Let me throw another non-writing topic at you today.
Did you know that being
relaxed is a better indicator of longevity and health than what we
eat or how much we exercise? They've done studies!
Social drinkers live
longer than binge drinkers and alcoholics, but even more interesting,
they live longer than non-drinkers. It's not the alcohol which
increases life expectancy, it's the lifestyle social drinkers lead.
They're less stressed because they have a way to unload after a busy
week.
If you want to die, just
tense your body day after day. You'll destroy your organs and your
muscles. Stress and tension in the form of anxiety is devastating to
many millions of people. It trumps bad diet as a form of suicide.
I enjoy eating healthy
foods because I know I'm doing the right thing when I eat well, but
also because of the way food affects my brain chemistry. Too many
processed carbs and I get depressed. Too much meat and I get nervous.
It's the way I am—not everyone is the same as me.
I'm aware of the movement
towards healthy diet. I'm aware of the disease statistics in our
culture. I'm aware of the foods that cause cancer, heart disease, and
diabetes.
But I'm not sure the facts
matter, not entirely. I think what is even more important than eating
healthy, is being happy. And food, good or bad, plays a role in
happiness.
One of the coolest things
growing up was eating McDonald's when we traveled, and eating pizza
at lunch at school on Fridays. Food has major satisfaction value.
Food has always been a trigger for happiness for me, and I'm not the
only one.
As an adult I enjoy cooked
lentils with rice and beans more than I enjoy a Big Mac, but even
though the type of food has changed, the fact that I get enjoyment
from eating hasn't. After a short fast, I still to this very day get
a rush of emotions when I think of food. These emotions made being at
school just before lunchtime one of the best times of the day.
The health nut in me wants
to encourage everyone to eat healthier. The Taoist in me encourages
me to step back and look at the bigger picture. Changing what we eat
isn't going to fix society. Having compassion would accomplish more
than getting people to eat their vegetables. And
we can eat all our vegetables and still be stressed out.
Food, for many, is the one
thing they can indulge in that takes the edge off of life. I'd rather
them have food than nothing at all.
And it's not like people
don't know what is healthy. Americans simply eat what tastes better.
And because unhealthy foods taste better, even if it's for a moment,
it also makes them feel better.
There's a fine line to
walk with health. It's the line between eating to live forever and
eating to enjoy yourself right now. We can't live forever. We can't
always be happy. But that line, it's pretty fat. There's a lot of
middle ground. Consider it the waistline of common sense. Have a
hamburger, but balance that with a salad.
Despite studies, despite
personal experience, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to
eat—unless you try to digest your food through your skin. So dare
to have variety. Why eat healthy if you'll still give yourself a
heart attack in the process?
Relax about it.
Posts
The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not. - Mark Twain
ReplyDeleteI think I'd rather be unhealthy.
Great post.
I'm eating to enjoy today... picture me at my death... no it's ok really..being a diabetic it brings me pleasure.... there I am an Oreo in one hand.. a ciggy in the other... a long thick gray braid......and a big wide ass smile on my face....ahhhhhh pleasure...As always...XOXOXOXO
ReplyDeleteWow, this is a good head start for me. It's like whoa! I just got hit. I'm a nurse by profession and I've stayed with 'dying patients' for four years and from them I truly learned to enjoy life more. They actually eat 'everything' they like and the 'kitchen personnels' also prepare the 'best' food for them. The thing is, among the dying patients, they survive longer maybe because they acquired a less stressful lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteHowever, it is good to evaluate what we eat and not go to the extremes like binge or fast.
In the end, I also agree that our positive attitude towards life, our lifestyle are factors for good health. After all, it is holistic.
Thanks for the comment, Melissa, and for sharing your insights. I really appreciate that.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny. I was just talking to a friend the other day about the thought that maybe I should be judging the good or bad of my life, work and relationships by how tense my muscles are. I think you would tell me yes... because at the very least it will help me live longer. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful post....agree with you on most of the points.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this food for thought. I'll once again, leave your blog with a stimulated mind. :-)
ReplyDeleteExcellent writing! Thank you for this wonderful source of information.
ReplyDeleteFrom everything is canvas
just linked this article on my Facebook account. it’s a very interesting article for all.
ReplyDeleteFast Weight Loss Tips