Its early morning.... you grab a latte from the coffee shop, skip breakfast, grab a "gluten free" muffin or a "healthy bar" at work, a wrap for lunch, a few chips on the drive home, then slam down some left-overs, go out, or do a "fast" food option. Life is busy, but your health doesn't need to take a backseat. The first step to a healthful body, mind and lifestyle is taking the time to prepare, cook, and care for your self.

Where does your food come from?

Many years ago this question wouldn't have been asked. Why? because people knew the answer. It was grown, picked, prepped, cooked then served right to the table. People were directly involved with their food. But it wasn't just about what they ate; it was about the whole process as well.

If your food isn't cooked by you, then by who?

Man or machine? Is it fresh or is it packaged, preserved, and made shelf stable for years? Michael Pollan, Food Author and Journalist, who has written many books about where nature and culture intersect on our plates, says it isn't necessarily about the nutrients or calories but, what predicts our healthy diet is who was doing the cooking, a human or a Corporation?

The difference is that corporate cooking uses a huge amount of fats, salts and sugars, much more than we would ever use if cooked ourselves. These 3 ingredients, (and not the healthy kinds either) when layered in the right proportions are cheap and addicting. The words they use are "Cravability" and "Snackability" and that's exactly how they sell their products. NO muss, No fuss. Right? WRONG! Less than 70% of people eat their meals at home. The main complaint is that there isn't enough time to cook, but if kept simple fresh and easy, cooking can bring about so many benefits that you may not even be aware of...

Saves time and money.

Yes, really! By the time you get to the restaurant, order, get served, you could of made a delicious meal at home. You then will have more time (and money) to relax, do a few "to do list" things, read, or even get out for that run or walk with the dogs.

Health, Energy and Weight Loss

Portions served in many restaurants have increased 3x/ larger (and the plate size) than in the past, which leads us to eating more. The ingredients at times are not the best quality,(non-organic, high sugar, fat, processed, pre made) which can deplete your energy (think about nutrient preservation), pack on excess weight, increase blood sugar, and for many deflate motivation to stick to a healthy eating regime. By cooking your own meals, you are in control of your health and your body's destiny.

Awareness and knowledge

Food is much more than filling the whole and the hunger. It can heal, cause sickness, boost your immunity, inflict pain, build your muscles and stamina, and give you mounds of energy. It can teach you what works the best for your body or tell you what combinations you may want to avoid. It can educate you on nutrients, good fats, calories and portion size. By cooking, you are actually creating and with an open mind and heart, your creativity will flow and so will your vitality and health.

Family Bonding

Study after study has proven that when families cook together (and eat together) it improves their dynamics as well as their health. Taking the time to be together provides cooking skills, mealtime nourishment, connection, stability and support. The value of cooking and sharing meals together last a lifetime.

A few tips

Optimize your kitchen. Make sure you get rid of what you don't need and have what you do need.
Plan your meals. Shop ahead of time and make a list. Keep it simple.
Make the time in your schedule (Write it in your calendar) Plan a day or two in the week for prep (chop, slice, dice, cook, and package)
Plant a garden. Inspire yourself to grow, cook, and eat fresh.
Have the family pick a recipe once a week and cook together.
Enjoy the process. I promise this will be the highlight of your day.

As the saying goes "You are what you eat" and as I always say "You become what you eat"... either way, what goes in your body comes through in the form of healthy weight, energy, mood, skin, vitality, and the list goes on.

I'll see you in the kitchen,

Lisa

Adapted from Lifehack

As much as we would like to find that magic pill, that easy diet, or that perfect balance of mind and body; becoming healthy involves commitment and making some changes to your daily life.

Here are the top 7 ways healthy people stick to a healthy lifestyle.

1. Eating a Clean Diet

There are many diets and advice as to what to eat. But when it comes down to it, simple is best. Our bodies are incredible machines, fuel it right and it will show you what it’s capable of. Include a diet of lots of vegetables, no preservatives, artificial additives or colors, limited sugars and no processed foods. The cleaner your food is, the more your body will process and absorb those wonderful nutrients you’re eating. What you put in you get out.

2. Some good ZZZZZ’s

Sleep is so important to our health and wellness. When we are in a deep sleep we are repairing, healing, releasing growth hormones, regulating hunger hormones, creating new cells, recharging our brain, supporting heart health, keeping our weight in check, motivating our mood, memory and so much more.

Winding down at night (turn off all technology, meditate, gentle yoga, bath) an hour before bed helps to quite the mind and body so you can have a peaceful sleep.

3. Positivity

Most healthy people tend to focus on the positive things in life. They keep their mental balance by not wasting precious energy on negative, sadness, or hopelessness and focus on hope, joy and a balanced outlook.

4. Manage the Stress

Long periods of chronic stress are damaging to our bodies, and slowly chip away at health. Hormones such as cortisol, adrenalin, and Norepinephrine are there for a good reason, to work our fight or flight mechanisms. These help us to flee from danger (fight a tiger, race across the street or jump into action) But in times of chronic stress when these don't shut off, our bodies take a toll. Healthy people learn how to keep their stress in check. Talking to someone, journaling, breathing techniques, are just a few you can use.

5. Cultivate Relationships

Healthy relationships are important for a balanced and healthy life.

It has been proven to boost mood and also improve one's quality of life. In the Blue Zone (The environment and lifestyle of the longest living people) healthy social interactions are one of the reasons life is prolonged in these regions. Finding quality social time with friends is key. Friends nourish the body and soul.

6. Move That Body

Our bodies are made to move and without them, we deteriorate. Exercise isn’t always easy, even for a healthy person; the consequences of a sedentary life are not worth it( heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression etc) Healthy people stick to a plan, make small goals, motivate themselves ( with the help of others, groups, goals) and move forward one healthy step at a time.

7. Recharge

Healthy people usually know when its time for a “Timeout”.

When we understand this isn’t a luxury but a necessity then we can be able to begin to balance our energy, become self-nurturing, accepting self-love, and desire to be a better, healthier self.

Switching to a healthier way of life may mean some changes and change isn’t easy. But taking small steps will help you from feeling overwhelmed. Go ahead; make the step to a long-term happier and healthier you.