Skating Uphill - January 2024

“I love the ‘You Go, Girl!’ slogan,
but before we all jump on the bandwagon,
let’s be sure exactly where it is we are going!”
– The Uphill Skater –

We girls are on the go, no doubt about it. However, speaking from simply a foodie point of view, I find the way to actually go nutrition-wise can be murky, to say the least. As regular readers know, I am always on the hunt for not only new things and new science about food, but I am also looking for that “myth buster” new science that may increase our health benefits, while still being edible, if you know what I mean!

For example, we already know that 10,000 steps is not only not magic, but was discovered to be nothing more than a translation of the name of a Japanese “fit bit” back in the ‘60s. We also know that eight glasses of water daily is not magic. The clue to how much water one should drink is in your urine. Very simply, if your urine is dark, you are not drinking enough; if it is light, you are OK. And, it does not have to be all water. Alcohol and caffeine beverages don’t count, but everything else does. Pretty easy, right? 

Leafy greens and carrots are still good for you. Binge drinking has been found to be worse for your health than people realized. Red meat is still lean and limited—two times per week max. Chicken is your healthy friend, and eggs are good for you in many ways. The old belief that fruits contain too much sugar is long gone, so enjoy without guilt.

So, now we know a bit more but let’s get on the straight and narrow path to a healthier lifestyle. Prevention Magazine (12/23) debunks that food science is constantly changing. Certainly, there are a multitude of recent scientific studies that have come out regarding the health benefits and perils of meat, soy, and particularly, dairy. However, the basics have not changed much over the years. 

Food science still recommends approximately five servings of fruit and vegetables daily. Minimize, or even eliminate, processed foods, fast-digesting carbs, and sugar-laden foods. It’s basic common sense; everyone knows an apple is healthier than a cupcake, whether we want to admit it or not! Red meat has been on the villain list for years, but in recent years myths have added soy to the list, siting increased risk of breast cancer.

Let’s talk facts: That myth linking soy to cancer was based on a study of mice who were fed nothing but processed soy. Though some tumors developed, the fact that soy is a contributing cause of breast cancer has never been tested on people. What has been tested on women is the ingesting of soy, both processed and unprocessed (for example edamame) can reduce the size of cancerous tumors! 

So, when I say, “You Go Girl,” I mean go to the grocery store and eat your way to good health in 2024. Have a great New Year, and “Let’s eat like never before in 2024!”

Visit www.skatinguphill.com blog for new recipes, daily thoughts and décor ideas. Also find reprints of Pink articles and shared comments. Blogging is fun and easy.

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.

Though I do tons of research, and have done so for many years, I am not a doctor and I share only my opinions. I enjoy research and subscribe to several magazines and publications and read up on all new trends. I hope you do, too!