Eating Healthy in a toxic world

Since beginning my journey with Zeal,  I have been craving healthy foods with a vengeance.  I have always been very frugal and worried about "going healthy" because I thought it would cost too much.

Over the last 4 weeks, I've been happy to find that the cost of being healthy is not very high here in Tucson.  We have Sunflower Markets (name soon being changed to Sprouts), Whole Foods, many holistic food stores and my personal favorite: Farmer's markets.

Eating Healthy provides a direct link to local grown foods across the US

It seems as though we, as a society, have taken for granted the simplicity in healthy food choices.  We are bombarded on a daily basis with Fast Food signs, packaged foods, etc. and as a culture, we have accepted the "easier method" of eating.

How many times have you thought to yourself, "I shouldn't have eaten that."?  Your body knows what it wants and needs.  Over time though, we have adapted to what I will call a "lazy mindset" and our bodies are struggling to keep up.

It's a vicious cycle!

1. "I probably shouldn't eat that"- body telling you "no"
2. "Oh, what the heck, I deserve it" - mind telling you it's okay
3. "I don't feel very well"- body saying I told you so
4. "But I only had ONE donut instead of the 3 I was going to have"- mind justifying behavior
5. "Why am I gaining weight? I'm doing so well at cutting down on my cravings. I'm working out at the gym every day!" - mind/body block

As a people, we've adapted our minds to thinking we can ignore our bodies, but this is a trap.  Our bodies, from the beginning of time, have known what's good for them.  It is our mind that play tricks on us.  The following popular slogans and societal norms/statements come to mind:

• Just do it
• Have it your way
• Binge and purge
• Eat what you want, now; exercise harder, later
• There's always tomorrow
• Eat less; do more
• Take a pill and you'll feel better
• Eat a high protein diet and you'll be fine

I hope you can spot the lies.  As with everything, there is truth in the eye of the beholder.  Fast food chains are saying "Come here!! We will give you whatever you want."  Mentally, this is appealing, but more often than not, our bodies subconsciously warn us against it.

Through various channels, we are warned:

• Bloating
• Weight gain
• Weight loss
• Disease
• Pimples
• Oily skin
• Hair loss
• and many more...

These warnings are simply our bodies adapting to change.  Through environmental stressors (what we are exposed to and put ON our body): we adapt and get signs like anxiety, pimples, ulcers, cancer.  Through internal stressors (diet); our bodies give in and say "okay, you win." But the signs are there; listed above as various channels. 

We (our physical bodies) eventually adapt to the toxins and our minds think "oh, cool, I can eat this and not get sick."  "I've built up my tolerance." That is flawed thinking though.  Are you really healthy? 

I challenge you to apply this to your own life.  Are there areas in which you're trying to improve?

Areas for improvement in your current situation that you might identify with but are not limited to:

• Dieting
• Weight loss pills
• Lyposuction
• Getting a gym membership
• Hiring a personal trainer
• Shopping in the "healthy section" at grocery stores
• Starting protein shakes
• Feeling stuck in a job where you "don't have time" to eat healthy

If you are identifying with any of these things, you are on the right track; but these can be dangerous methods.  I would encourage you to check out the following local sources and find a solution that works for you!  And remember, your health is 90% diet, 10% fitness; 200% drive and motivation. :-)

Zeal for Life Challenge direct link to our local, Tucson team dedicated to helping you achieve your health goals

Mom's Aware direct link to an Organization dedicated to providing you with tips on how to live healthy in a toxic world

Eating Well provides a link on where to find local restaurants, markets and more