"Let food by they medicine, and medicine be thy food." - Hippocrates
Hello again, old friends!
I have been actively enjoying my summer vacation and believe me, the memories made are plentiful. After spending over a week with my parents down in Florida and getting to visit my relatives in Illinois and friends in Minnesota I was both sad to leave, but refreshed upon arriving back in North Dakota.
This week back home has been comforting. It was great to be back in my kitchen and sleeping in my own bed. I decided that upon arriving back home, I would stick to a clean and gluten free diet very strictly this week. Usually I have a cheat meal or indulge about once a week, but I have realized that the longer I have cut out or cut down on gluten, the harder my body is hit when I do indulge. I'm starting to realize that my body doesn't like it, and it's not worth it. Now, if you follow me on Instagram (MrsGates21), you know that when I cook at home, that is generally how I operate anyways, but after a long vacation, my body needed a careful detox. Most of what I indulged in on vacation was still aligned with my lifestyle, but there were a few slip ups and plenty of beer consumed. Oh by the way, beer is pretty much gluten water. I came back from vacation only about a pound heavier than when I left, but felt bloated, tired, and sluggish. Thankfully, we were very active during our trip with kayaking, walking, running, paddle boarding, and deep sea fishing (yes, that is activity too!). After six days of clean eating, exercise and no gluten (minus a bite of the hubby's toast), I have lost 1.8 pounds. That struck me. 1.8 pounds after changing close to NOTHING. I never knew that gluten impacted me in such a way. I can live without beer. I can live without gluten. Believe me...I do miss bread every now and then. Especially very dense, whole grain breads. I am now on the prowl to find the best gluten free bread that I can eat to help during those cravings. If you know of any you like, please comment and let me know!
Nutrition is so interesting to me. Hence why I find myself watching food documentaries and reading endless amount of information relating to how the food we eat impacts our bodies. I encourage you to do your research on the foods you most commonly eat. It is enlightening. Starting last January I decided to clean up my diet. I have since lost about 20 pounds, many inches, and found a new sense of strength, well-being, and health I never knew I had. I am in better shape that I was even in high school while I was a three sport athlete. A quote that struck me and stuck with me was- "You have the power to create your own health, or your own disease." I will be damned if I create my own heart disease, cancer, obesity, or organ failure. I will be damned if my poor decisions were to ever impact my children one day in a negative fashion. Science supports findings on how our diets impact our health. Modern medicine is supported by prescription drug companies. I trust doctors. I believe in their knowledge. But, I am going to try and prevent ever having to go to their office. If my doctors miss me, they can find me in the kitchen, in the gym, or in the community using my joy and skills to impact the lives around me. That is a much better use of my time anyways. :)
Last night, I craved mac and cheese. Sooooo, I took gluten free quinoa/rice noodles, cheddar cheese, a little bit of Parmesan, a tbl of Greek yogurt, a splash of almond milk and a head of cauliflower to make a masterpiece. I topped it with 3 oz of buffalo chicken and half of a sliced avocado. It must have been good because I'm pretty sure I just drooled on my key board while typing this. If you are interested in the noodles, I found mine in the organic whole foods section of my local grocery store. I finished my meal feeling satisfied and happy. Oh, and desert. I am one of those people that "needs something sweet," after a good dinner. For that, I mixed half a cup of plain Greek yogurt with 1/3 a scoop of chocolate flavored soy protein, 1/2 tbl of PB2 with chocolate, and 1 stevia packet. SO yummy! Food brings me joy. There I said it. :)
As humans, we only achieve to the level of success or change which we aspire. Today, I am going to reflect on my ultimate goal.
My lifestyle will consist of a mostly plant based diet which is also gluten free. I will live with a healthy diet all the time, rather than a strict, dangerous and calorie reduced diet sometimes. Most of the meat and fish that I or my family will consume will be either personally hunted/caught, or purchased from a local source. There is no miracle pill, meal replacement or shake that can correct a poor long term lifestyle. I will remain focused on preventing health problems through healthy living, in order to limit correcting health problems through pills and procedures. I am what I eat. I will feed my family and those around me in a way that nourishes their bodies and not just their cravings. I will find a way to cook healthy and nutritious foods that are delicious and inviting to tables full of friends and family. I will exercise and train in order to keep my body in optimum shape and health. My body was given to me in order to move.
"When in doubt, use nutrition first." - author known.
What is your ultimate goal? I would love it if you would comment and reflect for yourself. It is never too late to start a healthy lifestyle. There is never a question that is not worth asking. If you are unsure how to start changing to a mostly plant based diet or need recipe ideas, please let me know. Follow me on Instagram (MrsGates21). I post almost all plates that I make!
Have an excellent day!
C.
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