No-Diet Diet Series
DO YOU TREAT FOOD LIKE A DRUG OR A FUEL?
“To a significant degree, we are an overfed and undernourished nation digging an early grave with our teeth and lacking the energy that we deserve.” *
I think food, and most of the time "bad" foods, have become the "drug" for many, many people. I have never smoked; I have not had any alcohol in 35 years; I have never taken illegal drugs, but I have been emotionally hooked on a drug called "food" in the past, and I think that is true for many people (although I may be in the minority on the no-alcohol part!).
Food is used as a reward, and sometimes a punishment for kids when they grow up. Just think about it- we ate cake and ice cream for birthday parties, ice cream or pizza if our team won a big game; we must have popcorn, candy, and a Coke at the movies, not to mention the ridiculous success of McDonald's and the "Happy Meal"! We have been trained that if you have a good day, you celebrate with "yummy" food. Conversely, if you have a bad day, you commiserate your sorrows with "comfort” food.
By the way, we also punish our kids by making them eat healthy foods that they don't like yet. My Dad once "made" me eat some okra that was cooked his favorite way- boiled (people- please, please don’t boil your vegetables!). Anyway, after he made me eat it, how much okra do you think I have eaten since that day- NONE!
Yes, we have turned the unhealthiest foods into the "drugs" that we need when we are happy or sad in our lives (and most of the time in-between as well).
Now, ask yourself this question: When do we fill our cars, mowers, and boats up with fuel? The answer is simple- WHEN WE NEED MORE FUEL TO RUN THE VEHICLE!
So, what fuels your body properly? It’s simple- Fresh fruits and vegetables (local if possible), the best quality meats that were raised in a natural way, and drinks that are free of Processed sugars. These foods and drinks contain the exact micronutrients your body needs to provide the energy and vitality for you every day. That is why they say to “Eat the Rainbow”. Each food- generally based on the color- provides your body with specific nutrients you need to make the most of your day. Another little pointer- the darker and richer the color of the food- the more nutrients it will provide.
A couple of more point here about fueling our bodies:
· We don't fill our cars up with gas every time we drive by a gas station, do we? The same should go for food. Then why every time we watch a movie do we feel like we must have a large Coke and a bag of butter-loaded popcorn? Also, when we drive by Sonic, why does our mind start thinking of a foot long chili-cheese dogs?
· We are very particular what type of gas we put in our cars, because if we put "the wrong type of fuel" in our car, our car won't run well, right? The same should go for the food we put in our body. The junk I put in my body for 53 years was the reason my body wasn't operating properly. Changing the way I fuel my body has made all the difference in my energy, the quality of sleep, and my overall health.
IF WE ARE TREATING FOOD AS GOD INTENDED US TO DO, WE ARE FUELING UP OUR BODIES WITH FOOD ONLY WHEN WE NEED MORE FUEL, AND WE ARE PUTTING THE RIGHT KIND OF FUEL IN OUR BODIES
God gave us these incredible machines called the human body. Within that human body is the most amazing instrument of all- our brain. Let's use the common-sense part of our brain with food decisions, and our emotions a little less.
As we go through this No-Diet-Diet series, understand that the goal is to fuel your body properly each day. No, it will not be perfect. Luckily, our Endocrine System was built to handle these minor deviations in what you feed your body. YOU CAN DO THIS! Help your body operate the way it was meant to operate. Fuel your body- one bite at a time.
Bobby Bland CIHC, SLCP
Chief Inspiration Officer, Snack Lab
Bobby@snacklabnwa.com
*Quote adapted from Ezra Taft Benson and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition
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