Skating Uphill - July 2022

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

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“The definition of good food never changes, right?
Actually, that is not right!”
– The Uphill Skater –

Every once in a while, I love to write a column that is a truly honest food update. While many may think an egg is an egg, an apple is red, and free-range means chickens can run all over the place, my positive and correct answer is yes and no.

I am hedging a bit, but really, the truth when it comes to food is ambiguous. Vitamin content and calorie count can vary in an egg quite a lot. Everyone knows not all apples are red, but have you considered if they are pesticide-free? And, unfortunately, many free range chickens have never seen a range in their whole short lives. 

Some of the new discoveries in food and nutrition have been so interesting, and I always try to keep up with trends, even though I realize that there are some new thoughts in the leading food and health magazines that are not only of interest, but also realistic, as well.

Not so new to food health trends is avocado toast, quinoa, and mung bean sprouts, but have you learned about the array of new oils that are lining your grocer's shelves? I have used olive oil and canola oil for many years and still like them both, but I have also recently tried walnut oil and avocado oil. I found avocado oil to be a bit thick and strong, but I love walnut oil and consider it to be quite a find.

Soy milk too has been around a while, and it is okay, but the new SILK vanilla soy milk is delicious! I have tried all of the types of almond milk and find it to be watery, but oat milk is especially good as creamer in coffee. I make a lot of smoothies and have started to use various kinds of cranberry juices (cranapple, crangrape, crancherry) and it is a huge calorie saver (the five-calorie bottle), and tastes good. Also, I am now adding ice instead of ice cream—just sayin’!

I have tried every diet plan out there, and find diets which consist of regular foods I like, carefully-planned for calorie control work best. To help me do the careful planning, I subscribed to NOOM. It is inexpensive, easy to follow and mostly done online, but offers lots of support and conversation. A coach, a group, and regular “lessons” make it work for me. I have slowly lost 15 pounds, though slow is not a bad thing. There is a free trial period that is long enough to tell you whether it is for you or not. 

Grass-fed, organic, pesticide-free, natural and many other terms are all used “freely”, sometimes in ways that confuse the average consumer. My advice is to read labels carefully and do enough research to understand the terminology. Many of these terms don’t necessarily mean it’s healthier for you—fat-free, sugar-free, gluten-free, keto, etc. Also, watch prices, especially these days. Often foods in the organic section are priced considerably higher and are simply not worth it, whereas things such as lower-fat meat or hormone-free chicken or milk generally are worth it. Navigate with care.

Visit www.skatinguphill.com blog for new recipes, daily thoughts and décor ideas. Also find reprints of Pink articles and shared comments. Blogging is fun and easy.

Judith Lawrenson is a former Hilton Head Island resident who has a huge heart and is loved by all who meet her. She has served and volunteered with numerous charitable organizations while living in the Lowcontry making an impact wherever she went. She and her husband recently moved to the wild hills of West Virginia to be closer to grandchildren. Judith is an avid sailor, a retired reading resource specialist, and a children's TV host whose local show originated from the Boys and Girls' Club. Judith is also a long-time seeker of healthy, happy living and a lifestyle dedicated to service to others, balanced with love of God and love of self. Check out her blog www.skatinguphill.com for fun info, recipes and nutrition ideas, current updates on nearly everything in the world, and lots of comments and opinions.

Though I do tons of research, and have done so for many years, I am not a doctor and I share only my opinions. I enjoy research and subscribe to several magazines and publications and read up on all new trends. I hope you do, too!

 

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