Skating Uphill - November 2021
Living a Healthy Lifestyle
“I often wonder how Elizabeth Millen
and her crew think up these really great themes?”
– The Uphill Skater –
This month’s theme, #FriendshipGoals, got me thinking the minute I read it. I not only thought about the word friendship, but also how in the world it could be tied in with the word goal? Eazzzy peazzy as it turns out, but because I am into food and nutrition, my first thoughts were about how to make food your friend. In other words, what sort of goals would you set to make food your actual friend? So many times in my day I think of food as the enemy: Cookies; chips of every kind (my weakness); that second glass of wine; butter; or extra cheese on anything. I could go on and on!
We all have a tendency to vilify food: Yummy food that is bad for us is, well, really bad. Yet, food that is good for us but unsatisfying is also bad. We all have to eat to live, and consuming healthier choices allows our bodies to optimally operate and feel good. However, It becomes a difficult mental game when we label our nutrition as good or bad, but the truth is, some foods are downright terrible for us. They literally bully our bodies and leave us feeling terrible. Friends should make us feel good, not bad.
So even though most foods are not our friends, let me share a few foods that could and should not only be our friend, but our BFF and bonded sister-friend for life. First, the quick and easy: Raw fruits and vegetables are good in so many ways. Nutrients, minerals and big-time fiber are some of the ways that raw fruits and vegetables love us, and why we should love them back. Also, nutritionists pretty much universally say that you should eat the “rainbow”. In other words, enjoy foods of all colors.The deeper the color, the better nutrition, and surprise, surprise, the deeper the color, the fresher the product. However, don’t fret or obsess over fresh; frozen vegetables are also quick and easy and equally healthy.
Dairy in moderation is also our friend. Just for something really quick and good, take either cottage cheese or yogurt, add any fruit, a bit of honey, and some nuts, seeds or granola. This is so healthy and delicious. Remember the rainbow and eat the colors—blueberries, strawberries, apples, oranges and so forth. Fat-free frozen yogurt is good with fruit, by itself, or in a smoothie. Use fruit juice in your smoothie instead of milk and add vitamins and save calories. Almond milk pumps up the protein and also lowers calories.
A final way to make food your friend is to take it with you. Yes, bring along your new friend. Set a goal to take food you have prepared at home and you will be sure to have something good and good for you. You are sure to like it also! Take your lunch. Take your breakfast, and eat at work or on your break. Pack your own food whenever possible. This way, you are sure of the ingredients you’re consuming, and you’re saving money, too.
Make new friends by welcoming nutritious food into your life. Treat it kindly and allow it to treat you kindly, too. Take it along just as you would a friend. Look for fresh produce, read labels, sample and taste, and read up on the values in different foods. Pick your favorites and hang out with them just as you would your BFF. Have fun! Pick wholesome and colorful food friends; your life, your digestive tract and your health will thank you.
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Judith Lawrenson is a former Hilton Head Island resident who has a huge heart and is loved by all who meet her. She has served and volunteered with numerous charitable organizations while living in the Lowcontry making an impact wherever she went. She and her husband recently moved to the wild hills of West Virginia to be closer to grandchildren. Judith is an avid sailor, a retired reading resource specialist, and a children's TV host whose local show originated from the Boys and girls Club. Judith is also a long time seeker of healthy, happy living and a lifestyle dedicated to service to others balanced with love of God and love of self. Check out her BLOG www.skatinguphill.com for fun info, recipes and nutrition ideas, current updates on nearly everything in the world, and lots of comments and opinions.