I am just wrapping up teaching an online course for Endicott College on the psychology of adulthood and aging and, as always, I have probably learned as much as my students. As I conducted my research for the course, I read about an array of topics including vocation, self concept, midlife crisis, and the importance of keeping both the mind and the body active in later years. I have also learned about how depression can sometimes occur in folks who find themselves less able to participate in activities they took for granted in earlier years. Naturally, all of this information is interesting to me because I am committed to not only keeping myself healthy and active, but sharing information with you to help you do the same.
So, what about nutrition? How does the food we ingest affect our psychological and physical health? I throw this question out there because I strongly believe that we are what we eat. No, that doesn't mean that you're a cow if you eat steak, but I would surmise that our overall health is largely dependent on the decisions we make regarding our diet. I am not here to preach the benefits of any one specific diet because, after all, it's up to you to decide how to eat, just as it's up to you to decide how much you're going to exercise or whether you're going to use tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drugs. I will recommend, however, that you take a look at some of the research that has been conducted by scientists such as Caldwell Esselstyn, M.D., Dr. Joseph Crowe, and Dr. T. Colin Campbell regarding the benefits of eating a whole foods plant-based diet. Just a few short years ago, I thought people who limited their caloric intake to foods from plants were most likely tree hugging wusses who neurotically cared more about nonhuman animals than they did about their fellow man. In 2010, though, I had occasion to watch a DVD called "Eating" that very clearly demonstrates the benefits of eating a plant based diet, as well as, the hazards of consuming foods derived from animals. The most important messages in this film are:
- People whose diets include animal byproducts regularly suffer greater instances of cancer and heart disease than people who consume little or no foods derived from animals;
- It has been scientifically proven that it is possible in many cases to actually reduce symptoms related to certain diseases and chronic diseases by switching to a whole foods, plant-based diet; and
- Contrary to popular belief, there are many other foods besides meat that can supply the human body with all of the protein it needs.
I think it's important to state here that, like most of us in the U.S., I was raised on beef, chicken, pork fish, and dairy products, and I really wasn't too sure I wanted to give up these beloved foods even after learning what I had learned from watching "Eating" and doing some subsequent research. However, I decided to begin slowly and simply eat one meal a day that didn't contain foods from animals. By the way, staying away from animal-free foods is easier if one prepares the food himself because one can never be sure just what the heck restaurants are putting in their menu choices. Is it hard to eat less meat, chicken, fish, and dairy products? I would answer this question by saying that each person's relationship with food is different and thus the challenge that accompanies any dietary change is different for each individual as well. I can tell you that it is easier if you have a friend or a family member who is willing to join you on your journey.
Commitment to any change, dietary or otherwise, requires inspiration and discipline. You can keep yourself inspired by reading literature or viewing video that discusses the benefits that result from healthy eating, and by surrounding yourself with people who share the same beliefs you do. You can also gain inspiration by keeping a journal in which you record your food intake, as well as, your thoughts and feelings before, during, and after you eat.
One final note about commitment: many people tend to give up after a slip-up, and tell themselves they just can't do it. Listen, it's okay to give in to temptation sometimes. We are humans, after all, which means we're going to screw up. The important thing to remember is that the benefits of change don't disappear simply because we decide to gorge on a double cheeseburger with all of the fixings on a Friday night. The benefits remain, and they can be yours if you simply recommit and renew your resolution to eat with your health in mind.
How am I doing with my eating habits, you may ask? I have my good days and my not-so-good days. While I have definitely eaten less animal foods and processed foods since seeing that film in 2010, I sometimes give myself permission to eat stuff that isn't good for my body but tastes fantastic. So, while I occasionally lose the battle, I feel like I am making progress in the war.
I'll end by saying that eating healthier will give you more energy, and that's the whole point of this blog. As always, I wish you the best in your quest for good health and happiness!
Scott
