Fill ‘er up!

When it comes down to it, food is meant to be fuel. Calories in calories out right? But food can, and has, become so many other things in our culture. A source of pleasure, a reward, a treat, a reason to gather together, a source of power, a vice, an obsession, and even a killer. Food can heal and energize or, as it does in many cases, it can cause disease.

Diet books overfill the shelves and new fads are born by the minute. But the simple truth is food is a source of calories, and calories are units of energy. Take in more calories than you burn, and you will start storing those calories as fat. Take in less calories than you burn, and you WILL lose weight. It’s really that simple. Does that mean it’s always easy? Certainly not.  Sometimes it’s a difficult slow process. But, if you can commit to a gradual course of weight loss incorporating thoughtful eating and scheduled exercise, you will likely be more successful and happier than if you try for the quick fix and end up yo-yo dieting yourself into despair.

If you find it difficult to determine appropriate portion sizes, or which types of food to eat consider this: How will you feel an hour or two after eating it? Will you be able to take a run or a bike ride or a vigorous hike/walk? Whatever it is you do to get your blood pumping, will that food in your stomach be churning around making you feel like vomiting? Or will it be giving you the necessary fuel for your exercise activity of choice? This may take some experimenting because you may not realize that a lot of the things you are putting inside your mouth end up taxing your body more than rejuvenating it. You may not realize that your portions are too big, that they actually cause your digestive system quite a bit of distress (especially in the setting of exercise). That’s okay, because if you simply start paying attention you will quickly learn what does and does not work for your body, and you will adapt accordingly.

Of course there is SO much more to say on this topic- so many things to consider when discussing nutrition and exercise- but for now, let’s just start redirecting our thoughts about food to the very simplistic notion that FOOD IS FUEL. Food is full of calories, calories are units of energy, and we need only ingest enough energy to sustain our immediate needs. All the other benefits we think we must derive from food can certainly be found elsewhere if even just temporarily- just for this experiment. Find pleasure in being with the people you love, reaching goals, enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Reward yourself with a massage or a new book or a day to play hooky and relax! Find other reasons to gather together with the people you enjoy- or if food must remain the central theme, enjoy the fuel that is prepared for you and remember to consider how you will feel in a few hours… don’t overfill your tank, and go for the high octane quality option!