Why does that word strike such negative feelings to some of us?
Don't get me wrong. I'm not referring to the noun 'diet', which may refer to a plan of eating. I am referring to the verb 'to diet', something so many people are familiar with. Even with good intentions, with dieting, we sooner or later realize just how weak we are.
So I chose many years ago to discard that action word. Instead I use, 'lifestyle' or 'nutritional protocol'. It doesn't sting as much as, 'to diet'. I got so tired of trying so many out there.
My Re-programming:
* Choose to live stronger and longer
* Determine to eat what I enjoy. especially the foods of my culture. Avoid GMO or fake food; stay as close to nature as possible.
* With help of a health practitioner and valid labs, get an evaluation of what are the strong and weak points nutritionally.
* Since foods are so depleted nowadays, find ways to supplement with high-quality, healthy products
* Learn the basics and follow through with what is needed to become and maintain good health.
* My favorite: the 80% nutrition-building protocol, and 20% enjoyable and personally satisfying or comforting foods.
* Use discipline but stay flexible. Do I utilize the 20% on weekends, or during family or social gatherings? Be kind to oneself.
* Learn about basic body functions: brain, circulatory, lungs, digestive and detoxifying, gut, hormonal and other systems, to intelligently care for body and prevent unnecessary illness or diseases. Prevention is preferred.
* But, if dealing with acute or chronic problems, seek informed medical practitioners who treat the whole system and seek for root problems, rather than mask the problems with over-medication. Learn how to replace vitamins and minerals that are hacked from body with needed medication.**
* If sedentary, be creative about moving: trampoline or stairs if joints permit; change positions, light house or yard work, etc....and don't forget swimming or dancing. The key is to enjoy the movement.
To the above ideas, add a positive outlook, social interaction, and a foundational, positive, engaging Belief system. Keep learning and implementing. Take some risks now and then.
Love. Encourage others. Forgive. Hope. Trust. Be thankful. Express emotions. When a negative thought appears, replace it with a positive one, whenever possible. Love the Creator, Yourself, Others!
Let's replace that dirty word...diet...to the phrase, Live strong, live long!!
**If interested in a list of evidence-based health and medical protocols, you can view the List of Resources in my book: Overcome Trauma: Without Completely Falling Apart, Amazon Kindle or softcover.
