Nourish Yourself
How many times have we heard that to be healthy, all one needs is a good diet and exercise? Diet is one of the most frequent search requests on Google.
In a land of great abundance, and variety of food stuffs, how can it be that so many Canadians and Americans are struggling with metabolic syndromes? Weight gain, diabetes, menopause belly, middle age spread, are key words used in media to sell the latest fad, or discovery or drug. Recently I had a panel of bloodwork done as part of an annual screening. As I looked around the clinic on this early morning , there were so many different people each searching for a healthy life. I started to wonder why are the numbers so high? Below are some interesting studies regarding North America and Canadian diets.
- A study from 2019 by Chef’s Pencil found that Canada was the ninth most diet-obsessed country in the world, with keto being the most popular diet.
- Companies like Mintel conduct surveys to understand consumer attitudes and beliefs about diet and nutrition in Canada. Stats Canada published a yearly report this past March stating the cost of food has been a challenge for many. Anyone who has been in a grocery store this year can attest to that.
- 84% of Canadians believe that what they eat impacts their physical well-being.
- One in four Canadians have dietary restrictions or preferences, especially those under 34 who lean towards dairy-free, vegetarian, or vegan options.
The food production industry has become more industrialized, globalized and consolidated. Massive corporations driven by increasing profits and technological advancements have created a decline in crop diversity, and soil regeneration, and have increased the amount of chemicals found in food. Glyphosate use and pesticides-ready seed crops are known to cause damage to the human biome and interfere with our digestive system and the energy of the cells. Ultra-processed foods contain no nutritional value. [See Dr. Mark Hyman’s website for suggestions on eating to improve longevity and functional wellness.] Dr James D, Adamo writes in his book “Eat Right for your Blood Type” of the correlation between our blood type and the exercise method and diet best suited for each person. I have found this information to be valuable and effective.
From an early age we are told to eat our vegetables. Given the number of phytonutrients, vitamins and the source of fibre vegetables provide, this is good advice. There are so many to choose from, it is not hard to find a vegetable to suit every palate. I look for organic fruits and vegetables. Local markets or small farmstands are good places to find quality foods, while supporting your neighbourhood farmers. Greenhart Farms offers a farm-share program, delivering fresh picked, organic vegetables and fruits weekly, during the spring to fall seasons. Look in your area for a similar program, as it supports farm families, while feeding your family quality foods.
If we view food as the way to nourish our cells, and well-being, we will choose the foods providing for optimal performance. Do an assessment of your cupboards and fridge. What foods support your nutrition goals and what items bring no value and cause your body to work hard to detoxify the chemical ingredients in them? Choose the foods that serve you best.
What if the secret to being energetic and vibrant isn’t what we put in our mouth, but what comes out of it?
Most people believe that food is the most important element for our energy level. It isn’t. The most essential need for human beings’ energy needs is breath.
Breath is the first essential need for human beings. Water is the second essential need for human beings. Only 3 percent of your energy needs come from food.
A person can live about 70 days without food, according to a McGill University Office for Science and Society article published on Jan 10th, 2025. So why are we so food obsessed? This article also states that humans cannot live longer than 5 days without water. Going without water, impairs the detoxification process and harms the kidneys. We know dehydration impacts brain function, even at low levels of dehydration. But few people can go longer than 3 minutes without air. Breathing is essential to every cell. The breath of life nourishes us. Most of us don’t give breathing a second thought until we have a stuffed-up nose. It comes automatically. Focusing on your breathing is a proven way of calming the central nervous system. As we increase the function of the lungs, heart and circulatory system, we improve our energy and mental functioning. It is no wonder that most spiritual practices start with the breath. Jesus tells us “ I am the bread of life” “ I am the breath of life” How interesting is it that those are the two things that get centered out.
I encourage you to take a few minutes to sit quietly and breathe deeply. Being quiet in nature is a great way to experience a renewal of energy. In my garden is a plaque that reads, ““Kiss of the sun for pardon. Song of the birds for mirth. You’re closer to God’s heart in a garden than any place else on earth.”— Dorothy Frances Gurney
We nourish ourselves not only with food. We nourish ourselves with quiet stillness. We nourish ourselves with time spend with friends. Laughter delights our soul. A good book may nourish your mind. Take a moment today and ask yourself “What do I need to be nourished?”
May you be nourished in mind, body and spirit.