Why does “healthy” feel so difficult?
Americans are among the most obese people in the world — yes, in the world. That’s the problem we see. The hidden problem is the prevalence of disordered eating, of which obesity is just one extreme. Add to this the heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and other conditions related to obesity and stress, and you have a lot of unhealthy people on a lot of medication.
The sizes of food portions in restaurants and at home have increased steadily over the past 30 years as have the sizes of average plates and glasses. Since the 1970s Americans have been eating more (calories in) and moving less (calories out). As the fast-food revolution took over our country, so did the couch potatoes, thanks to the technology of TV, computers, and computer games.
Easy math
This is a no brainer. More energy in and less energy out is a math problem a first-grader could solve. We have made a lot of excuses as a nation; we have tried low-fat, low-carb, high-protein diets, plus every diet pill imaginable; but the bottom line has remained the same. We get heavier and heavier. Add to that equation the stress factors of American life (a hurried life), and you have a nation of people in whom heart attacks, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and renal failure are just waiting to happen. And these diseases are happening at younger and younger ages and at staggering rates.
What God intended for our good can be reclaimed through practicing the three principles from the Creation’s garden: healthy eating, physical activity, and rest. These three principles and their practical application are not common practice, but they are common sense. This concept is not a diet. It is not an exercise routine. It is not psychotherapy. These are guides for healthy living with the emphasis on living. The most exciting part is that scientific evidence is beginning to prove that these principles really are the basis of health and wellness.
For healthy eating, choose the following:
- Whole, unprocessed foods
- 100% whole grains and cereals
- Natural unrefined plant oils and no trans fats
- Organic meats and dairy products
- Locally grown fruits and vegetables when possible
- Water (about eight glasses per day)
- Breakfast to start the day
- Healthy snacks and desserts
- Nutrient-dense foods, or power foods, daily
- Moderate portions (no bigger than a deck of cards or a tennis ball)
Most importantly, I want to help everyone realize that all natural foods are good foods — when eaten in moderation!
As a helpful resource, I have lots of articles on healthy ingredients and recipes that you can implement into your daily life.
If you’d like to dig deeper into my journey of discovering God’s plan for health and wellness, check out my book, Made For Paradise: God’s Original Plan for Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, and Rest.
