Last week we talked about the reasons we wanted to focus on food this month. This week & next, we’re talking about what that looks like in practice – the books we’re reading, the foods we’re eating, and the choices we’re making on our journey to more joy and overall health, both physical and mental.
Jen’s Journey:
A year ago I purchased a book from a charity book sale table for $2 called Younger Next Year… with its bright yellow cover and a promise of health and vitality – I was intrigued. It took more than a year before I actually read the book – and wow I am thrilled I finally did! Now that I am in my 50’s, the idea of being younger next year is very appealing to me. How can I stay 50 for the next 20 years? Well the book made a clear and solid promise that if I exercise every day and don’t eat crap, I could achieve this worthwhile pursuit of healthier living (of course there is more good stuff in the book – as well as the message that although worth the effort, it is not easy!)
Ultimately what resonated with me is the simplicity of the “rules” presented. I can manage the idea of “Don’t eat crap” on a day by day basis, and I am astute enough to differentiate what is and isn’t crap. Hence 2019 has started out strong, both in that I have joined the gym and am exercising daily, and of course finding my way in terms of daily food choices. Having February’s theme be food, I am engaged in the delight of digging deeper into how I can take my knowledge beyond just surface level through my love of reading and learning.
In comes How Not to Die – a wonderfully in depth book chock-full of information on how the right foods can save you from disease and early death. Wow again! The challenge I face with heavy material like this is that it oftens leaves me with more questions on how to take what I am learning and put it into practice – is it possible given 50 years of eating experience to change so much? No meat, no milk, so many no’s! While I am happy to be learning more about how to eat optimally, this information overload ultimately brought me back to the beauty of simplicity – simple guidelines at the start of a life changing journey feel right.
I am learning lessons everyday – some truly bring joy – like an amazing meal that nourishes the body and the mind…but also the lesson of patience and perseverance as I am continually faced with the tastiness of ‘crap’. Through it all I remind myself that success will come through simply doing my best, one day at a time. Here’s to being 50 and fabulous for many years to come!
That’s where I am at…stay tuned for Meg’s post later this week as she shares her own journey with food.
The Joyful Gingers 