“When it comes to eating right and exercising, there is no ‘I’ll start tomorrow.’ Tomorrow is disease.” ~ Terri Guillemets
Please reread the quote above one more time – there really is NO TOMORROW. We simply have to take the time now to figure out our personal wellness plan. Have you? How long have you had your current health complaints? How many years (yes years) have you been promising to eat better, exercise regularly, take a nice vacation, learn to play an instrument, take a workshop, spend more time with your friends, and so on?
This past week CBC posted this: A new report by the McKinsey Global Institute says that the global cost of obesity has risen to $2 trillion US annually — nearly as much as smoking or the combined impact of armed violence, war and terrorism. The report released Thursday focused on the economics of obesity and says 2.1 billion people — some 30 per cent of the global population — are overweight or obese. It also offers the stark prediction that nearly half of the world’s adult population will be overweight or obese by 2030 should the present trends continue.
I am passionate about my chosen path. It was my own anxiety, depression and health concerns that brought me to this work. I write this ezine to help from my little corner of the planet. I care deeply. If you need help, call me. I know how to help you get out of bed each day feeling fabulous and loving your life. I help you create easy step-by-step achievable plans that help you get there.
Society and media encourage us to spend money on all kinds of “stuff,” but one of the most important long-term investments you will make in your life is to take the best care of yourself you possibly can. You ARE worth it. No more promises, no more putting it off – the time is now. I have noticed that when someone is ill they will spend any amount of money to feel well again. I see too many people who spend a lifetime of putting it off, only to retire and then get sick. I want you to have the best life possible.
I have included some great tips for you this week. Remember these are meant to be guidelines. Life can be unpredictable – so keep them as general rules to follow and if you follow them more often than not, you will have fabulous digestion.
If your food is not agreeing with you, if you are bloated with an upset system – that is no fun at all. Did you know 80% of the immune system exists in the digestive system? It is critical to keep things moving in and then out.
These tips will help you now:
- Probiotics and acidophilus/bifidus are key. The latest studies show it can even help flatten stomachs and lesson belly fat by taking them regularly. Do you find that you wake up with a flat stomach and by the end of the day it is big and bloated? That means that your food is not digesting properly – take a good quality digestive enzyme 15 minutes before you eat.
- Don’t put ice in your drinks. It chills the lining of the stomach, which prevents the stomach from producing what it needs to properly digest your food. If you are not digesting, it also means you won’t be getting all the nutrients have from the food you eat.
- Chew your food longer. Digestive enzymes are secreted under the tongue, which begins the digestion process even before you swallow. Your brain will tell your body that you are full more quickly, meaning you may not overeat. Acid reflux and heartburn can be the result of chewing and swallowing large chunks of food. Swallow when your food no longer has any taste.
- Eat until you feel a natural contented feeling. If you sigh or momentarily stop and take a breath, you are done.
- No overeating. It is said that we only need to eat an amount the size of your fist. No seconds, push the plate away.
- Watch your portion size. If you overeat, it simply goes to waste anyway – your body will only take in what it needs at the time. Would you overfill your gas tank, letting the gas stream out of the car even when it registers as full?
- Stay hydrated throughout your day. Don’t try to catch up at mealtime, and drink only warm beverages while eating.
- Bless your food and be grateful to all those people who were responsible for getting it to your plate. Remember when we all used to say “grace”? If you are eating meat o fish, give thanks that this being gave its life for your sustenance.
- Eat more often, and in smaller amounts to fuel your body all day. 4 or 5 smaller meals are better than 3 larger ones. It puts less stress on the digestive system, and you have a steady flow of nutrition and stable blood sugar.
- Eat your bigger meals in the morning and at lunch. Your digestive fire and metabolism are stronger and more efficient at that time of the day. If you eat a larger meal later in the day when your body is winding down – and worse, then sit around and watch TV – you are headed for unhealthy weight gain, and a less settled sleep.
- Discuss pleasant happy things as you enjoy your meal. Eat calmly – the emotions during a conversation can affect the digestive chemicals produced in your body which can lead to acid reflux and indigestion.
- Be seated when you eat. Don’t eat standing up. This will make you feel as though you have to rush to finish your meal. Give yourself enough time to eat. Sit down and be present – smell it, look at it and taste it – know that it is nourishing your body.
- Sit up straight, and try not to slouch. Give your stomach some room to take the food in.
- At breakfast, always eat a little protein to carry you through the morning. In Europe they have meats and cheeses with breakfast. One option could be a greens drink with protein powder added into a smoothie.
- Empty your fridge and cupboards of all the foods you know are unhealthy for you.
- Try to eat with the seasons. Be aware of what grows naturally and locally at each time of year… there is simplicity and wisdom in this.
- Eat locally and within a 100 mile radius when you can. This means the food will be fresher, and of course it supports our fabulous local growers.
Try some of these great tips – they are easy – you will see and feel significant changes right away. And let me know how you are doing!!
(Print out the list and share it with your family. They’ll appreciate it!)
I wish you an abundant winter filled with much love, passion and adventure. As always I am here to support you in this life journey and love your feedback.