I’m going to go out on a limb here. I am going to suggest you stop counting calories, fat grams, servings, and points in whatever system you are using.
I know, this sounds radical. Bear with me and see if you understand my perspective.
I don’t count any of these things. I happen to estimate my caloric intake for an average day, but that’s about the extent of it. Why don’t I follow this more closely? Because I understand a higher truth: these counting systems are guidelines, not absolutes. The point of counting is to address our western cultural need for specifics, for rules, for details.
The reality, however, is there are no absolutes when it comes to the human body: every person is different. If I eat the same diet as my mother, either she will balloon and explode Monty Python style, or I will whither and die. I am twice her physical size, am far more active (especially in strenuous activities), have different needs because I’m male, am at a different point in the aging process than she is… the list goes on. We are two very different people. The minimum calories I need to survive are more than her body could handle.
This concept continues through all the typical counting mechanisms. The body needs fat to replenish consumption by the brain and nervous system, but the amount of fat I need varies from others based on many, many factors. Carbohydrates, protein, fiber, sugars: all the same. Rigorously using any numbering system fails to recognize this basic premise.
What do I recommend instead? Understand the relationships between your body and the foods you take in. Know that you need large quantities of fruits and vegetables in proportion to sugars and fats. Know that you shouldn’t eat if you’re not hungry or past the point of starting to feel full. Know the kinds of snacks that are good for you and eat more of those than the ones that are unhealthy.
Most of all, understand that guidelines are just that: guidelines. They are a starting point, not a perfect answer. Eat well, and you won’t need to count any of these things. Have a cookie or piece of cake, and realize and accept the implications; just don’t do that too often.
The answer lies not in focusing on every detail but rather on having a basic strategy that guides your decisions and that you can follow readily wherever you happen to be.
This comes from my experience. If it works for you or empowers you, great! Use it! If not, do what works. The best system you can have is one you will follow.
Other news
- Ironically, this story will depress some: FDA wants anti-depressants to list new risks [www.msnbc.msn.com]
- Men have heart attacks from too much work: Stay calm at work to protect blood pressure [www.msnbc.msn.com]
- Women aren’t immune to stress: Working long hours worse for women than men [www.msnbc.msn.com]
- Side effects of rapid cultural change: HIV Rates Increase Tenfold In One Decade In Eastern Europe [www.medicalnewstoday.com]
From the editor
I’m back from the wilderness, and now I’m leaving for Australia for two months to visit my son. As I catch each wave on my surfboard, I’ll be thinking about you sitting in your office. Na-na-na-na-naaaaaaa-na!
Seriously, though, I’m fortunate to get quality time with my son on these trips. I hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy your family and friends. Take time away from the “pressing issues” and give that time to the people who matter most. If there is one lesson that life has taught me, it’s that the people in my life are far more important than anything else that might occupy my time. It’s taken a brick and several years to beat that truth into me, but I now realize the importance of the message.
I look forward to hearing from you: let me know how you grow your personal relationships and who the most important people in your life are. I welcome your stories!
Healthy thoughts,
Jeff
