I am gradually learning to be a more intentional and conscious eater. The foods that I consume on a daily basis are fuel for my body. And the quality of that fuel dictates my overall health and can improve the functionality of my body providing me with a natural form of self defence.
Nutritional self defence:
Improves mental health
Keeps skin, teeth, and eyes healthySupports muscles & boosts immunity
Strengthens bones
Lowers risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers
Increased energy levels and can improve sleep
Helps the digestive system function
Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight
It can be overwhelming with all the information and the different dietary plans to follow. I have found that for me what works best is to start with a cleanse/detox plan. Even detox programs can vary greatly so I found that working with someone that had experience and expertise to be of great benefit. Thank you to Sihing Cosgrove.
My first cleanse/detox was in September last year and I gained valuable information and tools. I developed some great new habits to support my overall health. Now my day almost always starts with fresh squeezed lemon in hot water. I've also added intermittent fasting 4 - 5 days of the week. The more time my body has to complete the digestive process without adding more food and additional stress on the organs, the better.
I found myself still struggling though with choosing healthy foods and meals on a daily basis. When I fall behind on meal planning or even just prepping foods I find that is where I make unhealthy choices. My schedule like many of us can get very busy and suddenly there I am at a fast food chain picking up something quick because at that point it's either convenience or simply go hungry. I am mostly able to avoid those fast food traps, but I find carbs way too easy to fill in as fuel for my body when I am at home because I'm tired, hungry, busy or don't have the ingredients needed for a healthy meal.
After too many months of making poor eating choices, I made plans to detox and cleanse again in May. I signed up for a paid program with a nutritional consultant by the name of Jonie-Lynn. She provided a wealth of knowledge and expertise and eagerly shared with all of us that joined her during the 21 days. There were a lot of great valuable takeaways. I think this time around what is sticking most is the concept of clean eating and adding more super foods into my daily diet. For me this means more greens and fruits in the form of salads and smoothies on a daily basis. I also consciously consume less gluten, dairy and animal products. I learned that I need to eat more often throughout the day when eating clean so prep is important to success. If I allow my body to get low on fuel I don't make the best food choices to support my health and well being.
My first cleanse/detox was in September last year and I gained valuable information and tools. I developed some great new habits to support my overall health. Now my day almost always starts with fresh squeezed lemon in hot water. I've also added intermittent fasting 4 - 5 days of the week. The more time my body has to complete the digestive process without adding more food and additional stress on the organs, the better.
I found myself still struggling though with choosing healthy foods and meals on a daily basis. When I fall behind on meal planning or even just prepping foods I find that is where I make unhealthy choices. My schedule like many of us can get very busy and suddenly there I am at a fast food chain picking up something quick because at that point it's either convenience or simply go hungry. I am mostly able to avoid those fast food traps, but I find carbs way too easy to fill in as fuel for my body when I am at home because I'm tired, hungry, busy or don't have the ingredients needed for a healthy meal.
After too many months of making poor eating choices, I made plans to detox and cleanse again in May. I signed up for a paid program with a nutritional consultant by the name of Jonie-Lynn. She provided a wealth of knowledge and expertise and eagerly shared with all of us that joined her during the 21 days. There were a lot of great valuable takeaways. I think this time around what is sticking most is the concept of clean eating and adding more super foods into my daily diet. For me this means more greens and fruits in the form of salads and smoothies on a daily basis. I also consciously consume less gluten, dairy and animal products. I learned that I need to eat more often throughout the day when eating clean so prep is important to success. If I allow my body to get low on fuel I don't make the best food choices to support my health and well being.
Determining what works best for my body is an ongoing process. It's a balance of clean eating, adding in super foods where ever possible, reducing dairy ( cheese is my downfall) and animal products and putting together meals with fresh herbs and ingredients when available. Of course this does take more time and effort, but so worth it. And I'm learning that eating healthy is more than just the foods going into my body. It is also my attitude attached to eating. Some of the ingredients that are not the best for my body can still be nourishing if there is positive energy in the preparation of the meal, gratitude for all that I have in front of me and the love of family or friends while eating together. This is where consciousness and intention plays a powerful role.
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