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Inner Peace Through Food
by Cindy Sue Blair
Just what I was looking for, a pair of decoratively stitched blue jeans. I
picked out one in my size and went to try them on. In the dressing room I
discovered that they didn’t fit. Not only did they not fit they weren’t
even close to fitting. Muttering under my breath, I redressed and went out
to select another size. The next size up didn’t fit either.
Were the jeans I was wearing my favorite jeans or were
they the only ones that fit anymore? Tears filled my eyes as I quickly put
on my worn and faded jeans. My only thought was to get out of the store
before I burst into tears.
It was painful to have my emotional blindfold ripped from my
eyes to see the truth in a department store mirror. I had avoided shopping
for new clothes, and I had avoided weighing myself, all to avoid admitting
I was gaining weight. Yet in the end, the weight was there and I was no
longer able to turn away from the truth.
After a prolonged cry and then a bout of anger I
realized that I was now free from my self-inflicted bondage. No longer did
I have to avoid my image in store windows, no longer did I have to pretend
my clothes fit, no longer did I have to carry the pain of feeling
unattractive.
I harnessed the emotional energy I had spent on denial
and turned it full-force on positive action. I turned the page in the book
of my life and began a new chapter. The first step was a visit to the
library where I checked out a stack of books on health and nutrition. Next
on the list was a long overdue visit to the doctor, who ran tests, said I
was in good health but needed to lose weight, not a surprise.
It has been a long journey of small steps and my
emotions have run the gamut but now when I try on a pair of jeans there
are no surprises. That day in the department store I went searching for
jeans and found me.
Cindy Sue Blair is an internationally syndicated columnist. Her
articles appear in publications throughout the US, Canada and Europe. ©
Cindy Sue Blair 2011
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Inner Peace Through Food
by Cindy Sue Blair
Gram always said, “If you have your health, you have everything.” Good
health is the cornerstone on which to build your life’s goals and dreams.
Whether your goals include a new career or a trip to an exotic locale, you
will need the energy and focus that healthy eating provides.
What food groups and what amount from each group do you
need to eat each day? Visit
www.choosemyplate.gov and click on “Get a
Personalized Plan” in the box on the right-hand side of the page. A new
screen will open, simply enter your age, male/female, weight, height and
physical activity and click “Submit.”
If you are at your healthy weight, you will receive a
daily food plan. If you are above the healthy range for your height, it
will ask you if you want a food plan for your current weight or if you
would like a food plan to gradually move toward a healthier weight. You
can print a PDF version of your results and also a Meal Tracking
Worksheet. Review the plan and talk to your healthcare professional before
making any dietary changes.
The Daily Food Plan can be the first step toward a
healthier life. Compare what you eat on a daily basis to what the plan
suggests. Look for eating habits that might be undermining your health
such as an excess of carbohydrates, fat or sugar.
Remember what Gram said and take the first step today
toward that bright, healthy future.
Cindy Sue Blair is an internationally syndicated columnist. Her
articles appear in publications throughout the US, Canada and Europe. ©
Cindy Sue Blair 2011 |
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Inner Peace Through Food
by Cindy Sue Blair
The nutrition label, it’s on almost every package of food. Numbers
and percentages for calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium and much more are
listed on the label. What does it all mean to the consumer? How can we
use the information on the label to make informed food choices?
Comparing similar products is easy when you read the label. Nonfat
milk and 2% milk each have about 30% of your daily calcium per a one cup
serving but differ in calories and fat. Nonfat milk has fewer calories
then 2% milk and no fat. Two-percent milk is higher in calories than
nonfat milk and can have up to 15% of your daily value in fat. You can
cut calories and fat in your cooking if you use nonfat milk.
Are you watching your sodium intake? Sodium is added to many foods
to add flavor or to preserve them. If you are looking to decrease your
sodium intake, make sure you read the nutrition label on any food you
purchase. The label lists the sodium per serving size in milligrams and
also includes the percentage of daily value per a 2,000 calorie diet.
Reading the label is not only about limiting your intake of
different nutrients but can also be used to increase your intake. If you
need to add vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium or iron to your diet, the
percentage of daily value is listed near the bottom of the label. Use
the label to choose products higher in the nutrients you need.
Develop the habit of reading the nutrition label when you are
choosing food products. It may add a few minutes to your shopping trip,
but the knowledge you gain will put you in charge of your health.
Cindy Sue Blair is an internationally syndicated columnist. Her
articles appear in publications throughout the US, Canada and Europe. ©
Cindy Sue Blair 2011
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Inner Peace Through Food
by Cindy Sue Blair
Who in the family but me would spend an entire day in the kitchen
just to create a mouth-watering loaf of French bread? The careful
selection of the ingredients and the kneading of the dough are moments
that I savor. When the loaves have risen and the oven has warmed the
kitchen, only then are the pale dough loaves slid carefully into the
heat. Within minutes the aroma of baking fills every nook and cranny of
my home.
By the time the timer starts to buzz, my husband and I are
impatiently waiting for a taste of the hot, crunchy French bread.
Removing the loaves from the oven, I proudly present my artistry to an
appreciative audience.
Baking bread from scratch can be a relaxing hobby. Simple bread
recipes need only a few ingredients to make a mouth-watering loaf that
can complement stew, spaghetti or just enjoy the bread with a little
butter.
The most time consuming part of bread baking is the time needed for
the dough to rise. Depending on the type of bread there is usually an
hour or two of rising between the kneading and the punching down of the
raised dough. It is fascinating to watch the mixture of flour and yeast
turn into a ball of light, airy dough.
If you don’t have the time to make bread from scratch, you can
still fill your home with the delicious aroma of baking bread. There are
numerous ready-to-bake breads at the grocery store that allow you to
enjoy baking the quick and easy way.
Nothing tastes better than bread fresh from the oven. Baking bread
can help you unwind whether you bake from scratch or use prepared
products.
Cindy Sue Blair is an internationally syndicated columnist. Her
articles appear in publications throughout the US, Canada and Europe. ©
Cindy Sue Blair 2011
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Inner Peace Through Food
by Cindy Sue Blair
My interest in living a healthier lifestyle has developed into a
passion for nutrition. The longing for food has been replaced with a
desire to understand the effect that food has on my body. I read
voraciously both books and magazines relating to nutrition. The fact
that the tomato contains vitamin A which is good for your vision, skin,
and hair is utterly fascinating to me
So began the process of discovering how to create a delicious meal
filled with vegetables. My favorite foods are chocolate, garlic bread
with cheese and pizza. Vegetables have never ranked in my top ten
favorite foods. Snacking on a sliced green pepper with sour cream dip is
as close as I had ever been to my daily servings of veggies.
It was obvious that new food choices would be making appearances on
our grocery list. My husband, Tom, purchased an encyclopedia of
vegetables. While we experiment with cooking recipes that are full of
vegetables, he regales me with the nutrition of the different
ingredients we are using.
After discovering that I really enjoy eating vegetables, they are
now at the top of our grocery list. I still love pizza and Tom’s
birthday gift to me was his creation of pizza soup. Not only does the
pizza soup smell heavenly while it is cooking but it is the best tasting
pizza you can eat without a crust and full of vegetables.
Thanks to the knowledge that I have gained, Tom and I are
succeeding in our lifestyle changes. The more we understand food and
nutrition, the more we are in tune with our bodies. Knowledge has been
the key to unlocking the healthy person within.
Cindy Sue Blair is an internationally syndicated columnist. Her
articles appear in publications throughout the US, Canada and Europe. ©
Cindy Sue Blair 2011
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Inner Peace Through Food
by Cindy Sue Blair
I was looking for a way to prepare a vegetable dish that was
healthy, flavorful and would fill my kitchen with the joy of cooking.
During a brainstorming session at the kitchen table my husband, Tom,
suggested I make a hot, bubbling pot of soup.
What a novel idea, create a dish that has been a staple of the
human race for thousands of years. Out of the bookcase came vintage
cookbooks which I spent several evenings perusing. Basic soup appeared
to consist of broth, vegetables and a protein such as chicken, meat or
seafood.
A trip to the market was in order. I wanted my first bowl to be
recognizable to my taste buds so I selected traditional vegetables. To
simplify my first attempt I purchased vegetable broth and canned
chicken. As I pushed my cart to the checkout, I was proud of starting a
healthier lifestyle. Excitement coursed through my veins as I
arrived home. Looking at my purchases, I wondered how long it would take
to clean and dice that vegetable mountain. My husband’s offer to help
with the prep work was gratefully accepted.
The broth was poured into the newly purchased, incredibly large
soup pot. As the broth simmered, we chopped, diced and tossed the
veggies into the pot. Conversation, laughter and peaceful quiet moments
passed between us.
My first attempt at homemade soup was a delicious success. The
original concept, how to eat more vegetables, has expanded to using food
to create a healthier life for us.
Cindy Sue Blair is an internationally syndicated
columnist. Her articles appear in publications throughout the US, Canada
and Europe. © Cindy Sue Blair 2010
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Inner Peace Through Food
by Cindy Sue Blair
“I only eat once a day. Why can’t I lose weight?” Ashley lamented.
A common myth involving weight loss is that starving your body will
force it to lose weight. This idea is based on wishful thinking rather
than a basic understanding of how your body functions.
Metabolism, from the Greek, means “changeable.” The body’s metabolism
is the process that changes the food that is eaten into chemicals that are
transported into the cells.
Digestion requires energy. The less you eat, the less energy and
calories your body expends. Your body uses fewer calories to maintain the
basic functions of your systems. Fewer calories burned make it harder to
lose weight.
Balance is the key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Information to help you get started on a healthier meal plan is only a
click away at www.MyPyramid.gov.
Using the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the web site offers
personalized eating plans and interactive tools to help you plan/assess
your food choices.
The web site has audio podcasts that explain how to get the right
amount of food, healthy work habits, eating out and how to organize your
refrigerator. Watch a video that explains better snacking habits, what you
can find at farmers markets and how holiday parties can be made healthy.
The human body is a brilliant, complex living machine that operates
twenty-four hours a day without taking a break. A lack of knowledge will
hinder the function of this beautiful machine. Understanding your body
will help you achieve the ultimate goal, good health.
Cindy Sue Blair is an internationally syndicated columnist. Her
articles appear in publications throughout the US, Canada and Europe. ©
Cindy Sue Blair 2010 |
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Inner Peace Through Food
by Cindy Sue Blair
"I’m afraid and it keeps me awake at night. Am I too
old to improve my health?" Sierra asked, a worried tone in her voice.
Sierra’s father had just returned home after several weeks in the
hospital. He had suffered a major heart attack as well as complications.
"Family history" and "genetic predisposition," expressions used by the
doctor, were keeping Sierra awake at night.
Genetics cannot be altered but the wake-up call in the form of a family
member’s health problem can be a blessing in disguise. This can be the time
to explore major risk factors than can be either modified, treated or
controlled by lifestyle changes or medications.
Risk factors that can be affected by changing your lifestyle or taking
medication include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, obesity,
physical inactivity, diabetes and smoking. The American Heart Association at
www.heart.org
has several assessment tests that you can take to evaluate your risk
factors.
A heart-healthy diet is a boon to anyone regardless of their family
health background. Your heart will thank you for a few simple changes in
your food choices. Vegetables supply vitamins and minerals yet contain no
cholesterol. Adding vegetables to your next meal will not only add nutrients
to your diet but vegetables also add flavor. Reduce the fat in your diet
with a switch to low-fat dairy products and use whole grain bread when
making a sandwich. Always consult with a health care professional before
making changes to your diet especially if you are taking medication or have
other health issues.
Worry is based on the fear of the unknown. Take the fear out of your
health and schedule an appointment with your doctor. Knowing your blood
pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose numbers give you a concrete base to
build your good health on, regardless of your age.
Cindy Sue Blair is an internationally syndicated columnist. Her
articles appear in publications throughout the US, Canada and Europe. ©
Cindy Sue Blair 2010
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Inner Peace Through Food
by Cindy Sue Blair
The banquet table was overflowing with delectable food samples from
the deli department in the grocery store. It was the yearly sampling
event, the perfect opportunity to try a variety of tasty tidbits.
Two young women, fresh from their weekend workout at the gym,
approached the table. It was lunchtime and the woman in pink had a look of
anticipation on her face while the woman in green lagged behind her
friend, a frown marring her appearance.
Miss Pink requested the full plate which included small samples of
BBQ beef, cheese potatoes and two different pasta salads while Miss Green
declined to try anything. When Miss Pink encouraged her friend to at least
try the cheese potatoes, Miss Green angrily accused her of trying to ruin
her diet. She hadn’t eaten all day and if she ate anything now she would
just get hungry and binge when she went home.
Are you afraid of food or your response to it? Using fear and anxiety
as a foundation for your lifestyle is like building your home with
termite-riddled wooden support beams. Eventually the structure will come
crashing down upon you.
Negative eating habits are the termites destroying your attempts to
build a healthy lifestyle. To prevent the roof falling in on your life,
take a moment to contemplate one of the most stress causing bad food
habits, skipping meals.
If the young woman at the sample table had started her day with
breakfast, she could have enjoyed her trip to the grocery store. Instead
her hunger caused stress not only for her but also for her friend who bore
the brunt of her anger.
If your busy lifestyle makes it easy to skip meals, start a new habit
of always have a snack bar on hand. Make it a priority on your grocery
list. Stop letting your mind overrule your body’s common sense and use it
instead to make wise food choices for your body.
Experience the bounty of life when you tap into the powerful
triumvirate of your mind, body and soul with simple yet effective
lifestyle changes.
Cindy Sue Blair is an internationally
syndicated columnist. Her articles appear in publications throughout US,
Canada and Europe.
© Cindy Sue Blair 2010
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Inner Peace Through Food
by Cindy Sue Blair The day was long, difficult
and my patience was sorely tried. Walking out the door, I left the business
day behind but irritation was my companion on the drive home. My "companion"
muttered that I deserved a treat, just look at the stress I had endured.
Visions of tasty delicacies danced in my head.
It would only take a quick stop at the store to indulge the voice of stress.
After all I deserved it.
I made the mad dash into the store for that
fat-laden, sugar-rich, high-cholesterol, sodium-laced goody. It took only
moments to indulge myself. I should have felt wonderful as all the stress of
the day slid off my shoulders.
Unfortunately the reality was that the stress I
was trying to dissipate never left. My shoulder muscles still ached, my head
hurt and now I had added guilt to the emotional cocktail that I was mixing.
Obviously it was time to rethink my food choices.
What do I deserve? I deserve to feel good about
myself emotionally, mentally and physically. Since turning to food in times
of stress was my worst habit it was time to change it into my best habit.
It began as baby steps. To the uninitiated the
changes were almost imperceptible yet every action I took made me feel
better about myself. It felt good to treat myself to a new lifestyle, one
that I had always deserved.
Years have passed, I have lost a considerable
amount of weight and gained a more peaceful perspective on life. I have even
discovered how to indulge my taste for pizza. Check out the recipe in the
column to the right, courtesy of my husband, the family chef.
Here's to eating your way to inner peace.
Cindy Sue Blair is an internationally
syndicated columnist. Her articles appear in publications throughout US,
Canada and Europe.
© Cindy Sue Blair 2010
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Cooking with Tom
by Tom Blair That hard granular cheese known as
Parmesan is associated with Italian cooking because it was developed by
Benedictine monks more than 800 years ago in the Po Valley of Northern
Italy. The cheese was hand made in the monasteries and enjoyed locally.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that
modern transportation and production facilities made this unique delicacy
available to the rest of the world.
Enjoy a bowl of Pizza Soup with the old-world flavor of
Parmesan.
Pizza Soup
Ingredients:
1) 2-3 oz. package of crumbled bacon bits
1) 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
2) 10.5 oz. cans condensed tomato soup
1 /2 tsp. garlic powder
1 /2 tsp. onion powder
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 /2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese (optional)
1. Add all the ingredients except for the mozzarella cheese to a large
saucepan.
2. Bring soup to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir
occasionally.
3. Serve in soup bowl and top with mozzarella cheese. Makes about 4-6
servings.
© Tom Blair 2010
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