Food as Fad
By Missy Park • Feb 25th, 2010 • Category: InteractAtkins diet, Grapefruit Diet, Lo-Carb, No-Carb, Ice Cream Diet, Donut Diet. It’s enough to make ya crazy. Even such seemingly reasonable claims as organic, all-natural, and local can get elevated to cult status. How to make sense of it all?? There’s no money to be made in it, but the truth of the matter is the best “diet” of all is one that’s heavy on common sense and light on wishful thinking. A couple of my rules of the eating road: If I can’t pronounce it, I probably shouldn’t eat it. Avoid oxymoronic food: fat-free french fries, sugar-free cookies. When all else fails, I try to embrace moderation…just one donut. Got food tips of your own? Share em with us!
Missy Park, Founder
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Since turning 50 a couple of years ago, and never having to “watch my weight” my entire life, this last year has proved interesting….. my metabolism was changing, and not really for the better. I weighed the most I’ve ever weighed in my life & I don’t “diet” well, because I love to eat what I like!!! Lately, I’ve been drinking Green Oolong Tea 2-3 times a day at the same time I eat meals. I’ve noticed a decrease in my appetite, but also an increase in craving fruits (which I’ve never been very good at eating). I can even have a cup in the evening and still sleep like a baby – my husband says I’m not snoring as much either. I have gotten back down to my “feel great in my pants” weight and feel with the warmer weather coming, my activity level will be greater also. Exercise DOES make a difference even if it’s gardening or walking. When I travel (which isn’t much) I always make my favorite sandwich to take along….. messy, but oh so good – Avocado Sandwich: whole wheat bread, on one slice spread softened avocado heavily, press sliced mushrooms into that, place thinly sliced (good) apple over those…. on the other slice, spread Miracle Whip heavily, press thinly sliced red onion into that, & place thinly sliced sharp cheddar cheese over those – put both halves together and enjoy!!! You can also try this in pita bread…..not so messy. Being over 50 is getting better everyday!!!
My motto is one simple change a day! This can be anything from sharing a cookie with a friend vs eating it myself. Going for a walk with my dog after dinner. Try a new healthy recipe!
I love the term oxymoronic foods. I have
researched the effects of aspertame (found in diet sodas and most gum) and it makes my jaw drop. Trying to lose weight? It makes you GAIN!
Also causing headaches, vision problems, cramps, depression, hair loss…etc. Eat things with real sugar…but yes, in moderation.
I am right now enjoying a bowl of papaya sprinkled with lime and a little sugar, and thinking of how wonderful fresh fruit is, and how good it is for you.
Kumquats are my new friends…a wonderful medley of sweet and sour with a surprising little pop. Being little they are naturally “bite sized”.
Last but not least NEVER underestimate the power of pure water….there is nothing better.
When my husband & I are going on road trips I always pack healthy snacks for on the road. Trail mix, vitamin water, veggie sticks & other healthy treats to munch on along the way. That way we’re not stopping @ fast food resturants when we’re hungry, and it saves us money!
My best advice is to eat your veggies, sweat potatoes and spinach are great in eggs, drink your water and move your body. Don’t go thru a drive up window for your “food”, and never ever eat anything that comes from a package that says, “fat free”. The word “diet” can add pounds just thinking about it. Eat real food, in moderation and never, ever, ever deprive yourself. Think about how the food is treating your insides as well as your outsides. You can loose weight drinking nothing but liqiud food, taking crazy pills, or limiting your carbs, but how does that effect your organs, brain, emotions and quality of life. So many people are looking for an easy answer and don’t want to put the work into changing their lives. It takes work to change but then the change becomes your new way of life and I for one am so glad to never have to diet again!!!!