Let's Eat

So, lately I have been thinking a lot more about what I consume on a daily basis. This is the first time in my adult life that I have actually had control over what foods I am putting into my body. Previously, food was always provided as a student or an employee in seasonal jobs, and options were limited. It was easier not to think about it and simply eat “good enough.” Now, I am in control. It feels great! I really enjoy cooking and trying new foods and recipes. Growing up, my mom was not a big cook but my dad instilled a love of cooking in me. It is an art, and finding the perfect flavor mix is so satisfying!

Anyway, there is so much information on the web about diets, what are the right and wrong things to eat, and what steps to take to be a healthier eater. There is way too much pressure to deny our bodies or be overly consumed with counting calories. It can be difficult to navigate what is actually healthy and what is not. Lately, after hearing about it from different sources, I considered starting the Whole 30 diet, but after doing some research, I realized it is way too restrictive and also unnecessary/arguably unhealthy. After talking to mom, she pointed to a new diet called the “Mind Diet” that is focused on preventing Alzheimer’s disease. The reason this particular plan appeals to me is because it is so clear and concise and points to the foods that you should eat, rather than focusing on the foods you should not. Moreover, we focus so much on our body image and weight rather than focusing on a holistic image of ourselves. Our minds and our bodies form an entire unit; we must take care of both together, not as two separate entities. This list of foods is encouraging rather than discouraging, and gives me the ability to choose how I want to best meet each criterion. I already made a grocery list and meal plan! Anyway, I realize I am just adding another voice to the mess of health opinions online, but thought it was an important topic to touch on. I am excited! If anyone has any advice, great recipes ideas, or questions, I would love to hear! Food is important, and we should not limit ourselves, but be aware of what we are putting into our bodies and focus on eating a holistic diet that is both nourishing to our body but is also healthy for our minds and mental well-being.

Here is the list of criterion for “The Mind Diet” and the link is below:

You should eat from these ten food groups:

• Green leafy vegetables (spinach, salad greens, kale, etc): At least six servings a week

• Other vegetables: At least one a day

• Nuts: Five servings a week

• Berries: Two or more servings a week

• Beans: At least three servings a week

• Whole Grains: Three or more servings a day

• Fish: Once a week

• Poultry (like chicken or turkey): Two times a week

• Olive oil: Use it as your main cooking oil.

• Wine: One glass a day

You should avoid:

• Red meat: Less than four servings a week

• Butter and margarine: Less than a tablespoon daily

• Cheese: Less than one serving a week

• Pastries and sweets: Less than five servings a week

• Fried or fast food: Less than one serving a week

The “Mind Diet”:

https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/features/mind-diet-alzheimers-disease#1

Also, if you have any questions regarding what a serving size looks like here are two sources that help map it out:

https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/food-essentials/how-much-do-we-need-each-day/serve-sizes

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/HealthyDietGoals/Suggested-Servings-from-Each-Food-Group_UCM_318186_Article.jsp#.Wo8ksa6nHIU

I Believe

What is faith? Complicated…

This post may be controversial, but I want to start with a disclaimer: I do not believe that anyone is wrong in their beliefs. Who truly knows what is right or ultimately true? We, as people, spend hours and days and months and years and lives arguing over what we will never know in this life. I find it frustrating. One of our biggest blessings as humans is our ability to think and see beyond what is right in front of us, yet it is also one of our biggest flaws. Instead of focusing on the beauty of what is around us and letting the unknown work its magic, we try to control and define it, creating walls and barriers between each other. I believe we are missing the point. We are all trying to make sense of this chaotic and crazy world we live in. At the end of the day, each of us is human; each of us exists on this planet with a unique life and story, regardless of what we have been taught to believe… and so much of what we believe depends on where we were born, whom we were raised by, and what stories we were told. Studying Sociology in college, I was asked to critically analyze these societal lessons fed to each of us. I have to wonder, if I was born in another time or in another place, would I believe the same things I believe today? The answer is a resounding no. We are influenced by the world and the people around us. Every fiber in our body was created from light and boundless energy, but our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs are molded by the spaces that we fill and the people with whom we have interacted with. Therefore, everyone has a right to their own beliefs, opinions, and personal faith. We can never truly know someone else’s story. What we can do is listen to and accept people for who they are and where they are. Even if you conform to a specific religious code, you have a private, personal, and individual experience of your beliefs. Nobody can take that away from you.

I, personally, am still on the journey, searching for what I truly believe. In the past I have struggled with organized religion and with people throwing their dogma in my face, yet I have also found some of the most beautiful and genuine people within the church walls. My frame of reference is the Christian faith and story, but I do not hold this as the only one and ultimate truth. Some may argue that this negates my Christian upbringing, because a true Christian must believe fully in Christ, Jesus as their Lord and Savior, the one and only child of God. This is where my faith gets complicated. I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe he is an important and influential character in the world’s collective history. I believe that his message of peace, love, forgiveness, and sacrifice is a profound, beautiful, and revealing truth. However, I do not believe that this is the one and only way to The Divine, or as I know it, God. If Jesus has taught me anything, it is that we are all in this together, regardless of our backgrounds. Who am I to tell someone that they are wrong when I have no idea if I am right? If I sat down with world leaders from all religious and spiritual backgrounds and was asked to defend one belief over another, I would be frozen solid and grow old in that space. How am I to know? Who am I to condemn or bless one over the other? I find that to be selfish and arrogant… and I am sorry if that is harsh. We should not demoralize someone, because they live a different life than ours or hold a different word in their hearts. We do not have to believe what they believe, but we should not tell them they are wrong. We are equally as likely to be on the wrong side of the table. All we can know, and should know, is that we are both trying to make it in this place and that journey comes with a lot of pain and sorrow but also with many blessings and joys. The message I stand behind is a message of love, acceptance, joy, laughter, and bliss. I stand behind a life that is genuine and aimed at making the world a better place. I stand behind people that lift others up and build strong communities. I stand behind people that stand up for what they believe to be right without knocking others down and out of their way. I believe we are all here for a reason, and I believe that all dogs go to heaven. I believe that love, forgiveness, acceptance, and an open heart are all we need in this place. I believe we are all uniquely made. I believe in a beautiful world and a beautiful people. I believe in us.

Black Panther: The Movie Everyone Is Talking About

If you have not already seen this film, stop reading this and go to your local theater. Seriously. It is fantastic and touches on social issues in a powerful and moving way. Moreover, it is just a beautiful film to watch. You cannot help but leave feeling empowered and wanting to stand with Wakanda forever. The movie brings to light a lot of questions about our society and the way that we interact with the world and other humans around the globe.

Here is a list of questions it raised in my own mind: 

Should we be involved in issues outside of our own society/culture? 

If so, in what way?

What is the balance between helping and hurting, war and diplomacy? 

How does the color of our skin impact our daily lives and perceptions? 

Beyond that, what is the dynamic between people of our own race? 

How does class influence these relationships? 

Once we have seen suffering, what do we do? Can we turn our backs or must we act? 

Can we go back to the life we had before? 

What does it mean to be loyal to ones country? 

What does it mean to be a strong leader? 

What does it mean to sacrifice for what you believe in? 

The movie does a beautiful job of painting African and Black culture in a new light while also highlighting women's strength and power. I do not even have the words to fully grasp or explain the depth of the movie. Just go see it. Again, if have already. I know I will be buying another tub of popcorn this week. 

Please comment with your thoughts, feelings, emotions, and questions regarding the movie! It is such a good conversation starter, and I am interested to know what others think. Thanks!