What, When, and How Much Should I Eat?

Photo used under Creative
Commons from Edsel L

One question I had to ask myself was, “What kind of life do I want to live?”  Growing up does a job on us doesn’t it?  You know—all the beliefs that are engrained in us from our parents, friends, family-friends, aunts & uncles, elders, TV & society, government, various industries (like medical and pharmaceutical to name two) and, school.  Then there are our misinterpretations and misunderstandings, in addition to whatever else keeps us from thinking clearly and has us deeply confused.  But let’s face it, the mind is like a double edge sword—it can be our greatest strength if we control it OR our greatest weakness if we don’t.  In fact, if we don’t have control over our minds, we are wise to know that other forces are out there working day and night to control our minds so we choose their product or brand.

Here’s the skinny:  At some point I decided there is a life that I am meant to live and that I want to live.  That’s when I realized that if the life we have at any given point is not what we want it to be, that is because the things we’ve done haven't created that life.  If we want a more prosperous life, then we have to do things that contribute to the building of a prosperous life.  

“Doing things” means that choices have to be made.  Choice is an activity that starts in the mind.  So, our minds cannot be distracted by illness—because, as most will admit, it's difficult to think of anything but how bad we feel when we are ailing. 

The next logical question for me then was, “Is there anything I can do to keep from getting sick?”  Answer: Yes.  Then “WHAT can I do to keep from getting sick?”  It took some time for me to figure this one out, because of all that “growing up” (and "being raised") I mentioned earlier, but now the solution to “how not to get sick” is pretty simple to me—Don’t eat when you're not hungry, don’t eat fake foods, and don’t eat too much (basically).  When people get sick, 999 times out of 1000, it is because of the way they eat.  People either eat too often, they eat too much, they eat the wrong things, OR they eat too much of the wrong things too often.

I’ve been on this path for quite some time now, calling myself many names along the way:  vegetarian, vegan, pescetarian, and some other names that have to do with the eating rules you're supposed to follow if you belong to that group. I stopped labeling myself because relying vegan rules, or paleo rules, or any book rules meant I didn’t have to think for myself -- I could simply consult the book if I had questions I wanted answers for (and if I don’t exercise my thinking muscle, how can I expect it to get stronger/better?).  I also realized that none of those categories (vegetarian, vegan, weight watching and calorie counting, paleo, etc…) ever made "complete" sense as a one-size-fits-all kind of eating plan for every person on this planet.  My philosophy now is “I do the best I know how as often as I can, and strive to see clearer and improve as I grow.”  I've developed my own 3 simple food/eating principles that I’ve found incredibly enlightening, empowering, and health-promoting/maintaining/securing, AND leaves the responsibility of thinking and learning about food, eating, and self with the individual.

Here are my 3 food/eating principles:
1) Eat only when HUNGRY,
2) Eat only what is MEANT to be eaten, and
3) Eat only ENOUGH to not feel hungry anymore.

Right away you might notice that these guiding principles don't do the thinking for you, instead they ask you to pay more attention to your body and to think. You have to pay attention to when you are hungry versus when you have an appetite.  What's the difference?  You also have to pay attention to when you feel satisfied and practice self-restraint (self-control) when you've had "enough" to eat. And you have to think (and think accurately) if you hope to learn and know what is meant to be eaten. Many people are content to simply say food is meant to be eaten.  Well, we have to do a little digging and critical thinking if we hope to determine the truth about the so-called foods that are being sold in grocery stores, convenience stores, fast food and chain restaurants, etc. Many so-called foods are not real food at all. Begin your journey of learning what is meant to be eaten today, for your health and the health of any little ones that may be under your supervision and care.

I haven’t even gone into how thoroughly we should chew or where our minds should be while we eat.  Let’s save that conversation for later.  For now, this is an excellent starting place to regain control over a most important aspect of our lives and as a first step toward prosperity.  What do you think might happen if you followed these principles for 1 week or 1 month?  I guarantee that it will be tougher than you might think (at first).  If you try it, notice your relationship with food, the physical difference of living this way for a week, the psychological challenges that it poses (do you control you, or do other forces control you?), and journal about your process/progress.  This is a great step to make on the road to taking control of your life!

True PROSPERITY cannot be achieved without SOUND HEALTH!!!

~Damon

 
*Disclaimer:  These views are mine and mine alone.  I am not a licensed or certified healthcare practitioner, and these views have not been evaluated by the FDA. These views are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional prior to making significant changes in your health related practices or trying any new regimen or program for reasons related to personal health.

Y’all know I had to include that!  It’s the law!  :-) LOL

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