Changing Your Ways? Baby Steps!

We had a very successful inaugural healthy cooking class yesterday evening at the Petersburg Branch of the Pike County Library. Thanks to all of you who attended the class--please do come back again next month when we gather together again on April 10 from 5:30-7:00. For anyone else that would like to attend, feel free to contact me at eatwelllivewellpikecounty@gmail.com to join the group. 

A big thank you to Mrs. Vicki Edwards who had a really neat activity for the kids of those in attendance. They all had a fun evening, too.

We all agreed unanimously on two things last evening: We all need to take our food much more seriously; we need to take baby steps in order to achieve success.

For starters, giving up things with white flour is very healthy step. You'll be amazed at how many things needlessly have white flour in them. This highly over-processed wheat does our bodies no good; in fact, it causes internal inflammation which, in turn, creates a horrible environment for our organs, our brains, our blood vessels, etc.

Check ingredients on labels--better yet, buy more things that don't need labels. The less ingredients, the better! Much better to eat an apple with the ingredient list of "apple" than a processed apple food that contains a great deal of ingredients--some which can hardly be pronounced.   

So, as spring nears and we can finally get out and about, give your wonderful body a break and allow it to truly become healthy and able to enjoy the out and about times. 

So...How Are Those Resolutions Working Out?

The very word that brings us hope in late December brings us angst in late January--the resolution.

So how are yours working out?

A large percentage of the population of the United States that makes resolutions tends to frame them around improving health. I'm going to eat better, I'm going to exercise more, I'm going to take better care of myself. And, usually, by the end of the month of January, aggravation has overtaken inspiration. 

It really doesn't need to be this way. You can help yourself to better health. Without fanfare. Without great sacrifice. Without great monetary expenditures.

For starters, start trying the recipes that are listed on this website. They are good for you foods and foods that taste good. (Yes, you can have both!) Make a pact with yourself that you're going to try a recipe every other day for a meal. Most are easy, make-ahead items so you won't get stuck trying to concoct something into the wee hours of the night--you need to sleep, too, to have good health. 

Another thing you can do is to move...not as in relocate, but move your body. Don't have time for the gym? Dance around the house. Walk around the yard on those rare pretty days this time of year. Get some fresh air. If you do have time to go walk with friends (or make friends while walking), head to one of the local community center gyms in the mornings and walk for free. If you need the camaraderie that goes with a workout, stay tuned to this website. Early next week a page will be started with local trainers who will help you get to where you want to be physically. 

Change one bad habit...how about starting with sticking to the outside aisles of the grocery store and spending less time in amongst the packaged, processed "food"? Try to rediscover fresh fruit or try a fresh vegetable that you've never tasted before. It can be fun for you and/or your kiddos. 

Think about your whole body. Are you leaning heavily on caffeine, nicotine, or over the counter pain killers to get you through the day? With relaxation techniques and integrative health practices, those dependencies can go by the wayside, much to your body's delight.

A body wants to find balance and center. We can live simply and give our bodies what they need--they'll love us for it and reward us with many good days.

So, even though it's the end of January, you can have a do-over. Start this week on a resolution to do one or more of these things...in a month you'll be amazed how much better you feel.

Happy (belated) New Year!

----------------------------------------------------
Check the Recipe page for a great recipe using Kasha (buckwheat)...and, believe it or not, buckwheat is gluten free!

What is Million Hearts?

What is Million Hearts?

A pretty good idea.

 

One of the goals is to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes in the US in the next 5 years.

I don't think anyone can really argue with that. It's a pretty noble cause.

Here's another good idea: Aligning public and private partners from across the country to leverage a wide range of existing heart disease and stroke prevention programs, policies, and activities as well as create new programs.

 

This is where the Healthy Eating Initiative can help. Are you a member of a church group or a civic club? If so, it would be very much appreciated if you'd contact me at eatwelllivewellpikecounty@gmail.com with your name and a phone number or email address where you can be reached. Let's get a time together to share a program of good health and good eating with your group.

 

 Need one more good reason to become a part of the Million Hearts initiative? How about this?

To improve health across communities and help Americans live longer, more productive lives.

Let's get Pike County on the right track of preventive health. Sharing information with a friend is a great way to start!

 

 







Quick and Easy Breakfast--Part Two--Canadian Bacon Egg Roll Ups

Yesterday we talked about a healthy and quick option for breakfast using nut butters. Unfortunately, not everyone has a good relationship with tree nuts, so here's an alternative that is every bit as appetizing. For those who can tolerate tree nuts, you now have two alternatives and two less excuses for skipping the most important meal of your day!

Shopping List: 1 package Canadian Bacon, eggs (look for local!), and some optional add-ins for extra vitamins--green bell pepper, onion, garlic, mushrooms.

To prepare (do this the night before and they'll be "drive thru" ready for your busy morning--Put 4 slices of the Canadian bacon between two pieces of paper towel in the refrigerator to remove excess moisture. Seal in a plastic bag. Heat 2 t. grapeseed oil in a small skillet and sauté the following: (all finely diced) 1T. onion, 1T. green pepper, 1/4 t. garlic, and/or 1 T. mushrooms (or any combination thereof) until softened. This won't take long. Add two slightly beaten eggs (or egg whites according to your health needs) to the mixture in the pan and let it cook until set up and fully cooked. Remove from the pan. Pop the pieces of the Canadian bacon into the pan and heat--Canadian bacon is fully cooked, so it just needs to be warmed up. Cut the egg into quarters and lay one quarter on each piece of Canadian bacon. Refrigerate. 

In the morning just pop your roll ups into the microwave for a quick minute and you're ready for breakfast!

2014--The Year to Get Healthy, Pike County!

Happy New Year and welcome 2014--full of promise on these first days of a new year.

 

Here's your first challenge--bookmark this website--let's get as many Pike County folks tuned in as possible.

 

Why?

 

Because this is the year for Pike County to step it up and start getting healthy.

 

We're small but we can be mighty--mighty healthy.

 

Five years ago, the county obesity rate was closing in on 30%--if we follow suit of the national rates, that number has risen...and that's just too much.

 

Along with obesity comes increased health costs--we all would like to avoid that.

 

So...join up on the website and get started. We can do this together.

 

Over the next year this site will offer information on healthy living and healthy eating with lots of recipes, ideas, and motivation.

 

Are you ready?