Inside each and every one of us is a radiantly healthy, vibrant and happy being. Childlike, fun. Free. Clear headed. Energized and positive.
Many people who have changed their lifestyles to eat nutritious foods combined with an active routine describe the way they feel as an altered state. An “altered state” in which they refer to feeling happy, vibrant, clear headed and energized. What they don’t realize . . . and what many of us don’t realize is that this is not an “altered state” at all. This is your natural state. This is how we are all meant to feel.
But then there’s chips. And chocolate bars. And champagne and orange juice. And Chinese food. And Kraft Dinner. And Bailey’s. Oh — and Jell-O shooters. Damn the Jell-O shooters. These are the foods and beverages that become “normal” in our lives. They’re celebratory. They’re a “treat”. They’re yummy. They’re easily accessible. But unfortunately, when it comes to your body . . . they’re just straight up crap. Hey — don’t get mad at me . . . I didn’t make the rules. But perhaps this is a good thing. Perhaps this is our challenge. I’ve always believed that great things are always worth the effort. Like Anthony Robbins says, “I believe life is constantly testing us for our level of commitment, and life’s greatest rewards are reserved for those who demonstrate a never-ending commitment to act until they achieve.” This can easily be applied to the way we eat. And the rewards are for you to discover for yourself.
After listening to some David Wolfe, one of my inspirations on nutrition, I was reminded of something that I’ve tried to hold true to my own self in the way that I eat — and that is a very simple concept. A concept as he describes as universal in all countries. In all walks of life. And is understood in every language. And that is simply, you are what you eat. Literally your cells will rejuvenate or deteriorate based on the foods in which you feed your body. If you want to feel vibrant and alive then you need to feed your body with vibrant living foods.
And as Wolfe says, your habits are going to create your future. So now is the time to create those good habits. Now is the time to make 2012 the healthiest year yet. Drink water instead of pop. Buy salad fixings every week. Make oatmeal for breakfast. Add fresh blueberries. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables everyday. Drink green tea instead of coffee. Get active. And keep it simple.
Focus on eating foods that were given to you by this earth — in they’re natural state. And no, unfortunately, hot dogs do not grow on trees. Fuelling your body with the right foods is a recipe for success. A means of achieving greater things. So find what inspires you and make your changes starting now.
“The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results.” — Anthony Robbins
Rice Rolls — Easy, Nutritious and Fun
1 Package rice wraps (Asian Food Isle)
½ Carrot, Slivered
½ Cucumber, slivered
1 Package sunflower sprouts
½ Cup crushed cashews
½ Cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Boil water for rice wraps. Pour water over rice wraps and leave for 15-20 seconds until pliable. Put fillings in middle, wrap and roll! Serve with Sweet Chili sauce or a peanut sauce.
Kristin Fraser, BSc, is a registered holistic nutritionist and local freelance writer. Her column appears every second Wednesday. She can be reached at kristin@somethingtochewon.ca.