| |
| |
|
Nutrition Information |
|
|
|
When You Eat at the Fridge
I spent a few days at a resort in Mexico this past summer for a friend's wedding. I've known her since the 2nd grade and it was a really fun time hanging out with familiar faces. It was also hot, so very hot. I took sweating to a whole new level. During the afternoon wedding in full sun on the beach, I discovered parts of my body that I didn't know could sweat. Toes, chins, elbows, you name it... I was drenched. Despite the intense heat, it was undoubtedly the most beautiful and moving ceremony I have ever had the privilege to witness. It took some strategic eating to keep my sensitive body cool and comfortable. Not only in what I ate, but how I ate. I was in a different country and yet I had every type of food available to me. When you are in a contained environment, such as an all inclusive resort, with many different nationalities represented, there is food for all types of tastes and appetites. Being a naturally curious person, fascinated by other cultures, I kept my eyes peeled. Culture Curiosity As I walked by the all day buffet and grill, I noticed something rather special. Families, many of them, quietly and peacefully eating together. They would sit down at a table, have selected an array of fresh foods, chosen the ceramic plates, knife, fork, and a glass for their beverage. They were looking at their food, casually taking in their surroundings, eating relatively slowly and seemingly with care and attention. There was a definite appreciation of the food before them. It was subtle, but it immediately caught my eye. I always like to see what people like to eat. It is, after-all, my favorite subject. Upon closer inspection, (that's right, I snooped) I noticed they didn't speak English. I heard German, Spanish, French and even Russian. Day after day, I noticed the same thing. Families, eating together peacefully and they were not American. At first, I didn't know why I was looking at these families. Something about them was attractive to me. Something about the way they were being and eating during their mid-day meal that seemed so pleasant. They actually seemed to be enjoying each other's company and tasting their food. Ah! That was it! My eyes darted from table to table with curiosity. Where were my fellow Americans? There they go! Drive by eat-n-run; grab a paper plate and fix some food to-go; take-out for pool side munching or for seascape snack. Busy! Busy! Busy! Sometimes, I actually saw families sitting together, and oddly enough usually with one or more family members looking away, squirming in their seat or, I silently giggled, trying hard to control an energetic child running circles around their table. There was a distinct if not subtle energy in the way American families were eating their lunches and the way European families ate. A cultural lab experiment, if you will. And I found it fascinating. What IS that about? Food American Style Have we gotten so busy that even during vacation time, we've forgotten the pleasures of dining together? Do we have so much going on that we can not pay attention to what nourishes us? Are we so plum tired from every day life that we can't be bothered? I say, bring on the Slow Food Movement and let's sit down and hang out over delicious treats that also happens to fuel our life energy. Bring on the broccoli revolution! Vote yes for two hour lunch hours! (that IS on someone's campaign promises, isn't it?) It's not just what you eat, it's also HOW you eat. How you may ask? Well let's not omit the obvious benefits of eating consciously: the pleasure and enjoyment factors. That IS nice. But did you also know... - I've had clients get rid of Tums and other digestive aids by simply slowing down enough to chew their food well - you'll eat much less when you pay attention to your food: given half a chance your body will get it's nutrients much more easily and effectively when you give it time to assimilate and concentrate on food digestion vs. your next "to-do" - the presentation of your food, just like a gift, is part of the satisfaction, wouldn't you say? - do you pay attention to how your food looks on your plate or do you slop it on? Is it visually appealing and attractive? Is it colorful and vibrant? Your cravings will actually decrease - eating on-the-go all the time can cause malabsorption of essential nutrients and constant cravings - connecting with the people you dine fills you up on real-nourishment, it just doesn't come on your plate Mindless, Frenzied, Stand-Up Feasting A Beverly Hills plastic surgeon from the new reality show (yes, this is the quality stuff I watch) "Dr. 90210" showed the viewing audience his daily morning routine. He takes 2 dozen, hard-boiled eggs onto his patio and proceeds to choke down each egg white, discarding the yolk. (His wife makes him eat outside due to the smell) You can see his body reflex gag and he winces as he forces himself to eat what keeps him full and trim. I nearly puked just watching this. It wasn't pretty. Nuts I tell you! Borrowing from the author Geneen Roth(www.geneenroth.com), "when you eat at the fridge, pull up a chair." We could all put cameras on our refrigerators and see what we look like in our frenzied, mindless, stand-up feasts. I imagine I look like a lost little girl, when I stare into the fridge, hoping and praying I can spot some chocolate-wrap foil twinkling in the florescent glow. No such luck! Here's an idea: Try having ONE meal a day in peace, even if it's just a mini-meal snack, sit down without television or reading. It may feel difficult at first. Whether alone or with someone, choose to make that meal enjoyable. Breathe... Just check yourself and see how you're eating. Is it always on the go? Hurried? Distracted? Worried? Could our way of eating be affecting our health concerns? Yes, consider it possible. Trust me, you will crave less junk and your digestion will be much better. Now is the perfect time to enjoy slowing down. Pull up a chair and enjoy your meals. Karin Witzig of Wild Woman Wellness? Health Coaching has been in a private practice and a Speaker in the New York metropolitan area for nearly five years and has a national clientele of courageous women breaking out of their food ruts and energy-lulls. She specializes in making getting healthy highly pleasurable, practical and fun. She can be reached via http://www.wildwomanwellness.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Beware of Eating Too Much Protein The typical American diet already provides plenty of protein and there is no point in adding any more, unlike fat cells, there is no place in the body to store protein so the excess is eliminated or is seen as fat rather than muscle.So what you need to do is to consume just enough protein to allow your muscles to be healthy, perform work and grow. How Can I Uncover Hidden Sugar And Prevent Carb Creep? Many low carb dieters fall victim to "carb creep," which is triggered carb binges, caused by creeping intakes of carbs. This is particularly a problem after finishing the stricter early phases of their plans. 4 Important Facts You Should Know About Whey Protein Are you concerned about taking care of your body before and after strenuous activities or workouts? Do you try to avoid supplements that contain additives and possible side effects?If you are interested in better health and improved physical fitness you have surely heard that bodybuilders and other athletes are turning to a simple, natural supplement called whey protein.WHY DO ATHLETES USE WHEY PROTEIN?Protein levels are depleted through exercise. Is Organic Really Better for You? I had finally come to a place in my life where I was concerned about my health and that of my family. After all, it's not the quantity, but the quality of life right? And if you can increase both, all the better! We started exercising, eating healthier and taking vitamins. Blueberries and Their Role in Cholesterol Control Our bodies need cholesterol. We use cholesterol to produce vitamin D, hormones, and certain acids that help us digest fat. Nutrient Requirements of Women in Sport Female and male athletes respond to training in a fairly comparable way. As volume and intensity of training increases, so does aerobic capacity and hence performance. Confessions of a Personal Fitness Trainer Last year I had a number of clients who started stubbornly on the Atkins diet despite my warnings. Immediately I saw almost profound results in their weight loss. Crave Sweets? On the Weight & Mood Roller Coaster? Perhaps Its More Than You Think! The sugar industry and the food manufacturers are capitalizing BIG TIME on the addictive nature of carbohydrates (sweets, breads, deserts) in the human body. Blood sugar-handling problems promote arteriosclerosis (plaque in the arteries), adult-onset diabetes, mood swings, weight problems, chronic fatigue, PMS and much more. The Sugar-Coated Truth It is believed that cane sugar was discovered before the birth of Christ. As early as 500 B. Healing Power of 8 Sugars: An Amazing Breakthrough in Nutrition "All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. The Myths Associated with Human Growth Hormone I would like to dispel some of the myths and worries associated with Human Growth Hormone Therapy, or HGH.First of all, a large number of people do not know what kind of treatment is involved with this therapy. Sugar Consumption Itself Has Become a Disease Looking into statistics, we can see the average American consumes an astounding 2-3 pounds of sugar each week. This might surprise you if not considering that highly refined sugars in the forms of sucrose (table sugar), dextrose (corn sugar), and high-fructose corn syrup are being processed into so many foods such as bread, breakfast cereal, mayonnaise, peanut butter, ketchup, spaghetti sauce, and a plethora of microwave meals. Fattening Foods: Not So Fattening After All? Have you seen those "fat free" foods in supermarkets? Have you possibly delighted in them guiltlessly thinking that they are healthy for you? There's a good chance that you have because we usually follow what the media and the world around us says. In this day in age, along with other health fads, many people believe that fat makes you fat. Eating ... Gaining Weight ... How to Control the Urge to Splurge I confess: I'm completely addicted to Pringles. My determination weakens every time I think about munching into one, hearing the crunch, and getting that first taste of its salty flavor. Immunity and the Immune System Since the 1930's the western diet has dramatically changed. This change is due to the change in farming from the natural farming process which has developed over 1000's of years to a modern scientific farming which has changed farming into an industry. Chocolate Is Good For You! Great news on the chocolate front! Chocolate is good for you. Under certain circumstances. The Ins and Outs of Proper Nutrition Secretly we all want just a few things in life, none the least of which is to live a life that is healthy and energetic. One way to accomplish this is to eat a well balanced diet that fuels the body to take on life's challenges. Help Prevent Premature Aging With Nutrition-Science Aging occurs when the body's cells die at faster rates than new cells are generated. People age prematurely because inadequate nutrition resulting from poor diet stimulates cellular destruction and increases the potential for obesity, diabetes, cancer and other chronic diseases. Taste the Good Health Fruit Called Apple "To eat an apple before going to bed will make the doctor beg his bread"Apple is a cholesterol and fat free fruit packed with loads of vitamins and nutrients. Apple juice is delicious. True Culprits of High Cholesterol What if I told you tap water and homogenized milk may be two of the biggest culprits in skyrocketing rates of high cholesterol? Cholesterol is actually being produced by our own bodies all of the time as a natural mechanism to combat oxidation when our bodies are diseased. Therefore, if we are not well, our cholesterol levels are likely to be higher regardless of what we eat that contains cholesterol.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
