You Are What You Eat
We’ve heard it a million times- You are what you eat. But, what does that mean? I remember my Grandma wouldn’t let me leave the table until my carrots were gone, even though my brother seemed to get away with it. Maybe that’s why he wears glasses and I don’t.
It turns out, what you eat is very important. Food is medicine. Food can harm or heal. It can give energy or deplete it. Food has meaning. It reminds us of an occasion, a birthday, a holiday, a tradition. Most Americans eat a diet high in saturated fat & sodium, full of processed food in frozen boxes or cans. This type of diet increases inflammation, blood pressure, risk for heart disease, Diabetes and more. Conversely, good food can decrease inflammation, blood pressure, blood sugar & brain fog. It can increase energy & help with weight loss.
It’s a habit to eat a healthy diet. Choosing makes all the difference. So, what do we really need to thrive? The primary focus should be on whole food. Plant based food is high in fiber, which keeps your digestive tract happy and healthy. Eat organic. This helps to decrease the amount of harmful toxins you ingest. Consume phytonutrients. A wide variety of fruits & vegetables full of vitamins & minerals that lower blood pressure, blood sugar & cholesterol. Choose lean protein- this can be obtained through plants and/or animals. Grass-fed is always best. Protein is needed for muscle repair, supporting muscle growth and protecting the immune system among other important factors. Eat good fats- Nuts, seeds, fish & extra virgin olive oil. Limit your intake of sugar, caffeine and alcohol.
We all want to feel better, have more energy and protect ourselves from disease. Your diet is the key to a better life. It takes time and work, but the benefits are well worth it. I won’t make you eat your carrots, but you might feel my Grandma smiling down on you if you do.
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