Instant Gratification

Ever heard the phrase “Patience is a virtue” ?

 It used to be a common phrase when I was growing up, but is pretty much unheard of today.

Who plants their own fruit or vegetables and waits for the harvest anymore? That’s what grocery stores are for.  Though it is a wise choice to raise your own crops, if you have the land, especially with food prices constantly rising.  Not to mention the taste of your own fresh food is so much better than store bought.

Ever made your own clothes?  It is rather rewarding to choose fabric that you like and a design that is unique to your own tastes, then making it with your own hands.  Does anyone even use sewing machines anymore?  I have one, but rarely use it just for small seam repairs.  Or how about spining fiber into yarn to use for kniting?  Do people still knit or crochet today?  Maybe, but not like in my grandmothers day!

Patience was a way of life. Now we have no idea what that is.

Wonder why?

Our modern society is into instant gratification. We are used to everything being at our fingertips.

Some examples of instant gratification:

Instant tanning (who wants to spend hours in the sun?)

Digital Photos (no waiting to develop film)

Microwavable or fast food (who wants to cook full meals anymore?  who has time?)

Audio Books or Videos (no one likes to read more than a page of text)

Pain pills (to treat symptoms instead of the cause)

Remote controls (can’t even move 5 feet to switch channels anymore)

Plastic Surgery (quick results, but don’t always meet expectations)

Liposuction (quickest way to loose weight)

Winning the lottery or any gambling (the odds are against you!)

The problem with instant gratification is that it can produce longterm disappointment when immediate expectations are not fulfilled.  It tends to make us loose patience, or become unthankful for things that take time to produce.

Delayed gratification has its rewards:

Relaxing with a good novel vs. watching a condensed 2 hours movie version (allows you to use your imagination, and read at your own pace)

Home cooked meals  vs. pre-cooked, ready-made

Healthy prepared food vs. quick junk food

Picking fruit from your own tree vs.  store-bought, under ripe fruit from out-of-state or country

Improving your looks and health through better nutrition and regular exercise

Treating the cause of a health problem and eliminating it naturally and permanently

Full time education to produce a career vs. low paying job due to lack of experience

So many things in life you just can’t shortcut on.  Relationships including marriage and parenting are the most important things in life that require longterm patience, and are the most gratifying.

Life is full of rewards when we take time to enjoy each and every minute.

Curb Your Appetite

Want to know a great appetizer, that goes with any meal?  WATER!

I know water doesn’t sound very appetizing, but the multiple benefits greatly out way the tasteless, aroma-less drink.

Water is a precious gift of nature.

Water flushes our bodies of impurities and toxins.

Water clears up our complexion.

Water helps in the digestive process.

And so much more…

The human body is on the average about 60% water.   So water is essential to life.  A person can go days, weeks and even months without food, but cannot go more than a few days without water.  We lose water daily through sweat and urination so it needs to be replaced regularly in order for our organs to continue to work properly.

Concerning diet we are always told to be careful “what” we eat, and that we shouldn’t eat this or that.  Which is important for a healthy lifestyle.  But one thing that I’ve found very interesting is that it is not only “what” you eat, but  “how much” you eat that can be a big problem.

You’ve heard the phrase “Your eyes are bigger than you stomach”.   Meaning your cravings cause you to eat more than your stomach can handle.  This is especially true when the food “tastes sooooo good!”    Another bad habit is when we eat too fast we don’t realize when we are full, and we end up overeating.

What happens when we overeat all the time is that our stomachs stretch out of proportion.  Like what happens to a balloon when you blow it up, then release the air,  it never shrinks back to its original size.

This is the problem when people get their stomachs stapled.   They have to eat much less or else the stomach will stretch out again.

This is where “water” can help.

Water makes a great appetizer!  When you start to feel hungry, before you open the refrigerator door, try drinking two 8oz. glasses of water FIRST. You will find that water will fill you up so that you will not be tempted to over eat.

Next time you feel like a snack try drinking a glass of water and wait 10 to 15 minutes and see if you still feel like snacking.  Then if you’re still hungry try a light healthy snack of fruit or veggies.  If the water curbed your appetite then you may have just been thirsty and not hungry.

Staying hydrated with water should be a high priority in your over all health plan.

And if you think water is a little too bland for your taste try adding a slice of lemon to give it a little flavor.

Plus lemons help with the digestion and eliminate toxins as well!

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Know your ABC’s

You started to learn the alphabet approximately the time you learned to walk, but how about the ABC’s of Vitamins?

Granted we all have different genetics that play a factor in our health, but there are basic nutritional needs that all people commonly have.

It is extremely importance to be in-tuned to your body’s specific needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Vitamins are essential for the normal functioning of our bodies and necessary for our growth, vitality, and well-being.

We all know that we need at least the recommended amounts of vitamins from the food we eat, like 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily, right?.   But most of us tend to be in a hurry all the time, so we grab a bite wherever and whenever we can.  Unfortunately the majority of convenient foods have little to no nutritional benefits.

Seriously, does anyone faithfully eat 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day?  I know I can barely squeeze in 2 to 3 decent meals a day.

The other problem we have is that when do cook we tend to over-cook the food to where the vitamins and minerals get lost before we even put the fork to our mouth.

Thus the invention of vitamin supplements! 

Notice they are food “supplements”, not food “replacements”.   I can’t emphasize enough that you should always get vitamins and minerals in the purest form from the food you eat first!   Then IF you may lack anything in your diet you can add supplements.

Specifically for “Beauty” it is important to get your “A, C & E” vitamins daily.

An important thing to know is that vitamins taken internally (from food or supplements) go to the internal organs in need first, and rightly so.  That means if your body doesn’t have enough nutrients for the whole body’s needs then  your skin, hair, and nails will be the ones to suffer most.  So what can you do to get the necessary nutrients to those areas?

Well have you ever noticed that most conditioners for your hair have added vitamins, and botanicals?  That is because your hair can absorb the nutrients it needs from the surface.  It is the same with your skin, that is why it is so important to use vitamin enriched cleansers and moisturizers.  The nutrients applied  to the skin will directly benefit those specific cells that need it.

Vitamin A (retinol, carotene)

Some of the benefits include: aids in proper function of immune system, helps treat ance, wrinkles, helps remove age spots.

Beautywise: This powerful antioxidant is essential for growth and renewal of skin cells.  When applied to the skin it boosts the production of collagen.  Best sources are:  Fish Liver Oil, carrots, eggs, and dairy.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Some of the benefits include: promotes clarity, heals wounds, burns, helps prevent common colds.

Beautywise: This vitamin builds collagen, that makes skin look healthy and youthful.  Best sources:  Citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, berries, potatoes, and peppers.

Vitamin A and C together are the most important to keep your skin healthy and subtle.

Vitamin E (tocopherol)

Some of the benefits include: protects lungs from the environment,prevents blood clots, heals burns, and can help lower blood pressure

Beautywise: This antioxidant builds and maintains healthy skin tissue.  Best sources: Wheat germ, leafy green vegetables, nuts, whole grains, soybeans, cereals, and eggs.

Did you know there is a Vitamin F?

It is Fatty Acid!

Yes there is “good fat” that your body needs, it is necessary for supple skin and soft shiny hair, and helps prevent cholestrol deposits in the arteries.

Best sources:  unsaturated fats found in vegetable oils like olive oil and avocados.  Also omega-3 fats found in  seeds (like flax seed) and nuts like peanuts, pecans, walnuts and almonds.  Carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and water are also necessary nutrients for energy, organ function, food utilization and cell growth.

Knowing the ABC’s of health and beauty is as important as it was to learn the alphabet and how to walk!

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Got Milk?

Remember the old ad “Milk does a Body Good!” ?  Then other sources say that Milk is bad for you. 

Let’s examine the facts so you can decide for yourself.

First of all, what is milk for?   

Milk is a maternal lactating secretion, a short-term nutrient for newborns.  Nothing more, nothing less.
Human breast milk consists of:  90% water, nutrient proteins, non-protein nitrogen compounds, lipids, oligosaccharides, vitamins, minerals, hormones, enzymes, growth factors and protective agents.

Invariably, the mother of any mammal provides her milk for only a short period of time immediately after birth. When the time comes for ‘weaning’, the young offspring is introduced to the proper food for that species of mammal.  Question is would a human’s milk be good for a baby cow or goat?  

Human milk is for human infants, dogs’ milk is for pups, cows’ milk is for calves, cats’ milk is for kittens, and so on. 

This is the udder truth (sorry couldn’t help myself!), the way nature intends it. 🙂

So why then do we drink milk from a cow and think it is good for us?  Sure we get needed calcium from it.   Plus cow’s milk is fortified with D and B vitamins and water.  But doesn’t “fortified” mean “added” ?

The sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, also fish like sardines, herring, salmon and tuna. So do we really need to get it from milk?

The question is: should we really be drinking cows milk?  Is it “good” or “bad” for us?

I used to love milk!  Especially with yummy chocolate chip cookies, or in my morning cereal.  But once I became an adult I found out that milk didn’t love me.  😦  The term for that is Lactose Intolerant.

Did you know that at least half of the adult humans on this earth are lactose intolerant?  Whew, now I don’t feel so alone!  Most of them can’t drink milk because it makes them ill.   

Certain races, namely blacks are up to 90% lactose intolerant as adults. Caucasians are 20 to 40% lactose intolerant. Orientals are midway between the above two groups.  Most American Indians cannot tolerate milk either.  Diarrhea, gas and abdominal cramps are the results of substantial milk intake in such persons.   These differences are due to genetics. If your ancestors were from Northern Europe let’s say, and for centuries drank milk, then you are more likely to be able to drink milk without any problem.  But if your ancestors came from somewhere where there were no cows, your genetics would not be tolerant to milk.  Does that make sense?

How about osteoporosis?  Don’t we need calcium to prevent it?  

Where do we get calcium from?  From the same place that cow get calcium, mainly from leafy vegetables. After all, elephants and rhinos develop their huge bones (after being weaned) by eating green leafy plants, so do horses.  Whereas carnivorous animals do fine without leafy plants.

The key is not to look at calcium, but look at protein. Consider these two contrasting groups of people; Eskimos have an exceptionally high protein intake estimated at 25 percent of total calories. They also have a high calcium intake of  2,500 mg/day. But their percentage of osteoporosis is among the worst in the world.  Another other group are the Bantus of South Africa. They have a 12 percent protein diet, mostly plant protein, and only 200 to 350mg/day of calcium.  But the majority of their women have no osteoporosis despite bearing six or more children and nursing them for prolonged periods.

Here is an alternative for those of you that can’t handle cow’s milk: Goat’s Milk

1) Goat’s milk is less allergic – It does not contain the complex protein that stimulate allergic reactions to cow’s milk.
2) Goat’s milk does not suppress the immune system.
3) Goat’s milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk (An old statistic showed that goat’s milk will digest in a baby’s stomach in 20 minutes, whereas pasteurized cow’s milk takes eight hours.)
4) Goat’s milk has more buffering capacity than over the counter antacids.
5) Goat’s milk alkalinizes the digestive system. It actually contains an alkaline ash, and it does not produce acid in the intestinal system.
6) Its fat globules are one ninth the size as cow’s milk, making it easier to digest.

What is best for infants and children?  Breast feeding of course is best, as mother’s milk contains a balance of fats, carbohydrates and proteins for the newborn.  It also contains the perfect mix and amount of vitamins for the baby’s needs, and immunological agents that will help the newborn fight bacteria, viruses and other infections.

Since infants depend so much on milk, they can develop an iron deficiency if they consume cow, goat or soy beverage.   Did you know that between 20%-50% of children with cow milk protein intolerance will also react adversely to soy proteins?  Goat milk is a natural milk that children like and can consume comfortably, even if they are sensitive to cow’s milk and/or soy milk.   For menopausal women, goat milk provides 13% more calcium than cow’s milk and can be consumed comfortably even by those women with milk sensitivity.

The most important thing is to make sure you get enough vitamins, minerals and protein from what you eat and what you drink, to stay udderly 🙂 healthy and beautiful. 

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Eat like a King

A King’s Banquet

You’ve all heard about the extravagant feasts and banquets of the Medieval Era and the Renaissance Period? Right?

Let me take you back to the begining of the Renaissance period, to 16th century England.  Let’s say you’re a Noble, and you’ve been invited to the King’s Royal Banquet.  What would you expect to eat?

Their elaborate meals consisted of three, four, five, and sometimes even six courses.  In those days the lifestyles of the “Rich and Famous” meant over-indulgence of food and fun.  Hmm, I guess not much has changed today in that respect.

King Henry VIII, for instance, ate a vast variety of meats and game such as:  roasted meats, usually a pig or boar, beef, venison, lamb, goat, rabbit, poultry, also such delicacies as Swan, Peacock, and grilled Beaver Tails.  Seafood was also popular for the nobles such as: fresh and salt water fish, ranging from herring, salmon, eel, whiting, cod, trout, and crab, oysters, mussels and cockles. Only the very rich could afford fresh meat all year-round, so the abundance of meat at every meal was a status symbol in society.  

It seems that the only foods that Henry and his court didn’t consume in excess were vegetables, and fresh fruit, which were considered the food of the poor.  Vegetables made up less than 20 percent of the royal diet.  The desserts that were enjoyed were Marzipan (a mixture of almond paste and powdered sugar), pudding and spiced fruitcake to name a few.  

All this abundance of food was topped off with large quantities of wine and ale. 

Little was known in that time about nutrition, so the Noble diet lacked such things as Vitamin C and fiber.  This led to a variety of health problems which included bad teeth, skin diseases, scurvy and rickets to name a few.

Let’s fast forward to modern times, shall we? 

Are our eating habits much better than those of the Middle Ages?  We tend to either eat too much, not enough or not the right kinds of food at the right times.

Eating habits can differ drastically between cultures, families and lifestyles.  But did you know that there is a daily eating habit that is proven to be the most healthy and beneficial for all?  There are actually times when it’s best to eat like a bird, and times it is best to eat like a horse, and not gain weight or starve yourself.  Sound interesting? 

We’re not going cover specifically what you should eat in this article, just what proportions are best at what times of the day. 

Eat like a King at Breakfast

The Biggest Meal of the day should be eaten in the morning.  This is when you need energy the most, and your body will burn off the calories throughout the day.  You need some carbs and protein, and a little fat. Your body is more glucose tolerant, in the morning, after going 12 plus hours without food, so you don’t want to have sugary cereal or too much sugar in your coffee.   A healthy breakfast should include carbs to ensure fullness for longer. Whole wheat bread, white meats, eggs, low-fat dairy products, vegetables and fruits are excellent choices. Don’t forget fiber too, like oatmeal, yum!

Eat like a Queen  at Lunch (or a Prince)

Lunch should be a lesser portion than breakfast, but nutritionists will tell you to eat a bigger lunch than dinner. It is better for your metabolism.  Salads with lots of fresh veggies are a great choice.  For sandwiches it’s best to use whole wheat, or grain bread, and hold off on the chips or fries.  To avoid the urge for fast foods try bringing some leftovers from home.  Remember not to eat heavy foods, you don’t want to be caught snoozing on the job after lunch break! 

Eat like a Pauper at Dinner

Dinner should be the smallest meal of the day and should consist of mostly protein with some complex carbs, such as vegetables. If your used to making a big dinner for family and friends, just limit the proportions.  Eating a big dinner settles and turns to fat because usually you do less activity later in the evening.  There are some controversies on this, but my advise is not to eat less than an hour before bedtime (especially high calorie foods), or your stomach and thighs may not forgive you! 

This way of eating may seem foreign to most of us because of our hectic lifestyles.   We barely take time for breakfast in the morning, as we’re rushing off to work or school.  We rarely eat a nutritious lunch, as fast food has become the norm.  Then in the evening we make a big dinner for the family, or eat out.  

Important things to consider for a healthy diet are:

• Portion sizes — waiting to eat could lead to consuming larger portion size
• Quality of food — healthy choices vs. unhealthy
• Excessive snacking — may lead to excess calories from sweets, or fast food options
• Health concerns — consistent periods of going without food followed by large meals can negatively impact the interaction between your blood sugar and insulin and make you more vulnerable to Type 2 diabetes

I don’t know about you, but I’m thankful I didn’t live back in the days of Henry VIII, whether rich or poor, their diet and lifestyles were anything but healthy. 

Now you can go to sleep poor, and wake up rich for a long and healthy life.

 

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