I read, take classes and watch a lot of videos about nutrition and healthy lifestyles to ensure I stay on track. I also study my Bible, attend church regularly, read devotional materials and attend Bible studies to keep my Spirit tuned UP. But here’s the thing, I’ve finally admitted I’m a bit of a closet hypochondriac. And becoming a lady of a certain age, has turned that little mouse running around in my brain into a roaring lion demanding to be heard each morning. There is something about waking up with a few aches and pains that puts my brain in overdrive wondering if I have this or that ailment. Usually, of course, something I read or heard about the day before.
For me, the big ones are cancer and dementia. A symptom that can be attributed to either can send me in a tailspin. I hate admitting it, but it’s true. I frequently need to have a little talk with myself to help me ignore all that bugaboo in my head. ‘No Joyice, that change is NOT cancer, it’s what you ate yesterday. You are just fine.’ Or sometimes I have to remind myself I have always forgotten little details, that’s just me, not demented me.
So, I was really psyched when I found a handy retort I can use against those worrisome thoughts. In an interview recently Dr. Joel Fuhrman was asked what diet he would recommend to prevent or treat cancer. His answer was simple but profound. “It’s the same diet you need to thrive, WFPB”. Take that Mr. Lion, back to your den and shut up!! It’s very similar to how I banish other negative thoughts by quoting the word of God. “God has not given me a Spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.” That’s King James for all you old timers, and probably the only time I quote that translation as the new ones are so much more insightful urging us not to be timid or shy, but bold with his gifts, sensible, loving and self-disciplined. But when I’m talking to that old Lion in my head, the King James language is perfect!
Another way I keep myself facing forward on the journey to better health are the many mnemonics, acronyms or other easy to remember mantras that the experts I learn from employ. In Dr. Fuhrman’s talk he elaborated on the importance of variety and hydration, eating what he has coined the ‘G-BOMBS’. The acronym stands for Greens, Beans, Onions, Mushrooms, Berries and Seeds. All super foods that we try to eat regularly. Dr. Fuhrman’s G-BOMBS, Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen, Dr. Sherzai’s Neuro 9 or Dr. Thompson’s BLT rule (no bites, licks or tastes while cooking) all help me stay on track. I love those mental reminders when I am trying to establish a new habit. And every once in a while, I check in with myself to see how we are doing. Recently, for instance, I recognized we weren’t always getting that second serving of fruit in each day, and sometimes we didn’t hit three or even two servings of greens. So, I went back to keeping a food diary to remind myself to include the daily recommendations shared by all the resources I depend on.
More times than not now, I wake up excited to meet the day and eager to feed us tasty and healthy foods. I will never get over the transformation of our tastes and food preferences. My husband always had a rather narrow palette that frequently required a lot of sweeteners, salt or seasonings to make him happy. To watch him today as he savors the flavors of a salad or the sweet tart of a piece of fruit still amazes me. I get psyched at how great we feel when we feed our bodies the food it craves. We are building strong bodies that are as resistant to disease as we can make them and grateful for everyday we remain healthy. I’d love to hear what you are doing to remain strong and healthy on your journey.
“From now on… if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true…” (Philippians 4:8 CEB)
“Your cells rejuvenate, resist damage, and support growth – at any age… you can profoundly improve your brain function.” (Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai – The 30-Day Alzheimer’s Solution)
“The good news is that the diet changes that may protect your brain are remarkably similar to those that are good for your heart.” (Neal D. Barnard, M.D. – Power Foods for the Brain)
Yours for a Joyful Journey,
Joyice