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Be encouraged,
Becky
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Start Your Own Food Revolution!
Have you seen it?
If you missed the series premiere of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, you truly missed a great deal of information that could change the way you feel about food, increase your awareness about the types of foods you eat, and surprise you with the ridiculous amount of harmful junk that is in so many foods you eat.
In case you think that Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution is just for elementary students or West Virginians, think again! Anyone and everyone can benefit by changing some of the foods you eat in order to live a healthier, longer life.
But who is Jamie Oliver to tell you and me about food? He is not new to TV nor is he new to controversy about food. He has made it his mission in life to challenge (1) families to eat organic, (2) schools to provide healthier meals for their students, and (3) state or national governments to change the way they regulate and administrate what people eat. He has tackled England, Australia, Italy and now America—and he is absolutely making a difference in what and how much people eat through entertainment and education.
Jamie Oliver's passion is two-fold. First, he teaches and encourages individuals and families to see food as important fuel that is necessary to build healthy bodies over ones lifetime. Second, he wants to revive the mealtime as the place where people who care about each other can gather together for great conversations, interpersonal connection, and create memories. Who can argue with that, eh?
After watching two episodes of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, you can't help but ask yourself, "What little changes can I make to improve my eating habits in order to see big results in my overall health?"
Here are some revolutionary ideas to consider: Do you need to bury a fry cooker in your backyard, like one of the families in the show who is flirting with diabetes because of their poor healthy eating habits? Do you need to commit to only eating/buying organic fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods? Should you revive the "home-cooked" dinner at least five nights a week instead eating out every weeknight? Or how about eliminating all soda pop—diet or regular? (No bubbles, less bloating. No sugar, less calories. No artificial sweeteners, no unnecessary chemicals in your body.)
Of course, everything about making changes to your life requires that you consider both the consequences and concessions of your new choices. So, make a list--and be honest about the pros and cons. What will you discover? Being revolutionary isn’t usually convenient or free. There are costs to any sacrifice. But there are amazing benefits as well.
Be encouraged to make little changes in the way you eat and see big results!
Becky
(If haven’t watched Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, you can catch up by clicking here and watching episodes and other interviews about the show.)
If you missed the series premiere of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, you truly missed a great deal of information that could change the way you feel about food, increase your awareness about the types of foods you eat, and surprise you with the ridiculous amount of harmful junk that is in so many foods you eat.
In case you think that Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution is just for elementary students or West Virginians, think again! Anyone and everyone can benefit by changing some of the foods you eat in order to live a healthier, longer life.
But who is Jamie Oliver to tell you and me about food? He is not new to TV nor is he new to controversy about food. He has made it his mission in life to challenge (1) families to eat organic, (2) schools to provide healthier meals for their students, and (3) state or national governments to change the way they regulate and administrate what people eat. He has tackled England, Australia, Italy and now America—and he is absolutely making a difference in what and how much people eat through entertainment and education.
Jamie Oliver's passion is two-fold. First, he teaches and encourages individuals and families to see food as important fuel that is necessary to build healthy bodies over ones lifetime. Second, he wants to revive the mealtime as the place where people who care about each other can gather together for great conversations, interpersonal connection, and create memories. Who can argue with that, eh?
After watching two episodes of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, you can't help but ask yourself, "What little changes can I make to improve my eating habits in order to see big results in my overall health?"
Here are some revolutionary ideas to consider: Do you need to bury a fry cooker in your backyard, like one of the families in the show who is flirting with diabetes because of their poor healthy eating habits? Do you need to commit to only eating/buying organic fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods? Should you revive the "home-cooked" dinner at least five nights a week instead eating out every weeknight? Or how about eliminating all soda pop—diet or regular? (No bubbles, less bloating. No sugar, less calories. No artificial sweeteners, no unnecessary chemicals in your body.)
Of course, everything about making changes to your life requires that you consider both the consequences and concessions of your new choices. So, make a list--and be honest about the pros and cons. What will you discover? Being revolutionary isn’t usually convenient or free. There are costs to any sacrifice. But there are amazing benefits as well.
Be encouraged to make little changes in the way you eat and see big results!
Becky
(If haven’t watched Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, you can catch up by clicking here and watching episodes and other interviews about the show.)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
A National Day of Unplugging
This past weekend, Reboot, a nonprofit organization aimed at reinventing the traditions and rituals of Judaism for today's secular Jews, called all denominations to consider unplugging (or avoiding) all forms of technology from sundown Friday, March 19 to sundown Saturday, March 20, 2010.
CNN was among the many news outlets reporting on this unique challenge: “Composed of Internet entrepreneurs, creators of award-winning television shows, community organizers and nonprofit leaders, these "Rebooters" are people who typically have their cell phones glued to their palms. Several of them go so far as to say they have an addiction to their devices."
Of course, setting apart one day each week to experience the "rest of God" is certainly not a new idea--it's thousands of years old.
In fact, Rebooters are not just asking people to avoid technology, they have a simple manifesto of other habits for people to embrace for 24 hours each weekend including:
Connecting with loved ones.
Nurturing your health.
Getting outside.
Avoiding commerce.
Giving Back.
Reboot believes “that everyone can benefit from a respite from the relentless technology. Unplugging on a weekly basis won't provide a magical solution to these issues, but it's a start ... a chance to catch our breaths, replenish our souls and reconnect with the living, breathing people we love."
What do you think? Could one or more of these little changes have big results in your life?
For more detailed information on Reboot, click here.
Be encouraged (to give it a try)!
Becky
CNN was among the many news outlets reporting on this unique challenge: “Composed of Internet entrepreneurs, creators of award-winning television shows, community organizers and nonprofit leaders, these "Rebooters" are people who typically have their cell phones glued to their palms. Several of them go so far as to say they have an addiction to their devices."
Of course, setting apart one day each week to experience the "rest of God" is certainly not a new idea--it's thousands of years old.
In fact, Rebooters are not just asking people to avoid technology, they have a simple manifesto of other habits for people to embrace for 24 hours each weekend including:
Connecting with loved ones.
Nurturing your health.
Getting outside.
Avoiding commerce.
Giving Back.
Reboot believes “that everyone can benefit from a respite from the relentless technology. Unplugging on a weekly basis won't provide a magical solution to these issues, but it's a start ... a chance to catch our breaths, replenish our souls and reconnect with the living, breathing people we love."
What do you think? Could one or more of these little changes have big results in your life?
For more detailed information on Reboot, click here.
Be encouraged (to give it a try)!
Becky
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Food Inc.--have you seen it?
For Christmas, my son and daughter-in-law gave my husband and me a copy of the movie, Food Inc. on DVD.
To be honest, I initially thought that Food Inc. might be a boring documentary and hadn't watched it until recently. (I can assure you that it is not boring, but I would suggest that you watch the movie on an empty stomach.)
In fact, this week, Food Inc. was the focus of an hour-long talk show. The most startling clips from the film were shown to the “live” and viewing audience. I personally felt both sickened by and ashamed of the way our nation’s food supply has declined in the past few decades. But most importantly, the movie provided important information to every American to educate themselves on the foods they are eating.
Hitting close to home...
Five years ago, my husband was diagnosed with cancer. The very first thing he did was to research every protocol available to him. After MUCH research, he took a “watch and wait” approach to his treatment (under a doctor’s care) that included making an immediate and major shift in his diet.
The following changes had very big results in our lives:
(1) We stopped dining out 2 meals a day/5-6 days a week and cooked our meals from scratch and ate at home.
(2) We purchased and ate only organic foods—from meat to milk, grain and fruits and vegetables.
(3) We no longer ate processed foods—just whole foods.
(4) My husband removed all sugar and white flour from his diet, including soda.
At the three-year mark, my husband proceeded with robotic surgery and has remained cancer free for two years. We believe that changing his diet had a dramatic impact on the slow growth of his cancer and his swift recovery. We have continued to eat and cook primarily organic foods at all our meals with family and friends.
But my reason for writing this week’s blog is not only to endorse the movie, Food Inc. I want to encourage you to (1) ask yourself the following important questions and (2) consider making immediate changes to your diet if necessary.
1. How many foods do you eat that are processed every day?
2. How many foods do you eat that contain chemicals or pesticides or preservatives?
3. Are you flirting with diabetes and if so, are you aware of ways you could improve your health by immediately changing your diet?
4. Do you know how many calories you do or should eat every day (for your height and gender)?
If you predominately eat processed foods instead of whole foods, or eat foods that require chemicals to preserve them, and eat loads of sugar and fats to make your taste buds happy, or have NO IDEA how many calories you eat or how many calories are in most of the foods you regularly eat…then it is time to change your eating habits.
Start with the movie. Visit your doctor. Talk to your friends and family. Then willingly make the little "food" changes that will have big results in every area of your life!
Be encouraged,
Becky
To be honest, I initially thought that Food Inc. might be a boring documentary and hadn't watched it until recently. (I can assure you that it is not boring, but I would suggest that you watch the movie on an empty stomach.)
In fact, this week, Food Inc. was the focus of an hour-long talk show. The most startling clips from the film were shown to the “live” and viewing audience. I personally felt both sickened by and ashamed of the way our nation’s food supply has declined in the past few decades. But most importantly, the movie provided important information to every American to educate themselves on the foods they are eating.
Hitting close to home...
Five years ago, my husband was diagnosed with cancer. The very first thing he did was to research every protocol available to him. After MUCH research, he took a “watch and wait” approach to his treatment (under a doctor’s care) that included making an immediate and major shift in his diet.
The following changes had very big results in our lives:
(1) We stopped dining out 2 meals a day/5-6 days a week and cooked our meals from scratch and ate at home.
(2) We purchased and ate only organic foods—from meat to milk, grain and fruits and vegetables.
(3) We no longer ate processed foods—just whole foods.
(4) My husband removed all sugar and white flour from his diet, including soda.
At the three-year mark, my husband proceeded with robotic surgery and has remained cancer free for two years. We believe that changing his diet had a dramatic impact on the slow growth of his cancer and his swift recovery. We have continued to eat and cook primarily organic foods at all our meals with family and friends.
But my reason for writing this week’s blog is not only to endorse the movie, Food Inc. I want to encourage you to (1) ask yourself the following important questions and (2) consider making immediate changes to your diet if necessary.
1. How many foods do you eat that are processed every day?
2. How many foods do you eat that contain chemicals or pesticides or preservatives?
3. Are you flirting with diabetes and if so, are you aware of ways you could improve your health by immediately changing your diet?
4. Do you know how many calories you do or should eat every day (for your height and gender)?
If you predominately eat processed foods instead of whole foods, or eat foods that require chemicals to preserve them, and eat loads of sugar and fats to make your taste buds happy, or have NO IDEA how many calories you eat or how many calories are in most of the foods you regularly eat…then it is time to change your eating habits.
Start with the movie. Visit your doctor. Talk to your friends and family. Then willingly make the little "food" changes that will have big results in every area of your life!
Be encouraged,
Becky
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Fat and sugar -- you're on notice!
A recent University of California San Francisco study claims that the excess sugar in soda pop is responsible for 1000’s of deaths over the last decade. Citing the addictive nature of soda, new and damaging information was presented at the recent American Heart Association’s 50th Annual Conference.
Also this week, the FDA put 17 food companies on notice for lying to consumers about food contents on labels. The recent ABCNews report focused on labels that boasted of “no trans-fats” yet failed to mention the product also contained other unhealthy fats, as well as 100% juice products not necessarily containing only juice.
What little changes can you make that will have immediate and big results in your overall health?
Don’t drink calories! A can of soda is approximately 150 calories and loaded with sugar! If you drink 4 cans of pop each day, you’ve added over 3500 calories (one pound) to your diet each week! Instead, drink water or unsweetened tea with a slice of lime, lemon, or cucumber! And try the non-chemical, non-sugar sweetener called Stevia—found in most grocery stores.
Get back to the basics of eating whole foods (rather than processed). Whenever possible, choose organic and local produce (which usually contain fewer pesticides and chemicals), rather than packaged, frozen or dried foods. Educate yourself on the content of fat, sugar and calories in the foods you like and make adjustments if necessary. In addition, try cooking at home more often and only eat at restaurants that have healthy options such as non-fried items, low-sugar substitutes, or wild caught versus farm-raised fish.
Finally, eating more healthy does not have to cost you more money!
1. Eat smaller portions and split entrees. Wrap up extra portions and take food home to enjoy the next day for lunch.
2. Eat at home more. Prepare a list for the grocery store, rather than shopping impulsively or when hungry.
3. Research restaurant options that serve organic, local, and fresh options.
4. Pack healthy meals and snacks for travel or work.
You can do it--put fat and sugar on notice in your life and reap the benefits!
Be encouraged,
Becky
Also this week, the FDA put 17 food companies on notice for lying to consumers about food contents on labels. The recent ABCNews report focused on labels that boasted of “no trans-fats” yet failed to mention the product also contained other unhealthy fats, as well as 100% juice products not necessarily containing only juice.
What little changes can you make that will have immediate and big results in your overall health?
Don’t drink calories! A can of soda is approximately 150 calories and loaded with sugar! If you drink 4 cans of pop each day, you’ve added over 3500 calories (one pound) to your diet each week! Instead, drink water or unsweetened tea with a slice of lime, lemon, or cucumber! And try the non-chemical, non-sugar sweetener called Stevia—found in most grocery stores.
Get back to the basics of eating whole foods (rather than processed). Whenever possible, choose organic and local produce (which usually contain fewer pesticides and chemicals), rather than packaged, frozen or dried foods. Educate yourself on the content of fat, sugar and calories in the foods you like and make adjustments if necessary. In addition, try cooking at home more often and only eat at restaurants that have healthy options such as non-fried items, low-sugar substitutes, or wild caught versus farm-raised fish.
Finally, eating more healthy does not have to cost you more money!
1. Eat smaller portions and split entrees. Wrap up extra portions and take food home to enjoy the next day for lunch.
2. Eat at home more. Prepare a list for the grocery store, rather than shopping impulsively or when hungry.
3. Research restaurant options that serve organic, local, and fresh options.
4. Pack healthy meals and snacks for travel or work.
You can do it--put fat and sugar on notice in your life and reap the benefits!
Be encouraged,
Becky
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