Healing Through Food
Did you know that over 80% of physician visits are stress related illnesses? Do you know what the most frustrating flaw of humanity is? Well, for me, it’s that when I’m at my lowest, I want to curl up in front of the TV and bury my face in popcorn. When we’re not feeling our best, especially when we’re faced with difficult times that may cause us stress, that’s when our bodies desperately need proper nutrition to help them alleviate the stress.
For the past few months, I have been under an unbearable amount of stress, navigating the nooks of crannies of the life that God’s blessed me with. This time, however, things became a tad different. I am fortunate to live with a sister who is insistent on a healthy diet as part of her weight loss regime. Partaking in this diet, I was surprised by how well my body was coping with the heightened level of stress. I’d go to bed feeling down on myself, only to wake up with a positive attitude. At the same time, I had days when I went to bed too depressed to eat anything healthy and would reach for a few crackers. And I’d be reminded upon waking up that I’d sinned against my body and would suffer the repercussions of my choices.
During challenging times, here’s what I do to stay healthy:
In the morning, a healthy breakfast for me is a well done fried egg on a bed of salad leaves and a buttered brown toast. I found that this to be quite filling. To pump it up a notch, I’d have a side of chopped tomatoes from a can because honestly, I’ve never tasted anything as fresh as tomatoes. Fresh vegetables set the tone for a healthy diet throughout the day. Even if I don’t have a lunch packed, I’d still opt for healthier options fi my first meal of the day was veggie-rich.
Lunch was tricky. But having a soup helped. I like a 4 bean chili. Otherwise, I’d make my favorite thing to eat, a savoury pumkin soup. These days, I keep noodles in my desk drawer. They’re not the healthiest option but they do save me from eating out.
Since I was under way too much stress, I preferred to go to bed early in the evenings as a way of letting my brain get enough rest and sustain me the next day. So I’d eat a light soup before 6pm and crawl into bed. The next morning when I woke up, I’d feel like I had enough strength to go on.
I’m aware that we’re different and that our bodies have different needs and preferences. But the one thing that they have in common is this: whole foods are their own kind of medicine.
Please check out this podcast for healthy eating: The Model Health Show with Shawn Stevenson.
Disclaimer:
The recommendations made in this article shouldn’t replace a medical diagnosis, a prescription or a dietician’s recommended meal plan. Precious Molise will not be held liable for any interpretation of the information above.
