Reading between the lines
One day on a shopping trip when my children were little, one of my daughters, Allie (who was just learning to read), was fascinated by all the strange words on the back of a bag of corn chips, so she proceeded to try reading it. Suddenly she looked up at me and asked, “Mommy, what’s red 40 and yellow 6?” I told her those were colorings that the manufacturer puts into the chips. Her precious face looked stricken. “What are colors doing in this package of chips?” she asked, horrified. I replied by telling her the truth: these artificial colors are made from chemicals and these dyes are used to make the food look more attractive but have nothing to do with making the chips healthier—just the opposite. I told her there is lots of research to prove that these unnatural things are not good for us. Her face showed disgust as she walked back and placed the chips on the shelf. She picked up another bag, studied the label for a while, and without saying a word placed it back on the shelf. Then she continued on down the aisle and walked straight over to a display of fruit, picked up an orange, and placed it in the basket. Never again did she ask for those chips. Educating and guiding your children to take ownership of their bodies empowers them to make their own healthy choices. I still remember this day, and remain thankful that my children are now able to make good healthy choices.
Stick to the basics
We take care of the things we love, and our body is no exception. Speaking nutritionally, sticking to basics keeps it plain and simple:
· Natural, seasonal, fresh foods not only taste good (once your body gets accustomed to them), but your body actually adjusts to wanting these foods.
· Read a label. If you can’t pronounce an ingredient, it probably isn’t natural and not the best thing for you to put in your body.
· Eat food that provides a steady, even flow of energy. Complex carbohydrates and protein provide a day-long release of energy.
· Eat the food before you need it¾such as, eat a healthy breakfast.
· Avoid sugar, highly processed foods, chemicals, dyes, and preservatives.
