I've had a huge wake up call. I've recently learned that heart disease runs in my family. I never knew this before. All those times, marking health history on doctor's office medical forms, I never checked the box for heart disease. I will be going forward; in fact, I will be having a lengthy discussion with my wise-woman-healer-doctor-naturopath.
DH and I talk a lot about how to eat healthy. We've both done our share of research into the subject, and tried different approaches. What we find is that there is so much conflicting information out there. As for myself, I believe the basic food rules put forth by Michael Pollan: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." Even my mom's favorite, Dr. Oz, says basically the same thing. Other sources will tell you that meat and saturated fats are not the problem; the USDA food pyramid, still used in many places, tells you to eat 6-11 servings a day of bread, cereal, rice, and pasta. The new "food plate", that I'm still trying to figure out, seems to have that cut back quite a bit. Even hospitals, where they are supposed to be making you healthy, push lots of white bread, other refined grains, and quite a bit of sugary, processed foods, full of preservatives.
I'm on a new journey here; I'd love to hear your input and opinions on what makes a healthy, sustainable diet.
I'm so excited for spring, and lots of fresh green things...good luck in this journey! For us, right now, it's lots of veggies and whole foods. Like, starting my dinner in the produce and bulk bin aisles, instead of the interior aisles, or the meat department. Family history can be a bugger- found out last year I have a 50/50 chance of going blind. Umm...OK, guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it! Hope all is going well for your mom!!! (And for you- I'm sure you're ready to fly back to your own nest, soon.)
ReplyDeleteThese days I ask myself this question before I eat...will this food nourish me?
ReplyDeleteNo more empty calories. It's got to be filled with vitamins, minerals, fiber...We stay away from processed food and cook from scratch. Takes time, saves money and lives. ;-)
I drink lots of tea...green and herbal. Black at breakfast.
We concentrate on whole grains and fruits and veggies. I have nearly eliminated dairy (plain, non-fat yogurt for a treat) and we eat very little meat.
I'm working on reducing my cholesterol numbers, they are NOT good.
Genetics are tough to fight, but we can change/support our own health in the choices we make everyday. xoxoxox