Reflections on American Nutrition and Diet Plans

The United States is well known for having one of the lowest percentages of incomes going to food.  That is the case, if one eats a diet of inexpensive, heavily processed food.   If one eats a diet that avoids processed food, eats natural and organic products and if one has food sensitivities, the US diet is anything but inexpensive.

I have done a lot of research on nutrition.  I also have been tested for food sensitivities.  While I do not have many food sensitivities, I have some that have far-reaching implications.  As a result, I seek alternative products, and my food bills have skyrocketed.   My granddaughter, who often has several meals a week, with me has numerous food sensitivities that were making her sick.   Therefore I have to keep her sensitivities in mind when I shop.   That further escalates the cost.

The bottom line  has far reaching implications.   American food is cheap if one eats a basic diet heavy on processed and fast food.   When we avoid processed and fast food, the American diet is as pricey as if we lived in Scandinavia.

I frequently travel to Europe and have the opportunity to enjoy healthy breakfast buffets in a variety of countries.   These are expensive items.   Similarly, to buy those items here is also costly.

To be gluten free, for example, is a costly choice.    Although I do not have high sensitivity to gluten, I have chosen to avoid gluten laden items because I am supposed to avoid starches, flours, yeast,  sugars, etc. 

When Americans review their budgets, food often is a last choice, rather than a first choice.   Our electronic toys are very expensive.   Yet we prioritize them over the needs of our bodies for a healthy diet.    As a country we eat greasy fast food or empty calorie-laden foods that are sweet and tasty rather than choices packed with good nutrition.  But, at which price, in the long run?    The price of health...

Avoiding Depression and SAD

We are in the midst of a harsher than normal Minnesota winter.   I have not suffered from SAD (seasonal affective disorder)  over the years, but have numerous friends and relatives who have (regardless where they lived).
Today's blog is directed primarily to seniors who spend a lot of time indoors in the winter.     This winter is especially risky for SAD, because of the snow and cold and because of the Flu epidemic.

Just a few tips to avoid symptoms.
1-  Get dressed in the morning even if you are not going out at all.    It is depressing to sit in loose fitting pjs or nightgown all day long.   Get dressed and get on with your day.   You have many things you can do at home.     Regular clothes are more cheerful than your old pjs. 
2- Avoid wearing drab worn out clothes that you would use to clean out the garage or paint.   Looking at yourself in drab clothes (even a glance at the mirror) can make you depressed.   Most of us can afford to wear cheerful clothes.   This is not the time to wear a grey sweatshirt that you inherited from a family member and which you can not bear.   Wear bright or pastel colors.   Avoid grey and brown which are drab and depressing.    Yesterday I wore I black shirt  with little beads and with a yellow tee under it.  Very cheerful.
Today I am wearing a white sweater, decorated in blue.   Cheerful.

3- Cook a special meal.  Bake a special treat.  Tackle a cheerful project like organizing your favorite photos. Read a good book.  All of these will cheer you up.

4- Pray for spring.  Thank the Lord that you have a warm house and warm clothes in the grey winter.

5- Keep the house bright.  Open the blinds.  Turn on lights.   If needed, there are special lights/light bulbs to counter sad, but they should not be necessary if you keep the house bright. 

Today is very cold.  We had snow overnight.  But, the sun is shining and it looks very bright out, even though the streets and driveways are treacherous.
Look for signs of optimism -- the sun, your family, your friends, and dispel the signs of gloominess in your life.