Note: This is a three part article in honor of the holiday weekend. I am on vacation this weekend so the regularly scheduled Fri. weighin (week 82), Sat. miracle of the scales, and Sun. weighty wisdom will return next week.

 

Part Three Nourishing Our Sacred Bodies (part 3 of 3

Food Choices – You don’t have to live on tofu and lettuce leaves to have a healthy diet. Creating a diet is not about doing away with your favorite things especially when they are healthy, it is finding the right combination and right amount to have that energizes and nourishes your body. Discover your favorite healthy choices and make those the foundation of what ever diet you choose. If you plan to loose weight, find a calorie level that allows you to loose a pound or two a week, (i.e. average adult needs approximately 1500 calories a day, varies depending on age, activity level, gender).

For weight loss – keep your calories at approximately 1200 to 1400 per day. An occasional 100 to 150 calories on some days for a special treat, or allowing an occasional splurge on special occasions will not harm your overall health, provided the majority of the time you are choosing wisely.

Choose foods from Nature’s bountiful rainbow

9 servings (minimum) – non-starchy vegetables & fruit (unlimited if you don’t need to loose weight)
3 servings of whole grains (unlimited if you don’t need to loose weight)
3 servings non-fat or low-fat dairy (skim milk, yogurt, cheese)
3 servings protein (legumes, eggs, soy, fish, nuts, lean meat)
3 tsp. oil (coconut, olive or red palm preferred, or other healthy fat source)

(adapted from Dr. Gae Mirkin’s DASH Plus guidelines)

Processed foods – far removed from Nature, have lost most of their nutrients, often contain addictive chemicals and too much fat and salt that over burdens the body making it sluggish and unhealthy, rather then being a source of fuel for your body to harness. Whole foods, on the other hand, provide the body with essential energy and nutrients, as well as creating a feeling of fullness and satisfaction. Doesn’t have to be complicated — frozen veggies, fresh prewashed vegetables, fresh fruit, and meals you cook on the weekend and freeze in containers ahead of time can make eating healthy quick and easy.

Symbology – Incorporating the symbology of the foods we choose adds another dimension to expand our spiritual awareness in caring for our bodies and brings another level of mindfulness to nourishing not only our physical bodies but our spiritual body as well. A great source of inspiration is The Magic in Food by Scott Cunningham, Llewellyn Publications, 1992. Here is a small sample of the spiritual symbology of some of the foods that promote weight loss and\or rev up the metabolism:

Apple – love, health, peace
Cinnamon – love, money, psychic awareness
Coconut (oil) – spirituality, psychic awareness, purification
Corn – protection, spirituality (i.e. air popped popcorn with no fat flavorings sprinkled on top)
Egg – healing, protection, grounding
Garlic: protection, health, fire
Ginger: love, money, fire
Lemon: love, happiness, purification
Milk – love, spirituality
Oat – money, earth
Olive (oil) – spirituality, health
Onion – protection, weight loss
Tomato – health, money, love, protection

Incorporate into a Healthy Eating Plan:
High volume, low calorie – such as soups, mixed green salads
Whole grain and whole fresh foods
Reduce salt intake
Add more Fresh Herbs – add a touch of freshness to any dish and growing them ourselves can help reconnect us to Nature and the source (i.e. grow some basil on a kitchen window sill, add a crystal to the soil – a pinch of basil in every salad can make it a tasty, satisfying earthy experience and connrction to sun, rain, wind, and soil.
Convenience and on the go – fresh veggies and fruit, frozen vegetables, precooked meats (select lean, baked, grilled options).

Be sure to include in your wellness plan: a daily multi-vitamin and calcium supplement (choose a brand that is guaranteed to be absorbed by the body), plenty of fluids, restful sleep (6 to 8 hours), deep breathing and relaxation throughout the day, movement and increasing chi (life force), daily exercises (minimum 30 minutes or 10,000 steps), and nurturing rewards for yourself as you achieve your goal of nourishing your body, mind, and spirit.

Continued: Part One and Part Two.

Written: May 20, 2004 (edited for posting in three parts Nov. 23-24 2007)

NOTE: This article is based on personal experience, inspiration and research that has helped me to grow in awareness, improve my health and loose over 100 pounds. It incorporates the lessons learned through my years as a massage therapist, student of life, and a woman who is enjoying having reached the glorious age of 50+ years young. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease, or prescribe any form of treatment.

**Be sure to consultant a physician before starting a weight loss or exercise program.**

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