Trapped by Nutrition

Dear Aspen reader,

Have you ever seen an animal stuck in a trap? It’s not the most comforting sight to observe. There may be elements of enticement and bribery but a definite lack of freedom. With a situation such as this, the implications are mostly physical.

When it comes to nutrition, I’ve had moments of feeling “trapped”. It seems like there is so much information to peruse and, often times, the research seems to contradict. I feel myself falling into a spiral where I’m not sure which direction to go and feel a bit paralyzed at some of the available diets, types of foods (organic vs. conventional etc.) and decisions for health. Sometimes I find that it’s easier to NOT think about any of it.

In this case, the entrapment is not so much outward as it is in my thoughts. The interesting thing about our thought patterns is that they can reel non-stop and people on the outside are completely unaware of the processes happening in each of our heads. A quick spiral can happen, where you once found yourself intrigued about healthy eating, but quickly find yourself overwhelmed and at a loss for where to go next. I’m curious, have you ever considered your thoughts about nutrition? Do you consider food to be something for enjoyment? Or sustainment?

Our brains are working 24/7 and in order to keep them functioning in tip top shape, nutrition is the key to setting a good foundation.

As much as I love cooking and eating for nutrition, I am the first to be in line for a meal out on the town. I love sharing the experiences of food with friends or family when the opportunity arises. So I definitely see the value in eating as a part of entertainment. Also I’m fully aware that my diet sometimes restricts what I allow myself to eat when dining out. But because I know my limits with nutrition, I’ve learned to find a balance of health and enjoyment with food. Creating a healthy relationship with food and establishing personal parameters when making food choices is a solid start toward a lifestyle of wellness.

So I wonder, do you live to eat or eat to live? What are the primary forces that drive your appetite?

I presume that as you make conscious decisions about the food entering your body, the more you’ll learn to develop a positive relationship with food and healthier choices will flow from this starting point.

In health,

Alecia

“Creating a healthy relationship with food and establishing personal parameters when making food choices is a solid start toward a lifestyle of wellness.”