Blips
Eating Wisely and Well
“Nuture your body. Nurture the world."
I’ve been on a very satisfying reading binge over the last year. I would like to share some highlights of these recent indulgences. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver (and family) was an inspirational journey into the world of growing and eating foods that are made or harvested locally. Did you know that most of the foods in our frig travel an average of 1500 miles to get there? Think about the fuel expenses and pollution involved in that effort. Think about the loss of nutrients in produce that must be picked before it is ripe and must travel days and distances while losing nutritional value along the way. Think about what has happened to our connection to the (local) earth and our disappearing fertile land. Think about the ridiculousness of the fact that we ship hundreds of tons of potatoes out of this country while importing about the same amount. Do you realize that if each person were to eat just one locally grown meal each week, we would reduce our fuel consumption by billions of gallons each year and be nourished by fresher food choices at the same time? Enough is enough and Kingsolver tells us, step by compelling step, how to change our less-than-fresh and frugal ways.
Another book on my food-for-thought list is Anti-Cancer – A New Way of Life by. David Servan-Schreiber MD, PhD. The good doctor had 2 surgeries within a few years of each other for a recurring malignant brain tumor. Talk about wake up calls! As a researcher he realized that, if he were to survive, he had better do some serious (re)searching into how to support his well-being. What I love about the book is that it does not offer an either/or approach. As a doctor, Servan-Schreiber recognizes the importance of proper medical treatment and, as a researcher, he sleuths out all the whys and ways good nutritional support coupled with sound self-care can make a profound difference on one’s well-being. Enough is enough and Dr. Servan-Schreiber dispels the myth that cancer is primarily linked to our genetic makeup rather than our lifestyle by drawing on lots of research. He gives us a roadmap and a list of ways to nurture our physical, mental, and emotional “terrain.”
I began my career as a nutritionist and healthwise™ cooking teacher and there are literally hundreds of books I could recommend when it comes to examining our over-indulgent under-nutritious (and all-to-often fast) food choices. In addition, the movie Food Inc. is a must for anyone who wants a bird’s eye view of today’s dilemma.
So what’s an Authentic Woman, who cares about her own well-being and the well-being of those she cares about, to do? Get real and get radical. With the plethora of information and choices at our disposal, it’s time to take time to get clear about what we are eating and why. Here are just a few simple tips to get you started in the direction of responsible choice making:
Eat Locally. Scout out local farm stands and/or farmer’s markets. Even supermarkets now label (or can be asked about) local produce. Look for local bakeries. Read Kingsolver’s book for a wealth of information and resources to support your intention.
Eat Simply. Mountains of complicated foods don’t necessarily add any nutrient bang for your buck. A simple meal using fresh ingredients minimally prepared not only tastes best but is also easier on your digestive system than a slew of ingredients bombarding your body all at once.
Eat Cleanly. Read the ingredients on packages. If you can’t pronounce what’s on the label, chances are your body is going to have a more difficult time ingesting/digesting all those add-ons. When it comes to food, less really is more. And organic really is a better choice. Once again, a little reading of the books mentioned (and others) goes a long way toward understanding what has happened to our food supply and how to combat the (lack of good) choices with your willingness and your pocketbook.
Eat Wholesomely and Colorfully: Whole foods are nutrient dense, packed with life-supporting ingredients. If there is a rainbow of NATURAL colors on your food pallet and plate, chances are your body is getting what it needs to enhance your vibrant well-being. Rather than taking the easy way out and reaching for the nearest convenience food, take time to choose wisely, prepare carefully, and chew slowly to maximize the nourishment you offer your body, one meal at a time.
Eat Gratefully: Whatever you choose to put on your plate, take time to say “Grace” or “Gracias” for the gift of each meal. Give thanks to the plants and animals and fish whose essence sustains you. Give thanks to the farmers who supply all this food and the thousands of interlocking efforts that bring it to our tables. The simple and gracious act of pausing to be grateful and to connect with the interconnectedness of all that is can be a profoundly sacred gesture that turns whatever we eat into a blessing.
My Gratitude Prayer: I give thanks for that which is about to become part of me. May it be nourishing, pure and support my health and wholeness. May I, in health and wholeness, support others.