More and more we need to start looking at what we are placing on the end of our forks… we cannot keep blaming our inherited genes, fast food restaurants, stressful jobs, no time for exercise, tired, etc…..we are the only ones responsible for the choices that we make when we are hungry.

The first thing that I do when I am hungry is drink a huge glass of filtered water. This usually will do the trick, it is a fact that often you are just thirsty. I invested a lot of time during my weight loss journey, trying to figure out when and why I eat?  Asking myself the question am I stressed, bored, sad, frustrated at work, PMS, up late, tired, moody etc….all of these factors will have a huge impact on what I decide to place on my plate.

There are times when we are pressed for time, that is the fast paced life that we live today….a great way to make it easier is to always have great food choices in the refrigerator. It is a great weekly routine to wash and prep your vegetables, then place them in ziplocs.  When you are ready to eat, you just need to pick and choose what you wish to have in your salad, stir fry, healthy sauce etc…..it will be quick and easy. This is a great time saver and way better than grabbing a quick meal (non-food) at a local fast food joint.

You need to find hobbies, passions to help keep your mind busy creating and loving something other than food. You need to ask yourself “Am I eating to live or living to eat?” Would be amazing if life could be the same way as when I grew up…

 I was born in 1965. I am the youngest of 10 children (yes same parents).  I was very fortunate that my mom would prepare great  homemade meals.  My dad worked and she stayed at home raising the family. When I was 8 years old, she started working outside of the home. She would always encourage us to go outside and play. Even on rainy days my mom would tell us to put our bathing suits on and go play outside…it was a great time to grow up!

We would be outdoors with friends all the time….nice rosy cheeks and sleeping well at night…no drugs needed for hyperactivity back then, we were so tired, trust me we slept! Those were the days!!! Nothing was opened on Sundays, it was considered family day (never thought that we would actually need an official Family Day in 2013?). We would not see our friends on this day, unless it was at church. We would get spoiled with a soft drink (small glass) and chips (rarely and small bowl) usually air popcorn with butter (now that was special). These are memories that I will cherish forever!

My mom always took the time to have me as her little helper in the kitchen. I remember clearly licking the spoon after making old fashioned cookies, mother’s didn’t worry back then. Life was simple and their children were the center of their lives.

Last Sunday was Mother’s Day and it always brings back amazing memories spent with my mom growing up.  She passed away a few years ago but she is always in my heart, never too far.  I was her baby and she spoiled me with love all the time. She would spend a lot of time with me, always knew what to say and had so many words of wisdom.  She instilled great life values in me and I can now pass those on to our son. She always told me that one day when I would be a mom, I would understand this unconditional love…and I do!!

Thanks mom for all that you did for me, you are now an angel looking down on me all the time, I still feel your guidance and talk to you regularly…..I love you and miss you….je t’aime mom……xxxooo

In health….

Sylvie Thibert

thehealthnut@cogeco.ca

www.thehealthnut.ca

613-931-3119