Most of us need our cars to support us. We need our vehicles to get us from point A to point B, day in and day out. If our car breaks down, it is a huge inconvenience and it messes up our day. It causes a variety of frustrating challenges…We might miss important engagements, we might be late to work or it could cause an unfortunate and sometimes expensive delay on our “road trip.” I’d venture to say we’ve all been there one way or another.
In order for our vehicles to perform the way we need them to, we must provide them with proper fuel and regular maintenance. I don’t think anyone would disagree so far – right?
If we want our vehicles to perform the way we need them to, consider this… Most of us wouldn’t put “regular” gas in a car that requires “premium.” Nor would we over-fill our vehicles. In other words, in order for our vehicle to perform at its optimum, it requires the right fuel.
We also need to provide regular maintenance on our vehicles such as, changing the oil, checking the other fluids, battery, alternator, plugs, etc…
With all of that in mind, now think of food as fuel for the body. Flip the switch in your head, and think of your body being your most important vehicle. Our bodies require premium fuel to perform at it’s optimum, so why do we feed it “non-premium” foods such as boxed foods, fast foods, heavy meats high in saturated fats and the most addictive foods of all – sugar and flour?
Maybe we don’t know any better? Maybe it’s not convenient? Maybe we are addicted to foods such as sugar and flour but we don’t even realize it.
But, by fueling our bodies – our most important vehicles – with the proper fuel, the better the body will perform, support us, and even heal us, day in and day out.
So what is “premium” food for the body? Simple…it’s fresh, whole, foods. By fueling my body with fruits and veggies as the bulk of my daily intake, I know I’m giving it the proper fuel. I also consume delicious spices (dried and fresh), healthy fats, minimal but some grains, nuts and occasional lean meats such as chicken and fish, I feel confident that I’m fueling my vehicle with the right fuel so my body can thrive! Not only do I feel better overall, I also have more energy, I can think more clearly, I sleep better and I am in a better mood.
It also means not putting junk into your tank like pre-packaged boxed food, fast food, fried food, sugar, flour, and even alcohol. You’ve probably heard how bad sugar is for your cars gas tank, it’s just as bad (if not worse) for your body.
You with me so far?
Now, think about exercise as the regular maintenance the body needs to keep on keeping on! Exercise makes us strong both mentally and physically so that our bodies can support us now and as we age.
Exercise in general can ward off depression, elevates your mood, improves your memory and helps us think on our feet-all good for a healthy brain. Cardio helps our hearts and lungs pumping, while weights help improve muscle mass and help our bodies to burn fat, and balance and flexibility (such as stretching and yoga) keep us nimble thus helping to prevent falls at any age-all good for our physical body.
It doesn’t mean you need to be running marathons or bulking up like Mr/Ms Universe. Start where you are. A good walk is really healthy for you in so many ways, especially if you can get out in nature to do it!
In other words, choosing movement over non-movement as a way of maintaining our bodies is a great thing! You might have heard me say before, a body in motion stays in motion! And it’s so true.
Of course we should also provide ourselves additional “maintenance” through regular self care such as massages to detoxify our muscles and lymph system, drinking plenty of water, and regular check up’s with the doctor including regular blood work. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your exercise routine and any concerns you may have about starting a daily exercise routine.
I also mentioned over filling our tanks. Every body is different, but certainly the move active we are, the more calories we burn and the more food we can consume. The point here is that what you put into your body needs balanced with the energy you are expending in the form of physical activity. The best way to monitor that is using a food and/or exercise journal, but it can also be done via a Fitbit, iWatch and other devices that count steps or monitor movement and other physical activities. Or, just eat when you are hungry (low on fuel) and stop when you are full (don’t over fill the tank), just like we do with the gas tanks in our vehicles.
The body truly is our most important asset. Give your body the fuel (food) and maintenance (exercise) it needs to support you and you’ll be amazed how much better you feel and how much more energy you have!
Side note: This goes for our pets too! I feed my beloved 4 legged companion a lot of the same foods that I eat and she’s a large breed, 13 year old dog with some good active years ahead of her. (WARNING: There are foods that dogs should never eat such as onions, grapes, chocolate, & xylitol). But carrots, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, beans, cauliflower, zucchini, and even watermelon & cantaloupe [melons in moderation] are all a part of my dogs diet.)
The journey to a healthier, happier you is so worth it. I know—because I lived it. I stopped chasing skinny and started focusing on my health—and that single shift changed everything. I lost 140 pounds, but more importantly, I found clarity, energy, and a life that finally feels like mine. I share the whole story in my book. Click HERE to learn more.
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