Pure Intention – Choose Good Food

The choices we make on a daily basis have a huge impact on our life experience.

Up until a few years ago , I honestly didn’t give much thought to what food I was choosing to put inside my body . If I was hungry, I ate. If I didn’t eat enough, I would feel grumpy. If I needed a pick me up at work so that I could make it through the rest of the day, I ate jujubes !

It all seemed quite simple .

“There is a growing amount of research that shows our wellbeing is influenced by our diet. Not only does a healthy diet protect against ailments, but shopping for and preparing healthy meals is an effective way to distract yourself and help you practice your mindfulness skills”.

I love this quote. I will be referencing Deepak Chopra often, as I have learned so much from his teachings.

Thankfully, I have rarely suffered from loss of appetite. In fact, over the past two years I’ve eaten more than ever. Even-though my intake has increased significantly, I have lost 10 pounds and have rid myself of the muffin top that my physician said would be with me for the rest of my days(hormones)!

I attribute this mostly to the change in my eating habits. It certainly can’t be due to intense physical exercise as this, at least temproarily is no longer part of my daily experience. There are of course other things that I believe have also contributed to this remarkable transformation of sorts. I will elaborate on these new daily rituals that have also had a significant impact on my overall sense of well being in future blogs.

Lately, I have become obsessed with food and love to cook and bake using a wide variety of whole foods.

Gone are the days when my daily lunch consisted of a peanut butter sandwich ( that’s if I remembered to take the time to eat it !). Don’t get me wrong. There’s absolutely nothing bad with a peanut butter sandwich per-say but 30 years worth ? That’s an awful lot of peanut butter !

I incorporate variety into my meals and occasionally enjoy healthy snacks and desserts (everything in moderation) !

It’s important to note that I haven’t totally given up the finer things in life ie Miss Vicki’s Sweet Chili & Sour Cream Chips, the difference is, I don’t over indulge. I consciously choose when I eat, what I eat and how much I eat. On those days when I don’t have the energy to cook, I prepare simple healthy meals that I can whip up in 30 minutes or less or if I’m beyond fatigued ….. Sergio to the rescue (spaghetti, pizza or chicken fried rice… the choice is mine ) !

Here are a few of my latest obsessions (in no particular order).

Tomorrow I will share some recipes that incorporate these ingredients :

Rhubarb – is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins (which give it its red color) and proanthocyanidins. These antioxidants have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, which help protect you from many health-related issues such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.health-benefits-rhubarb

Figs – These delicious fruits nourish your body from the inside out. Rich in vitamins and minerals, dried figs can help prevent nutrient deficiencies, strengthen your bones and make weight loss easier. They’re chock-full of antioxidants that slow down aging and scavenge free radicals that cause oxidative stress.5 Health Benefits of Dried Figs That Will Entice You | livestrong

Mangoes– are a good source of fiber and antioxidants, including vitamin C, which means they support a healthy immune system and may fight chronic and inflammatory diseases. They also contain nutrients that support eye and skin health and are a good part of an overall healthy diet.mangoes-nutrition-benefits-types-and-more

Pears– are a powerhouse fruit, packing fiber, vitamins, and beneficial plant compounds.These nutrients are thought to fight inflammation, promote gut and heart health, protect against certain diseases, and even aid weight loss. Just be sure to eat the peel, as it harbors many of this fruit’s nutrients.benefits-of-pears

Fermented foods– Not only does it enhance food preservation, but eating fermented foods can also boost the number of beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, in your gut. Probiotics are associated with a variety of health benefits, including improved digestion, better immunity, and even increased weight loss.
8 Fermented Foods: Kefir, Kimchi, Miso, and More – Healthlinehttps://www.healthline.com › nutrition › 8-fermented-foods

Limes– contain antioxidants, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation and even help prevent certain chronic illnesses. The high levels of Vitamin C found in limes can help protect you from infection and speed up your body’s healing process.health-benefits-limes

Oats- are among the healthiest grains on earth. They’re a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. Studies show that oats and oatmeal have many health benefits. These include weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and a reduced risk of heart disease.9-benefits-oats-oatmeal

Dark Chocolate – Anyone who knows me well, knows that I used to hate chocolate ….with a passion! You’ll be happy to know that my opinion has shifted and I really enjoy having a piece every now and again. The darker the better 🙂 Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health.Made from the seed of the cacao tree, it’s one of the best sources of antioxidants you can find. Studies show that dark chocolate can improve your health and lower the risk of heart disease.7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate

Matcha– My first encounter with matcha was anything but positive. I was visiting Japan with two of my friends . I desperately wanted to try matcha ice-cream . It looked like an emerald green soft swirl . I had a preconceived idea of what it would taste like ….sweet and creamy. Alas, I was sad to discover that the taste of matcha is anything but that. I took one lick and quickly discarded it into the closest garbage can. So disappointing ! Since then I have rediscovered matcha in the form of a latte and I absolutely love it .matcha-powder-benefits

Ginger– is loaded with antioxidants, compounds that prevent stress and damage to your body’s DNA. They may help your body fight off chronic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diseases of the lungs, plus promote healthy aging.slideshow-health-benefits-ginger

Pink Grapefruit– is a tropical citrus fruit known for its sweet yet tart taste. It is rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber. This makes it one of the healthiest citrus fruits you can eat.10-benefits-of-grapefruit

Here are some more resources you may be interested in :

Eating-for-health-longevity-and-vitality

I hope that you find something that may be of benefit to you .

Have a great evening !

K