiness of our children. That sweet woman had no idea how passionate I
can be about proper nutrition. She was probably thinking, “Did I inquire about
your favorite protein drink? I do not recall asking the difference between paleo
and gluten free. She just crossed the line with cancer causing laboratory
foods!” I’m kidding. We had a very nice conversation, but I really need to
learn how to talk in moderation.
Seriously, have you ever searched through health topics? Books
and web sites on nutrition and fitness are so endless it will make your head
spin. What about a person new to the idea of a healthy lifestyle? One can
become vulnerable at a state of desperation. Program after program will lead to
theories contradicting theories until the only urge is to give up. “Forget it!
I can’t win.” Have you been there?
Allow me to ease your
mind.
Forget everything you’ve ever learned. Ask yourself these
questions;
1.
Are you unhappy with how you feel right now? (Do
you ever have digestive issues? Do you feel emotionally imbalanced? Do you have
joint pain? Are you lacking energy? Do you *need* to lose body fat?)
2.
Are you unable to follow the demands of a
challenging exercise routine? (Do you find yourself out of breath frequently?
Is it hard to lift things? Do you feel off balance?)
3.
Are you following a fad diet? (Any quick weight
loss system can possibly be put into this category. Any diet that focuses on a
certain food for weight loss is considered a fad diet. A diet that does not
require permanent change can be considered a fad diet.)
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may
need to reevaluate. You are the only person that knows how you feel.
May I suggest the following?
One of the most important steps you can take for your health
is to know the importance of real food. Know every ingredient that goes into
your mouth. I realize this is not a new concept but it seems like more are
forgetting this important step. If you simplify your diet (I’m referring to
your daily eating plan.) you may discover things like: that cereal fiber bar
was causing you stomach pain, every time you eat pizza you feel like you’ve
been hit by a train, that low calorie, low fat diet you’ve been following may be
causing malnutrition and a weakened immune system. I’ve only named a few
possibilities but I think you understand my point. Food is either the
nourishment that keeps you vibrant or the poison that makes you lethargic.
Of course, everyone is different, but if you aren’t eating
real food, you will never know the full potential your body has to offer.
STEP 1: Eat real food for at least 30 days. (Look at the
ingredients. Aim for 3 or fewer ingredients in any given packaged food. Most
real food cannot sit on a shelf for weeks. There are some exceptions so just be
sure you recognize what’s in your food, and make sure you feel good about what
you are putting in your body.)
STEP 2: Ask questions 1 and 2 again. (Question 2 is referring
to exercise. There is no fitness without exercise! Food fuels your energy to
move. There will be many opportunities to dig into this subject. For now,
please get moving in as many ways as humanly possible.)
