Have you ever asked yourself why you eat a particular food? Do you have it because you know it's good for you or do you actually enjoy it?
Are you actually hungry or are you snacking as part of enjoying your favourite TV program?
Have you skipped daytime meals or snacks, then found that your evening meal wasn't particularly mindful?
Your food can support your health, do nothing for you or compromise your well-being. You must eat to survive, but how about looking at eating as an opportunity to tune up your health and make a positive impact? Would you still make the same choices? Choose food and drink that treat your body with respect and care for it so it can carry you for the long run (figuratively and literally).
For example, when you drink a diet soda, you might have avoided sugar but at what cost? You've consumed phosphoric acid, preservatives, caffeine and artificial flavours. You might not be able to sense the direct effects of your nutrient-poor choice, but common sense tells you it will catch up with you sooner or later. In contrast, drink plenty of water, obtain your fish oils and observe your skin's inherent radiance. The response to good choices is palpable. Health is created from the inside out.
Each meal and snack is an opportunity to make a deposit into your health account. Reflect on the 11 health habits that comprise the Health Club Challenge nutrition program: reduce sugar, bolster your vegetable and fruit intake, make mindful choices and employ moderation and balance. If you missed a lesson along the way, go back and begin working through the guide again.
If you make a lesshealthy choice, explore what motivated your decision. You don't have to be perfect 100 per cent of the time. But do it right most of the time and your body will have a better chance. Think of your nutrition as a way to care for yourself.
We are the sum total of our experiences, and that extends to nutrition and health. Being healthy isn't an abstract concept or point you arrive at. Being healthy is the product of the positive choices you make each day.
- Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence
