EAT BETTER AMERICA! – Creating a Better Metabolic Plan for LIFE!

Posted by Angela on June 27th, 2007 filed in Healthy Eating

What you eat when your pregnant can affect the metabolic development of your child. Studies on diabetes sufferers have shown their offspring develop deficiencies in their metabolism that set them back from day one. The pressure is on - we need to encourage women to find ways to balance their body chemistry to offset the rising epidemic of obesity and other health deficiencies that cause an ongoing cycle of depleted health.

If your metabolism is working against you there is also a depressing effect on the mind.
Instead of feeling that you can work out and see results, you can more easily get caught in a cycle of “why bother, I’ll just put on the weight anyway”. A classic example of this affect is people with low thyroid function or “hypo-thyroidism”. An under active thyroid creates a sense of hopelessness and sluggishness. The desire to exercise feels like an effort and not exercising creates ongoing cycles of lethargy and depression.

What does it take to kick the cycle of bad eating habits, sluggish metabolism and poor motivation for health and fitness? And how do we go about creating better eating habits in America?

1. We need a sense of what vitality is to aspire to be healthy.
If you’re not exercising you’re missing out on the joy of moving your body, feeling your blood flow and your juices flowing. Movement and exercise need to encourage you to feel the joy, power and sensuality of your body. Find some quality of the body that makes you tingle and find ways to bring that sensation into your “work” out. No fitness program will last unless you find your pleasure in the body.

2. We need whole foods that give a sense of vitality.
How do you allow your body to know what is good food, what is natural and energizing? The trap of eating crap food is that our taste buds forget what real food is. Notice how you feel 20 to 30 minutes after you eat a food – are you still thinking about eating something else? Your body will always crave nutrients and processed foods cannot give you enough. Try an organic banana and taste the difference.

3. We need support from our community to make healthy food and life choices
The quality of fresh food produce has gone down but buying organic is expensive.
Thankfully major chain grocery stores are offering organic alternatives. Buy organic when you can afford to and find LOCAL growers in your area. Some may not be fully certified organic but they are still grown in more natural conditions and your taste buds will tell you whether the produce is vital.
Go to www.localharvest.org for buying from the farm or farmers markets.

We need to start campaigns to start better food choices for our children. Educate your children on the dangers of high sugar foods, especially noticing the effect on their mood and behavior. And find ways to bring better foods to your local school so children have more choice when they eat at school.

If you have a healthy lunch recipe or product that you can recommend, please send me an email or comment. I am looking for healthy recipes to recommend to parents and foods that kid enjoy that are good for them.