Now that the Holiday feasting is over, New Year’s resolutions start rearing their heads, with dieting and exercise at the top of the list. Contrary to the promises of supermarket tabloids, trying to drop a bunch of weight in a short amount of time is neither realistic or healthy.
We’re always all on a “diet” – our diets are whatever we choose to put into our bodies on a regular basis. Our current health crisis is a reminder that our health is our most valuable asset, and keeping our immune system strong is the best insurance policy toward ensuring our continued wellbeing. So instead of focusing on weight loss, why not put the focus on healthy habits?
A study of the Blue Zones (more about that later) around the world shows that our odds for a healthy, vital elderhood is a function of genes and lifestyle – 10% genes and 90% lifestyle! Our health is very much determined by our daily habits. What these Blue-Zone cultures have in common, in addition to a number of other qualities, is that they all eat a mostly plant-based diet.
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When I hear people talking about “going on a diet”, it always smacks of deprivation: signing up to eat foods that are “good for you” (but boring) until the weight comes off, then it’s straight back to the romance with the darlings of processed food manufacturers, salt, sugar, and fat. Cheap sugars, cheap fats, and a TON of salt.
Imagine eating foods that you love, at every meal – foods that are good for you and keep you in optimum health. Sitting down to a wonderful meal is a pleasure -- we should eat foods that we love, all the time! Otherwise, it’s the endless yoyo of weight gain and dieting. And the meals don't have to be fancy or expensive.
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Here in the beautiful Bay Area, we have access to a large variety of fresh produce year-round, with several excellent local markets and farmers’ markets to choose from. Not sure how to prepare some of these foods? No worries! Stay tuned for our Saturday morning online foodie talk, and I’ll be sharing ideas and recipes on this forum as well. Happy New Year, and I look forward to hearing from you! Margaret Riesen