When I was pregnant with Kameron 10 yrs. ago, I developed some problems. After he was born, doctors finally diagnosed me with "Lupus Nephritis", an autoimmune disease affecting my kidneys. I began seeing several specialists, who all told me that my diet and physical activity was going to play an important role for the rest of my life.
Now, if you know me you know that I tend to rebel against doctors (some seem to have other agendas: "you need to see these five other doctors, who all happen to be good friends of mine, because you just might develop ~~ later on in life, maybe" kind of thing). So, I'm realizing that I haven't taken care of myself and my health like I should. I have thrown around the vegetarian idea over the past several years, and have been reading and researching. It is something that shouldn't be taken lightly; it is a complete {lifestyle} change.
Several things have convinced me that this is the road I need to take to become healthy once-and-for-all:
*MEAT* - I feel really crappy after eating red meat, and have been told to limit my intake. This is one thing that we are giving up for good! We all love chicken, so we'll keep it on our menu for a while and eat on occasion. I used to hate eating fish, but salmon has become a favorite! It will become a staple, but will be difficult to convert Kaisha, Kam & Kenners! Kerianne loves it.
*SALT* - Limiting salt is a must for me, so I've been doing it for the whole family for many years. My kidneys are working hard enough as it is, and cutting back has definitely been beneficial. There are so many other great things to season with - lemon is one we love.
*FRUITS / VEGGIES* - John and I are very blessed to have children that love to eat all kinds of fruits & vegetables. We go through a lot of it! Broccoli & strawberries are fav! Salad is another: My Mom and I were at the mall with Kaisha many years ago and stopped to eat at the pizza joint Sbarro's. All Kaisha wanted was "salad". I was happy to oblige! Many people around us commented on the fact that a two-year-old was eating greens!
*MILK* - For those that don't already know, I HATE MILK! I had a really bad experience when I was young (let's just say that eating a big bread dough ball and then taking a big swig of slightly warm milk doesn't mix well) and have not been able to recover! I would pour a little on "some" cereals, occasionally, but no big glass of milk for me! I have found, however, that vanilla soy milk is awesome! It is all that I buy now. It helps Kameron's skin issues, it tastes great, and it is so good for you.
*WATER vs. SODA* - Okay, who doesn't know that I hate soda? No, I should say "despise". I never drink it. I haven't for a very long time. The icing on the cake was when John and I read something that said Coca-Cola can eat motor oil off your driveway, and we tested it and IT DID! That says something right there. If it can do that on concrete, what is it doing to your innards? It's just gross. It is very rare that our kids have soda, only when eating out at times. Water is so much better for your body. We go through bottles and bottles and jugs of water like crazy! I am always buying water. The water here in AZ tastes bad, so we bought a water cooler at Home Depot and a few jugs that we refill at Water & Ice. It tastes great and the cooler keeps it ice cold (just like we like it!). We drink it for breakfast, lunch & dinner, every day. Plus, the kids take a bottle of water to school every day to have at their desk (a must down here in the heat). What better way to hydrate your body than with good ol' water?
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I could go on and on, but I'm sure you get the gist: we're going to be eatin' healthy! I have the desire, I have the time, I have the resources - f&e of course! So why not? Why not get serious about what we're eating? It couldn't hurt. The kids and I have talked about it, and they're totally on-board - except for the fish thing (in time!). We're taking it one step at a time, incorporating new things into our menu, and getting rid of the bad stuff as we go... John, on the other hand, is another story! He's traveling so much now, and has that little ol' corporate credit card, and treats himself to some fancy meals! He also loves meat! It will take some time to convert him, but he's going to be eating some great stuff when he is home :o)
http://www.goveg.com/ has some great recipes...
2 comments:
Sounds good - but not for me since I LOVE meat!! But, we could do with some healthier meal options so you'll have to share some of your favorites with us.
Way to go Aimee. You know you are preaching to the choir when you talk about eating healthy. I wished I had raised you guys better when it came to diet especially. I know I am not a good example to my grandkids so I will have to watch that! We have a huge hunk of fresh Alaskan salmon in our freezer right now. Dad and I are trying to think of the best way to cook it. They were pulling it out of the ocean, Larry would filet it and then they would throw it on a little grill or hibachi if I'm right. Dad said it was yum!
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