Balanced

As a graphic designer, my work load has definitely been impacted by the coronavirus. Associations I do work for are having to cancel meetings, and that means all the associated design work is cancelled. Businesses have less income to use for marketing. The flip side of that is, I have time to tend to what I love. So, my blog, which I have ignored for two years, is seeing a re-birth.   So, I was going through some of my old posts and came across this little gem . In it, I address the idea of reducing your dependence on animal products and processed foods. I’m a vegan, so I would love to see you eliminate animal products, but understand that people need to take small steps. I go on to say that there is one food that I strongly suggest you eliminate and that is sugar. UGH! At the time I had been sugar free for 7 months.   That was back in 2017. Somewhere in between then and now, I fell of the wagon and ain’t nothing pretty down that road. Sugar really is highly addictive.   ...

What’s the first question people ask when they find out I’m a vegan? Go ahead, take a wild guess. Yep, that’s right, “but, where do you get your protein?” they ask. Before I answer that, let me ask you something. Have you ever met anyone here in the United States that has protein deficiency? I’ve only met one person who had protein deficiency in the past, because she had a condition that didn’t allow  her body to properly absorb protein, but that’s under control now. Other than that, nope, no one. Protein is used by our body for repair and maintenance of body tissue and energy and helps fight infection, illness and disease by producing antibodies. So where do I get my protein? Well, if you think back to high school biology class, proteins are pretty much the building blocks of cells and occur in all living things, including plants and animals. Now, how much we need is up for debate, but for the sake of argument I’m going to use the U.S. Department of Agriculture figure of ....

Okay, fats are not usually associated with health, and while it’s true that many fats are unhealthy, some are good for you, even essential to your health. While saturated and trans fats (the bad kind) lead to risk of heart disease, high cholesterol and obesity, other “good” fats serve many purposes. It provides energy, moves certain nutrients around the body contributes to brain health. I suggest you get most of your fats from whole foods like nuts, seeds and avocados. Oils are highly processed and high in calories and low in nutrients compared to whole foods, but that’s a subject for a whole ‘nother blog post. Omega-3 fatty acids are a particularly important fat that you want to be sure to include in your diet. They are called essential fatty acids because your body needs them to function, yet we don’t manufacture them on our own. Contrary to popular belief, Omega-3s can be found in both plant and animal sources, so if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you can still meet your requirem...

Inflammation. Many medical experts regard it as the underlying cause of all disease. Now I’m not a doctor, so I won’t agree or disagree. I do know, however, that adopting an anti-inflammatory diet may help a variety of disorder including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, many cancers and Alzheimers. And generally speaking, it’s a healthy diet, so unless you have some special dietary restrictions, it can’t hurt. Most of the foods are anti-oxidant as well. If you’re interested in adopting a anti-inflammatory diet, it’s really quite simple: eat what is widely regarded as healthy, including lots of produce, whole grains and plant-based proteins. Here’s the skinny: Fruits and vegetables : This is where half your plate should come from. Go for that nutritional rainbow – red (tomatoes, red peppers, strawberries, etc.), orange (pumpkin, mango), green (avocado, leafy greens), blue (blueberries, cabbage) and white (cauliflower, mushrooms).  Be sure to...

“Milk, it does a body good.” Those of us “of a certain age” remember well this catch phrase from the 1980s campaiagn of the National Dairy Board. Great marketing, but is it truth in advertising? IS milk, or any dairy, good for you? Let’s look at some facts: Humans are the only species on earth to continue to consume milk after we are weaned (unless, of course, you’re feeding it to your fur-babies). Most people stop producing significant amounts of lactase, which helps break down the sugar found naturally in milk, by they time they are five years old. That’s why over 75% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant. They can’t properly digest dairy products. If you notice a gut ache, bloating or gas after you eat dairy, that probably includes you. Human milk is especially suited for human infant consumption. Compared to cows milk, it is higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein. It doesn't put a strain on developing kidneys, like cows milk does. Cow dairy is design...

What is needed to sustain life?  Oxygen, water and food, glorious food!  Yet, not enough importance is given to the act of nourishing our bodies.  We scarf down fast food in our cars, graze while standing in the kitchen, or text while sitting in a restaurant. Some of us have a contentious relationship with food. It can evoke feelings of guilt and inadequacy.  It can reflect our attitude about our environment and ourselves.  I expect more books are written about food than almost any other subject, but you’ll have to Google that for yourselves. Mindful eating is big business these days and there is so much information about it that it will make your head spin.  There is at least one entire website devoted to mindful eating (thecenterformindfuleating.org) and entire shelves full of books on the subject.  Mindful eating can change your relationship with food, improving your well-being and overall health.  Food is so central to our survival, it s...

I have a confession to make, but don’t close this window just yet. I’m a vegan – no animal products at all, no fish, chicken, dairy, eggs, nothing that comes from an animal. It works for me. But guess what? I’m not going to try to change you into a vegan. I’m not even going to ask you to give up meat. I have my own reasons and health is just one of them. Although if you are interested in becoming a vegan or vegetarian, just ask me. I’d be happy to help you on your way. That said, there are things for you to consider that will add years to your life, and life to your years. Now assuming you don’t have any food allergies or other health conditions like celiacs, colitis, or Crohn’s Disease, the like, here’s what I want you to do: While I'm not saying to eliminate it, try reducing the amount of meat your eating (diets low in animal products are more diverse in gut microbiome), make it more like a side dish or a condiment. Strive for your plate to be ½ fresh veggies (especiall...