Don't get me wrong; I don't want to die at all. But when the time comes, I want it to be due to old age (preferably in my sleep) instead of cancer, heart attack or a stroke (the list could go on).
My family history is not great. My mothers parents both died when they were in their early 60s. One from cancer, one from a stroke. I never met them, they had both passed away a few years before I was born.
My fathers parents lived longer lives, both into their 90s. My Poppas health failed in his last years of life and the quality of those years was not good. My Nana is my example. She was one of the healthiest people I knew. She had a huge influence on my life and I think about her each day. Her official cause of death was due to hyperthermia, but she suffered from a stroke in the early hours one cold winter morning and was found too late to resuscitate.
My father died of cancer at the age of 65. He had just turned 65 the day before he passed. It was awful seeing his health decline and I do not want that for me or my family. 65 is too young. I want to see my grandkids grow into adults.
I've been trying to live a healthy lifestyle for about 6 years now. To be honest, my healthy diet went a little bit off the rails once I had my daughter. I was incredibly healthy during pregnancy and I haven't been terrible since having her, but it has been much harder to prepare good healthy meals with a Velcro baby! That meant that we ate more processed foods than I liked. We had things like packaged pasta, or sauce from a jar instead of homemade like I used to prepare.
My goal and focus now is to get a good home cooked meal on the table each night with leftovers for lunch the next day. I've been back in the swing for a couple of weeks now and I'm feeling great. It's good to be back!
For me, I believe food is medicine. It can be what helps you live a great life, but it can also be what causes your body to decline, depending on what fuel you give it.
Before I started looking after myself I was addicted to McDonalds. I'm serious, I had an addiction and I couldn't get enough of it. I was eating it multiple times a week and if I could have I would have had it every day.
One day I decided that enough was enough and I didn't want to be unhealthy any longer. I had my one last meal of McDonalds and I've never been back (despite my cravings!). Part of me is scared to go near it incase it draws me back in and another part of me just won't allow the food near me as I know it's not real food. It's been 6 years now without McDonalds in my life.
I'm aware that genetics plays a role in my health. I know that my family history is not great but I'm giving my body the best chance that it has to stay on this planet as a functioning unit for as long as it can. I'm hoping that I got my dominant genes from my nana and by living a healthy lifestyle I can counteract any bad aspects I have from my family tree.
I'm amazed at how resilient the human body is. I mean I was pretty rough on my body in my early 20s. There was a lot of drinking, a lot of junk food, little sleep, no exercise. I'm hopeful that I have undone the damage I may have caused myself.
These days my life is much slower paced. I don't drink (I don't like the way I feel and behave so it's easier for me to go without), I eat well and I'm getting back into an exercise routine. I feel so much better when I look after myself. So that helps me know that I am doing what I need to stay healthy.
Hopefully I'll be walking around on this planet in good health for another 70 years at least!
I'm open to hear any tips, tricks or healthy lifestyles out there so let me know what you guys do to stay healthy.
Thanks for reading.
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Why not to think of living intensely in the moment. This moment is unending and unique. You take a breath here and now.. . and when you exale you are on the other side. I hope to do that consciously when the moment will come. But it will be in another expression of the present. Thanks for your reflexion.
Thanks for a great perspective and something that I can do. Yes, I need to live in the moment and be present in the now.
Thanks so much for replying.
I know what you mean by velcro baby. My wife used to cook before we started having kids. Now everything is canned or frozen pre-prepared meals. I hate that we eat like that, but neither of us have the time to prepare wholesome meals anymore. I used to be a fitness and diet fanatic, and I, too ditched McGrease for a lot of years... maybe 7 or 8. But now and then I'll give in and eat it... regretfully. Raising our own food on our own ground is the best way to ensure healthy eating, in my opinion. Plus having the time to actually prepare something helps a lot.
Hi, thanks for your reply. It is certainly a different life than I imagined when I was pregnant, but I wouldn't trade my wee girl for anything. It does make things difficult at times though.
Hopefully over time you and your wife will get back to cooking.
I completely know what you mean by regretting giving into the cravings. At the time it feels like the best idea and then shortly after eating the regret sets in.
Good luck and thanks for your response.
I have the same sentiments about old age. I agree food plsys a big part in health. You may also cook bigger portions and freeze some for the future, especially home made pasta sauces. Also look into slow cooker recipies.
Thanks for the tips. Great idea to cook extra and freeze. Yes, slow cooker is a great idea. It's winter here so I might get back into making more soups and stews.
Thanks for replying and for the advice, I appreciate it.
While I wish you well in your endeavors, I'm afraid I don't share your desires.
I want to die covered in the blood of my enemies, surrounded by the corpses of their comrades, and deafened by the sorrowful wailing of their loss (screams of insensible rage are also acceptable).
I mean, what man doesn't dream of that kind of death?!
I guess that's an option to explore too!
I recently became Vegan and I haven't felt better in a long time! I recommend trying out whatever your gut instinct tells you may benefit you! I've been doing that for a while now and it's been an amazing path!
Thanks for the comment. I've often wondered about going vegan. I used to be vegetarian when I was growing up. Over time I've increased the number of meat meals I consume but I can't say that I'm excited about eating meat.
Definitely more plant based meals is what I'm aiming for and I might explore going vegan in the future too.
Thanks for your reply. I appreciate it.