I've diagnosed myself as having plantar fasciitis, and yesterday of course what else did I do but Google natural remedies? What I found supremely interesting was that the first thing I stumbled upon was an article from the Huffington Post by a "holistic podiatrist." It was a rather lengthy article, and with a holistic perspective as its basis, of course the author discussed how foot health can actually be an indicator of overall health.
Makes sense, but I had never considered it from this perspective before. I know sugar is bad for you. I know refined carbs are the devil. Now I at least know how to eat right to avoid a gallbladder attack; do I really have to further clean up my eats to make my left heel stop hurting so much? Apparently the answer is yes. The inflammation, I'm told, can be set off by bad food choices, including minor intolerances, which I probably have considering my other real food allergies.
As a society, we know the basics of healthy eating, and often that's all you really need to know: Eat your fruits and vegetables and you'll protect yourself from a host of maladies.
So why can't we do it?
I know I've asked this question before, and really there are lots of reasons: We feel we deserve a "treat"; we have happy memories associated with certain foods; we find comfort in chocolate, macaroni and cheese, chicken pot pie. But the comfort can turn to dread when these foods cause weight gain, heart burn, high cholesterol, you name it. That's too far in the future, though. We want immediate gratification. Our society is also one of Now Now Now, Me Me Me.
I need to learn some ways around this. I use health as an excuse to not buy conventional chicken, and then I go and have a cookie and a sugary drink as a mid-morning snack. I chastise my husband for spending too much to fix up his motorcycle, and then I spend $13 on a bag of dried figs that I don't even like. I am just now seeing the dichotomy in my actions, and I feel stupid and foolish.
One option is abstinence from the places and foods that tempt you. If you can't go to the pub and find something healthy to eat, don't go at all. If you can't keep treats in the house because you end up eating sugar all day, don't buy them any more.
I know, trust me, that's easier said than done. Your kids beg you for stuff. Your husband shows up with coffee cake. The church boasts a wide array of pastries and donuts after every service. You can't always avoid it, so you do have to work your discipline muscle just like you would any other (that means physical exercise is necessary too, yes). Perhaps if I say no once, it will be easier to say no the next time, too.
There may be little things you can do also to remind yourself of your goal along the way, whether it's to lower
your blood pressure or decrease your risk for heart disease. Get a Live Strong bracelet. Carry a picture of your kids in your car so you have to look at it every time you're tempted to stop for fast food. Arm yourself with a trusty list of fast and healthy recipes to use on the days you're *this close* to ordering unhealthy takeout. There are lots of little things you can do if you just remember...which, I know, can be hard in and of itself. You have to remind yourself to remind yourself, maybe. Create incentives. If you DON'T spend on something unhealthy, you can spend on something healthy -- like chemical-free makeup, bamboo towels or zero-VOC paint for your home. There's so much more out there than ice cream and chips. Trust me, I know that sounds a bit over the top. But I'm admitting to this internal dilemma I have, and I refuse to give up. Keep in
mind that out of your greatest struggle comes your greatest success...I'm not quite sure how just yet, but I have faith.
I think mostly I just need to CHILL OUT.
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