Healthy eating & nutrition is something I am most passionate about.
I, like many others was very ignorant about something that should be so simple in our society today but it's not. We should have the access & common knowledge to knowing what's acceptable to take into our bodies versus what's harmful for us in the long run. This is why I'm referring to this blog as resisting temptation, all those little voices you hear in your head before eating something you probably shouldn't be eating in the first place are surely there for a reason.
White Carbohydrates & Processed Foods
Are the enemy. First of all, most white carbohydrates that you purchase in any store is just pure sugar. You may as well be eating a large cake (and I'll get to that) if you think you are getting your daily intake of whole grains you are not in check. Same goes for the companies that like to release "whole grain" products for consumers to actually believe they are buying something that is healthy when in fact it's just another processed food item with a different label on it. It's pretty scary that people actually feed this stuff to their kids! I'm a firm believer in home made foods from scratch (if time permits of course) nothing will be more fresh or clean for your system than what you cook for yourself. Therefore I stay away from as many store bought foods as possible since the majority of them are all processed.
Some people don't believe in organic foods but let me tell you there is a huge difference and I'm not just speaking of the cost. If you eat whole grains from specific brand companies that specialize in producing organic products you will see a difference in quality. They are not processed foods that are made to last 6 months for a shelf life in your cupboards, they will go bad fast because they are freshly made foods. Most people in this day in age either have some sort of a gluten, or wheat intolerance, which is why a lot of people with a number of health issues resort to these kinds of foods. I am no different, I have had a number of health issues over the years and the amount of time's I have gotten sick have lessened over a course of time strictly due to my change of diet. That being said being a vegetarian I'm sure has had a lot to do with that.
Weight Loss
Has everything to do with the daily foods you are eating. Going to the gym after you inhaled a Big Mac with fries will do absolutely nothing for you other than sweating your ass off. Yes, working out is great but not if you can only justify it by eating bad foods every time AND I know a lot of people like that. The fat has to be stored somewhere, and will continue to over time as well as take it's toll on your health. I always liked to think of our bodies being similar to a water filter, whatever we consume will sweep right through us or stick to us. Seeing as we are only given one body, I would like to think I gave myself the best "gas" possible to run my system. I have only begun my quest to living healthier about 3 years ago and in that time I went from weighing 130lbs for my height at 5'5" to now weighing 110lbs..... simply because I stopped eating fatty foods.
Dieting
I don't believe in that term. It's not about dieting or eating a specific way for a time period to get that body you've always dreamed of. It's about making a commitment to yourself to wanting to be a healthier YOU. I won't lie it's not easy, the progress will be gradual, and you will see results over time. However they are the best results you will ever have, and you will be astonished to how amazing you can physically feel by cutting out all the crap foods.
Moderation
I still eat desserts and I still indulge in foods that I love. We cannot deprive our bodies of what we naturally crave, there is no reason to and it would be absolutely hell if we tried. It is all about moderation (mind you I don't eat any fast food) my guilty pleasures are for sweet treats. I probably eat two or so every week, and I still survive ;-) Oh yeah and it's a lot nicer when I get to enjoy that chocolate in my size 2 skirt, eating well can be very rewarding if you just stick to it!
My Daily Food Intake
It's funny because it seems everywhere I go I somehow get into a conversation about nutrition, people always ask me for different suggestions or advice I can give them whether it be to lose weight or just trying to be healthy.
GREENS: Lots of veggies on a daily basis. It's practically all I eat.
FRUITS: If I want something sweet I create lots of healthy alternatives with sweet fruits.
DAIRY: Very minimal on dairy. Dairy has been proven to cause a lot of major health problems which I am somewhat borderline vegan for. I substitute milk for almond milk, soy is bad for the thyroid.
PROTEIN: I eat lots of lentils, beans & nuts. I may as well be a squirrel! I also still do consume fish, as my only "meat" option.
WHOLE GRAINS: Strictly all natural whole grains when I can from the health food store, even when I've be in situations where there are no other options I try to avoid as best as I can. Quinoa is great, oatmeal (not all brands are good for you), whole wheat pasta, spelt bread, etc. The list goes on!
Didn't really get into many details about specific foods since that would take me a lifetime but thought of sharing the basics of it :-)
That's all for now folks!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Friday, January 4, 2013
New Years Revalation
First post of the new year! More importantly, my first post in the longest of times!
I initially started this blog two years ago because I love to write, and I'm constantly questioning life's philosophies.... but somehow, somewhere in between I've gotten lost in this crazy fast paced world that we live in.
I feel like I'm at quite a pivotel point in my life, many circumstances have taken place in the last year or so that have ultimately taken me to where I am today. I should say I'm really starting to embrace the person I am growing into. I'd like to think of the many people I have met along the way (whom I frequently think of fondly) have been in some ways or another; a teacher to me.
I've been privileged to meet these individuals that have not only inspiried my perspective on things (i.e. life) but have also inspired my very being, and for that I can't thank them enough.
Self discovery is almost as big an adventure as any other, I look forward to each and every day that is in my journey to come. There will always be bad days but there will also be good. The difference is holding on to the good and being capable of letting go of all the bad. Having someone there to hold your hand on those "bad days" is what makes it all worth while in the end.
Naturally we are our own biggest critics. Although, lord knows I have enough people behind me doing that for me. Therefore more the reason I need to start by being my own biggest supporter because reality is if I don`t.... no one else is going to do it for me. It is so important to surround yourself with people who believe in you, who want what`s best for you and those who want to strive with you.
Self image has a huge dominating power over women, how they carry themselves and their overall self esteem. It can stem down to the level of education or as far down the line to their physical appearance. The fact of the matter is, as women we seek approval in all senses. For those women who say they never cared; they are lying. For the rest of you, you know exactly what I`m talking about.
The difference that men don`t understand is, that some women are better at conveying this more than other women. Some women come across without a care in the world, while others spill over the milk. We all have those moments. None of us will ever be perfect, so why keep trying to be? I`m guilty of it.
One of the things I have promised myself is to try to stop pleasing others and to finally start pleasing myself. Happiness is a state of mind. One of my goals this year is to try to create a meditative state for myself at all times. I would love to start practicing yoga. A huge inspiration for me (for most who know me) is living an extremely healthy lifestyle. I`ve been a vegetarian for nearly 3 years now and it`s by far one of the best decisions I have ever made. My only wish is that I did it sooner.
One of my favourite quotes is by Albert Einstein - "Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances of survival for life on earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet."
With that being said, we can consume all the healthy foods we want but if we are not attempting to achieve a better mental health it will do nothing. Being able to release stress is just as important, those minor details that people take so much time & energy getting upset over actually shortens your life span. Yes, it has been proven. I sound redundant BUT learning to appreciate the little things and accepting the things we cannot change is probably more beneficial towards you health wise than any other choice you make.
So grateful for the opportunities I have gotten to experience over the years, my work has given me the chance to travel to beautiful places and meet some amazing people that I will hold a lifetime of friendships with. These are some of the things that make me smile, and memories I will cherish forever.
Life is by far the biggest school of all.
Staying in this Friday night, sitting back and enjoying some savoury chocolate. I honestly wouldn`t have it any other way.
S
I initially started this blog two years ago because I love to write, and I'm constantly questioning life's philosophies.... but somehow, somewhere in between I've gotten lost in this crazy fast paced world that we live in.
I feel like I'm at quite a pivotel point in my life, many circumstances have taken place in the last year or so that have ultimately taken me to where I am today. I should say I'm really starting to embrace the person I am growing into. I'd like to think of the many people I have met along the way (whom I frequently think of fondly) have been in some ways or another; a teacher to me.
I've been privileged to meet these individuals that have not only inspiried my perspective on things (i.e. life) but have also inspired my very being, and for that I can't thank them enough.
Self discovery is almost as big an adventure as any other, I look forward to each and every day that is in my journey to come. There will always be bad days but there will also be good. The difference is holding on to the good and being capable of letting go of all the bad. Having someone there to hold your hand on those "bad days" is what makes it all worth while in the end.
Naturally we are our own biggest critics. Although, lord knows I have enough people behind me doing that for me. Therefore more the reason I need to start by being my own biggest supporter because reality is if I don`t.... no one else is going to do it for me. It is so important to surround yourself with people who believe in you, who want what`s best for you and those who want to strive with you.
Self image has a huge dominating power over women, how they carry themselves and their overall self esteem. It can stem down to the level of education or as far down the line to their physical appearance. The fact of the matter is, as women we seek approval in all senses. For those women who say they never cared; they are lying. For the rest of you, you know exactly what I`m talking about.
The difference that men don`t understand is, that some women are better at conveying this more than other women. Some women come across without a care in the world, while others spill over the milk. We all have those moments. None of us will ever be perfect, so why keep trying to be? I`m guilty of it.
One of the things I have promised myself is to try to stop pleasing others and to finally start pleasing myself. Happiness is a state of mind. One of my goals this year is to try to create a meditative state for myself at all times. I would love to start practicing yoga. A huge inspiration for me (for most who know me) is living an extremely healthy lifestyle. I`ve been a vegetarian for nearly 3 years now and it`s by far one of the best decisions I have ever made. My only wish is that I did it sooner.
One of my favourite quotes is by Albert Einstein - "Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances of survival for life on earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet."
With that being said, we can consume all the healthy foods we want but if we are not attempting to achieve a better mental health it will do nothing. Being able to release stress is just as important, those minor details that people take so much time & energy getting upset over actually shortens your life span. Yes, it has been proven. I sound redundant BUT learning to appreciate the little things and accepting the things we cannot change is probably more beneficial towards you health wise than any other choice you make.
So grateful for the opportunities I have gotten to experience over the years, my work has given me the chance to travel to beautiful places and meet some amazing people that I will hold a lifetime of friendships with. These are some of the things that make me smile, and memories I will cherish forever.
Life is by far the biggest school of all.
Staying in this Friday night, sitting back and enjoying some savoury chocolate. I honestly wouldn`t have it any other way.
S
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)