Substandard Food Choices, Poor Digestion, and Stress

Our bodies, health, and well-being are a gift. Dare I say a sacred gift. Knowledge of that brings to question, "What are we putting into our bodies?".

Processed and refined packaged foods are readily available to us. Even non food specialty shops offer prepackaged processed foods, snacks and drinks. The minute you walk into a store or line up at the cash register they stare at you begging to be bought and consumed.

Substandard nutrients: These foods contain highly refined sugars, saturated fats, processed salts. These types of foods are causing us to be overweight and terribly fatigued. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure also stem off a diet of substandard nutrients. 

Poor Digestion: Low-nutrient foods contain empty calories which cause a cycle of cravings and overeating. You are never satiated or nourished. They also require our digestive systems to overwork leaving little or no room for our bodies to recover and repair itself.

Good Digestion: Eating foods that are organic, whole, and fresh gives our bodies access to a wide variety of the vitamins, minerals, and fiber it naturally craves. Good fats, digestible proteins and healthy carbohydrates provide our bodies with the fuel it needs for daily living. Vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains are quickly satisfying and prevents overeating. 

Stress: Our mental and emotional health are affected by the choices we make. We may be unaware that it is taking a toll on our overall health. Nevertheless, it does. The guilt of poor choices is discouraging. You want to eat what's best for you, but that cabinet is full of your comfort foods. Good news! Right in that moment you can make the choice that will leave you feeling all the better for it. 

Well-being: When we become purposefully mindful of our food choices, we have an overall sense of positive pride. Sustainable activities, daily exercise, uplifting social relationships all help to increase our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health as well. Remember to cheer yourself on and get a team of supporters you can share small and big successes with. 

Overall benefits: It may take some time or you might feel the benefits right away as you slowly incorporate wiser choices. You will increase your quality of sleep, have better focus, clearer thinking and brain function, and have more energy for the day. These are just some of the benefits. You may even notice some creativity making its way into your life.

Excellent choices add up to personal success: 

1. Make a list before you go shopping. The fresh foods are on the perimeter of the market.
2. Start to prepare your own foods. It can be as simple as a salad, wrap or smoothie. Takes very little time. 
3. Tell some trusted friends and/or colleagues what you're doing and ask for their support in encouraging you.
4. Educate yourself on the simple ways you can improve your health. Keep the process simple. 
5. No matter how many times you slip, get right back into the adventure of becoming healthier.
6. Remember that who you are becoming will benefit you, the ones you love, and the future loved ones yet to come.
7. You are worth it all!