New Years' Veggies
I know I just posted about brownies, but this is really what I've been up to. Veggies, more veggies, sometimes brown rice, smoothies, and then more veggies.
I've always been a healthy eater, but I fall off the wagon in at least three situations: stress, boredom, or celebration. Summer is a horrible time in the celebration category, if that makes sense. No routine, lots of vacations, lots of "special" treats. Fall and the beginning of school gets things on track a bit, then the holidays strike. And the everlasting darkness and dreary rain find me digging through drawers for my "big" jeans.
For the last two months, I've been keeping a food journal (I use an app called My Fitness Pal. Silly name.), going to physical therapy for my back, and exercising as much as possible. Here's what I'm learning and embracing:
The Western diet is killing people, and I want to actively resist it. These days, I respond with what verges on anger when I see the candy at kids' eye level or the huge cookies they display in the checkout line at the grocery store. Everywhere I look, there are empty carbs, loads of sugar, and misleading messages about what's healthy. If it's got more than five ingredients in it, be suspicious.
Eating lots of vegetables requires commitment. Shopping, washing, chopping, prepping, and storing takes at least four hours every weekend. When I'm standing at the sink doing my least favorite task (washing and spinning lettuce), I remember this is a choice I'm making and a way of life I want to model to my children.
The lowfat craze had dire consequences for many Americans. In fact, lots of journalists, researchers, and nutritionists directly blame it for a surge in obesity. We forgot how to eat holistically, how to love avocados and olive oil, how to focus on the good things we can put into our bodies instead of just avoiding the bad things.
When I think I'm hungry, sometimes I really want to have a cup of tea, call my Mom, or tackle a postponed task. Even though my life is amazingly rich and good, I still operate from a place of deficiency sometimes. As in, "This is the last moment I'll ever have to myself. I'd better celebrate with a snack." Usually, what I really need is to stop and be mindful, paying attention to my anxiety, fears, or fatigue instead of trying to avoid those feelings.
Counting calories, temporarily, is very enlightening. The usual cautions hold here--don't go nutso over this or become enslaved to it. But guess what? 10 Triscuits have a lot more calories than 5. And drinks? They're loaded.
Geneen Roth's rules make sense. You know--the Women, Food, and God lady? I really recommend her book. Her rules aren't about what to eat, but how--sitting down without distraction, not in the car, eating when you're hungry, enjoying the experience.
I have a few special pieces of pottery that I use for meals. They're out of reach of my kids, just for me, crafted by a local potter that I love. I have a small, deep bowl for yogurt, a wider one for pasta or salad, and a small plate for sandwiches or veggies. I wash them right after use and return them to their places, and they make my meals more mindful and beautiful.
A little bit of exercise is better than none. I'm a recovering all-or-nothing-a-holic. Nursing a back injury, early winter nights, and being busy has forced me to get creative about exercise and be thankful for even 10 minutes when I can take a quick walk. And I take those chances whenever I can.
What about you? What are you practicing or learning in your quest for health?
January 11, 2011
Reader Comments (23)
Sarah,
I did a post on Eating Well in the New Year and so agree w/ you on all accounts.
Too much processed food being fed to kids....too much addiction to diet soda.......not enough vegetables and good foods.
I hope people that don't eat healthy are reading these valuable points, because your readers all agree w/ you.
I am really making an effort this year to eat less meat, more fresh (local when I can) vegetables and getting my husband on board too.
Happy and HEALTHY new year!
Stacey
Right on, sister! These are all excellent points, especially recognizing the problems with an all or nothing mindset. It's so important to do what we can...and keep doing it!
I liked your post and am curious--who is the local potter?
I couldn't 'agree' with you more on your way of life.
appreciate your perspective sarah, your love of food, of life, and of healthy living. i really think you've struck the beautiful, more integrated balance. thanks for the example. here's to chocolate salt brownies AND those veggies. both have their place. xo
thanks sarah for this post and inviting us to what we're doing. Ben and I started eating this way, http://whole9life.com/2010/12/whole30-2011/ with some modifications. I've noticed how much my body resorts to thinking it "needs" certain foods, but it really doesn't. When I removed all sugar from my life for 30 days (first 20 days had fruit and last 10 none at all) and my tastebuds came to life. Just a little sugar went a long way. I've also been exercising regularly along with eating well and I feel like I have found food salvation. My body has never felt better as long I can remember.
You mentioned mindfulness, which is something I've been meditating on regularly for the past 3 months. It helps in so many arenas. How can I celebrate with food without compromising my health? How can I give my children a healthful future? How can I also be gracious in the way I eat without being that social weirdo (and adapt a little)? It's been one of my best decisions.
Ditto
The people who enjoy your blog are probably at least half way there. Sadly, you may just be preaching to the choir. But, the choir appreciates it. :D
I've recently gone back to weight watchers. This is my version of keeping a diary. The program works for me when I stay on it. If you stick to whole grains and lots of fruits and veggies, you get more to eat. They also allow for the "salted brownie" attacks by making some allowance for treats.
My weight's gotten out of hand lately, so it's time to be more mindful of what I really want and get back on track, literally, get to the gym, too.
I love your innovative use of ingredients. Keep doing what you do. Thanks.
I really liked this post. I need to do better, but I'm making improvements.
Greens and fruits are still being relegated to the lowest rung on the ladder because of inconvenience and shorter shelf life. I’ve tried to stick to a marketing schedule, and find ways to prolong fridge life, but realistically, I need more reasons to stay home and cook the things I buy. Celebrating food and nutrition and cooking can be great, but not if it’s always on your own. So… I am recommitting to hosting more social events where I cook this year! It’s going on the same Excel worksheet as my other goals. Thanks for the needed introspection, Sarah!
Oh, and theses on two of your other points: 1) I picked up WF&G over Christmas at my sister’s house, after having considered getting it, and was nodding my head, but not into it enough. I’ll keep my eye on its price though. 2) I am getting better at the piecemeal part of exercise too- 10 minutes of dance in the morning leaves room for 10 minutes in the evening before dinner, which may be just what I need to undo the funk of the desk job. :-)
Love this post, especially rejecting the low-fat fad, which is frustratingly antithetical to health, taste, and general well-being. I'm trying to get back to my half-plate guideline, meaning when I sit down to eat, half my meal is fruit and/or veg, and always a little protein. So tonight, a big salad, then some pasta with shrimp. Easy peasy and yummy. Oh, forgot to mention the two chocolate truffles I had afterwards - but like Jordan mentioned, it's all about balance. :)
Well said, Sarah!!! This is a great reminder for all of us, and hopefully will reach some others who haven't thought about food this way.
P.S. thanks for the anti-low-fat thing. I partake in avocados, coconut oil & olive oil for my primary fats. Another thing I love about eating meat, veggies, eggs & limited nuts & fruit is I'm at a place where I don't need to count calories. My body says, "You need green," so I make some kale with garlic. Or it says, "you really need meat." I like the balance and my body is sending me clear signals of when it's out of whack:)
You couldn't be more right. Just this morning I opened up my fridge to grab the jug of orange juice to be reminded of the two bins of veggies I have awaiting my attention. Veggies in the winter are difficult to be inspired by, but isn't most everything so in winter? Creativity, pleasure, and enjoyment do have their requirements. In order for me to reside with these lovely experiences and feelings in my future I must choose to cut, dice, peel, and cube these colorful delights now!
portion size, portion size, portion size! that's what i have learned...among other things. :)
Ooooh, recovering all-or-nothing-aholic. Ouch. That'd be me (without the recovering bit). You've got one seriously sound head on your shoulders, Sarah. Keep it up.
[...] Don’t shop for produce angry! (It’s practically my [...]
Organic. That's all I have to say. You know what I'm getting at. Thanks, Sarah, for your wonderful blog.
My favorite way to eat veggies this winter has been roasted. I'm making a huge pan of various roasted root vegetables almost every week (just topped with salt, pepper & olive oil usually). We eat them with a grain & maybe some salad the first night. Then we eat them in enchiladas...with salsa & guac. Heavenly!
My biggest reminder about good eating has come from regularly exercising again after far too long away and months of really unhealthy cravings due to severe sleep deprivation. I make significantly better choices after exercising and always avoid sweets prior to intense exercise.
I want to read that book! Off to add it to my library holds...
Isn't it amazing how much sleep or lack thereof has to do with healthy eating and cravings?
Hi Kathleen! I made my way over to your blog recently. Sister, you have good reasons to be sleep deprived!! What a year you've had! Good for you for getting back in the exercise game and even having a sliver of energy to think about eating well. I'd love to meet you someday...
You're welcome, Zip. I love how you're always on the organic train. I need that reminder.
Great post. These tips are so realistic and refreshing compared to much of the advice that comes out every January. I'm glad to see some sensibility amidst the cleanse/detox/fasting chaos :)