I have found myself surrounded lately by many who are complaining
of low energy, lack of motivation, weight gain and just over all feeling
crumby. At the same time, I watch their
breakfast consist of an energy blast caffeine shot, washed down with a Coke and
then better have a bag of Cheetos to help settle the stomach. Lunch time rolls around and they are headed
out to the 7 Eleven for a hotdog or some fast food place close by. All the salt and grease then makes them
thirsty so better pick up a Slurpee, and might as well get it mega size because
it’s the better deal. Before long it
becomes an everyday routine. In the end, these same people don’t seem to be
able to figure out that it is because of their choices they are feeling the way
they are. Finally they get to a point
where they figure they better see a doctor because there must be something
wrong. They aren’t honest with the
doctor, their doctor is misinforming them or they have chosen to disregard the
advice they are given, but they make no changes. Is this not the definition of insanity, doing
things the same over and over, all the while expecting a different result?
I have found it so frustrating to watch and when I’m asked,
I tactfully try to offer suggestions and either am flooded with excuses, get a
glazed over look or hear them say “well that’s too hard,” without even trying
to change. It seems simple to me,
fueling your body with crap will produce the same outcome! Like a car filled with dirty and poor
fuel. It may start, sputter and very
slowly get you places; however, it will eventually start causing wear and
damage to a multitude of different parts and will eventually die.
It’s not easy to always make the healthiest choicest and
quite honestly is expensive. We live in
a busy world and are surrounded by convenience food and always a shortage of
time. We have a remote for everything
and a riding this and riding that; all designed to supposedly make our lives
easier. I don’t believe the advancement of technology
and ways of doing things is necessarily bad, I like my riding mower. However, I do believe that because I can mow
the lawn in 2.5 hours versus 2 days, I now have time that could be and should
be used to better my health (spiritual, mental and physical) and therefore make
me happier and healthier.
I know for myself that what I eat is a clear reflection of
how I feel and how motivated I am. I don’t
want to just stay alive but want to live a life of quality with the best health
I can and want the same for those around me.
I don’t always order the side salad and I have been known to sneak a bag
of Nibbs here and there, but overall I am conscious of the food choices I make
and have made the extra effort to make it part of my lifestyle. Combine healthy food choices with activities
that you enjoy, are passionate about, those that make you content and at peace,
and you have the recipe for a better quality of and happier life.
Alana Regier