When Good Food isn’t Good

27/11/2007

Few of us question the basic idea that food is good for you; I mean good food. Leeks are packed with iron, carrots with beta-carotene, nuts with protein and oils – of course they’re good for you. However, I acquired a powerful weapon when I realized that even good food can be bad for you. When we are sick, we stay away from food because it will make us feel more sick. However, sometimes we are well, but good food may still be bad for us. How can that be?

It’s simply a case of too much of a good thing. The quality of the food we eat is of crucial importance, but the quantity has to be right too. This seems obvious, but perhaps you, like me, learned from a loving mom that when it’s time for a meal according to the clock, it’s compulsory to eat. Resisting that is very liberating. My darling mom also taught me that when you feel sad or down, a chocolate or at least a banana was the answer.

In fact, digestion is hard work for your body. When you are not really hungry or in need of food, digestion is a downright burden. Research shows that people who eat less and less as they grow older instead of getting more overweight, live significantly longer and healthier lives.

Mainly, good food just tastes good, so it’s a treat to have some and it seems a little depressing that we have to limit ourselves. What I want to tell you is that the initial thought may be depressing, but the reality will make you very happy. You will spend less money on snacks and on stocking up your refrigerator. You will have more time to indulge in things that you love doing – chat to your loved ones; read a book; watch a DVD; walk the dog. You will see the weight dropping off and move more easily. You will feel that you are being true to yourself.

So next time you are about to eat out of habit or just have a second helping because it tastes so good, simply say no. Perhaps an apple is all you need for supper, not that lasagna. Very soon the rewards will empower you to do it more easily until you have a whole new, much healthier habit to rely on. You have a drive towards health - we all do – and cooperating with it is a deep pleasure. Let me get that glass of water; here’s to you!

Submitted by Friend & Author, Melanie Steyn