With it being Easter weekend, I assume many people are traveling. When I travel, I always feel like I need to pack snacks. Most people do not eat like me. I absolutely refuse to eat at a fast food restaurant. I would rather go hungry than put that junk into my body. So, I make sure I pack snacks. I can't always control where everyone wants to eat, but I can control what I choose to eat. Of course, the people I travel with know how I eat, so they try to take it into account, but honestly, it doesn't always work out in my favor. Even the restaurants we go to don't have good choices. Has anyone ever been to a southern restaurant in a little town?? There is literally NOTHING there I like to eat. It all tastes so good, but my body is not used to have so much grease that I leave feeling sick. Their vegetables are cooked with lots of fat and most are starchy. Not really easy to have a healthy meal that way. And the salad bar!? Only iceberg lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The rest is cheese, croutons, crackers, fake bacon, "salads" covered in mayo, and creamy dressings. Its pretty much a lose lose situation!
For my snacks this trip, I packed apples, bananas, homemade granola (yum), prunes (my favorite since I was a kid), almonds and peanuts (unsalted), and some snap pea crisps. Someone I know says this is bird food. How could they!?
The snap pea crisps are something new I have seen in the store. I'm not exactly sure how good they are for you, but I know they are much better than chips! They taste really good too. When I pack my snacks, I know I at least have some good food I can eat.
Even at home, I try to only keep healthy snacks in the house. I think if you are going to eat, it should nourish your body. Candy and crackers may taste good, but they are not doing anything to benefit your body. And since most are made out of white flour and sugar, you will be hungry just a few minutes later and craving more.
-- Lucy
I think it is important to enjoy yourself and live life to the fullest. I also think each person should have an obligation to take care of themselves. I expect my husband to take care of himself so that he can be around for me and our children in the future.
I have been into health and wellness for some time now. I grew up eating my fruits and vegetables and I always remember by dad suggesting a healthy snack to me when I wanted junk. His long persistence paid off because it is not second nature for me to reach for a piece of fruit or some nuts for a snack. I also had my granny as inspiration. She is 100 years old (wow!) now and still doing great! I think she was more extreme into wellness than I am, but I see myself slowly becoming more like her. She would never drink tap water, never had a drop of alcohol, and would eat carob instead of chocolate. She also would talk a walk everyday! She has taught me a lot.
I try not to be too extreme when it comes to health. My husband would say I am way past extreme, but I have to disagree. I am not into the all organic, gluten-free, paleo diet stuff. I just believe in eating a variety of whole foods, drinking lots of water, and exercising.
I am starting Live for Health to help educate you about the importance of taking care of yourself. Many people who I talk to (my friends and family included) do not know about prevention of disease. Your lifestyle can either help you or hurt you. You make the choice.
-- Lucy
