Food & Fitness

Food Choices

My natural-foods choices have been slipping of late- just small amounts, but they add up. Between the movie theater popcorn, the boxed pancake mix, the store-bought bread, and the French fries, these small handfuls and tastes have started to affect me in surprising ways. My body is no longer accustomed to eating such foods and I have found that almost every single time I’ve eaten these foods, regardless of whether or not its just a small amount from someone else’s plate, it has not agreed very well with my stomach. It also does not improve my mood.

We all know that our diets can do an incredible amount in protecting us from various diseases and in building up our immune systems and providing us with the fuel and strength we need to carry out the day. But it is certainly one thing to *know* that this is the case, and it is another to actually experience it and become aware of the awful toll it can take on our bodies when we do not feed them right. Within the past week I have become more sluggish and felt bloated, tired, sick, and unhappy. And I have gotten to know my body well enough at this point to know that it is a direct result from the small popcorn I chose to buy at last minute at the movies, and the store-bought bread that I cannot pronounce half of the ingredients for. I have been taking very good care of my body these past few months and it shows; I can feel a world of difference because of it. So now that I haven’t been taking as good care of it as I could be, it is rebelling in this manner.

I do believe in the occasional indulgences. But I have been having these foods because they are there, not because I really wanted them (honestly, does anyone ever really want pancake mix from a box? I’d forgotten how disgusting that stuff is). A true indulgence, such as my favourite oreo cheesecake from Baked Expectations, will not cause me to feel ill and put a damper on my mood. I know this because I allowed myself a slice of that this past weekend and I enjoyed every mouthful of it without it backfiring on my mood and physical self.

So today I am starting over again with choosing natural foods and avoiding all of the processed junk. I don’t need that. I don’t want that. And if I have it, I want to make damn sure that it is what I want so that I can enjoy it without the unpleasant side effects.

Here’s to a lovely Tuesday and to making the right choices for ourselves!

64 Comments

  1. Gena

    I know just what you mean! I indulged in some fries and other fried goodness the other day, and paid for it. Upset stomach, bloating, etc. It carried over to the next day too, as I was sluggish and tired all day long.

    I’m just making sure to get back to my normal healthy eating and taking care of myself. It’s interesting; I didn’t notice feeling bad when I was not eating so healthy. Now, though, I realize that I feel so much better than I did before!

  2. Charlotte

    I totally understand this. Processed food really does do a number on me. It seems I get into these phases – I’ll eat nice and healthy for quite a while and then, bam!, massive PMS or something will trigger a candy binge and it kinda goes down hill from there. Until I did out again:) Keep up the good work – good for you for recognizing the effects now!

  3. Big Girl

    I totally agree with you. It’s wonderful how easliy accessable orgainic foods are, It’s too bad that so many of them are so freakin’ expensive.

    After eating well for even just a couple of weeks, I too can totally feel the difference, amazing isn’t it?!

  4. Sagan Morrow

    Gena- I didn’t notice the feeling either when I ate badly! I guess we just weren’t paying attention before.

    Charlotte- damn that PMS:) But oh well, we can just keep falling down and picking ourselves up again!

    Running Knitter- now lets just see if it’ll all work when put into practice:)

    Mark- It does help to slip a little sometimes and re-evaluate things. I’m always missing SOMETHING the first hundred times around so every time you fall you learn something new!

    MizFit- much love! And it feels good to be human hehe.

    Big Girl- it IS too bad about the expense. But, its all worth it!

  5. Anonymous

    This is all good, Sagan!

    The fact that you are healthy and fit and can tell how unhealthy food makes you feel wrong is great! Most people eat so unhealthy that they never know what health feels like and don’t notice how lousy food makes us feel different than what we are used to! The body, when it’s had the chance to work correctly, really does let us know what is best for us. Even not running, buddy 🙂

    Dr. J

  6. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  7. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  8. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  9. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  10. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  11. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  12. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  13. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  14. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  15. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  16. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  17. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  18. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  19. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  20. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  21. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  22. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  23. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  24. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  25. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  26. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  27. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  28. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  29. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  30. Every Gym's Nightmare

    good for you! natural food just makes me FEEL better. i dont like when i cant pronounce things that are in my food.

    Its weird but i like to think about all the ingredients in my food, laid out individually in front of me, and see if it is still appetizing. With most processed foods: the answer is no way.

  31. Stephanie Quilao

    We must be on the same food wave length because lately I too have been eating store bought bread, french fries, and theater popcorn. And yes, like you, because I haven’t had those things in a long time, my body was not a happy camper. I think it is amazing how quickly the body can adapt to healthy eating. I think these kinds of naughty (for lack of better word) food spells actually help us stay on track because you have comparison of how good you feel without them.

  32. Susan

    Good on you! Knowing how bad the less-than-healthy foods make you feel can be great motivation to want to stick with the healthier options. It does that for me!
    It’s really amazing how foods can affect the way we feel.

  33. the Bag Lady

    Eating healthy makes you feel better and gives you more energy?! Sheesh, I might have to try that, ’cause I sure am tired tonight.
    Oh, wait, I just remembered what a busy week I’ve had…never mind.

  34. ashley

    I love this post, Sagan. I’ve been slipping QUITE A BIT on my food choices, and it really affects me poorly. I am a tired, irritable, sad grouch! I’m with you that today is a new day and we need to eat healthy and savor our indulgences!

    *stop by my blog for the contest!

  35. Sagan Morrow

    Dr. J- when you start paying attention, it really is amazing the difference it makes.

    Loveofoats & Stephanie- it IS a struggle but you’re right that it helps sometimes to slip a little as we can get back on track even better than before.

    Kelly- that’s such a good idea! I never thought about doing that before.

    Scrumpy’s Baker & Susan- I love the feeling of treating my body well:)

    Bag Lady- I hope you aren’t too too stressed and tired from you busy week!

    Ashley- Hear hear! And am off to check your blog right now:)

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