I really thought I would be able to overcome the upset rumbling stomachs, the gas and pain, the mixture of constipation and the runs from my high-fiber, high-protein diet I’ve been on. I like being satisfied and eating good healthy foods, and I thought I could adapt but lately it’s been so difficult. As much as I like those bowls of kidney beans with maple syrup, the homemade bread with carrots, the 15-bean soup and pea soup, I think I need to seriously think about cutting back on eating those kinds of things are truthfully, it’s not making me healthy, it’s making me sick.
I want to be healthy and live the good life, but right now I don’t think I am going in that direction with my irritable bowels, excessive pissing from excessive water. I’ve been checked out by my doctor, I am healthy and only improving as my weight continues to decline and my nutrient profile increases, with healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. But I do obsess over food too much these days, and just have gotten so horrified at what most Americans eat these days and think tastes good. Good I guess if you like the taste of food that’s poisoning your body.
The average 18 year old will live to age 80. The average 65 year old will live to age 85. The average 76 year old will live to age 88. The average 90 year old will live to age 94. The average 100 year old will live to age 102.
Two things cause this happen:
Every year, there is a possibility of death. If you survive that year to be age xx, then you did not die.
Second, people who don't die in a particular year are less likely to engage in risky behavior that can cause death.
All week I’ve been getting up at 5 AM to cook. I’m awake early and I’m up to run to the bathroom, so I usually start with a soup, stew, beans or rice on the stove and homemade bread in the oven. And oatmeal – banana pancakes or a pound of spinach and vegetables with two eggs mixed in for binder on cast iron pan on a different burner before the morning walk at 6:20. Then usually by 8 am the soup and beans are done simmering and I have a good meal come dinner time. Usually as dinner warms up in the evening I knead dough, prepare beans to soak, chop vegetables or tidy up the kitchen. Then I retire to bed by 8 or 9 pm as I tired and it’s dark out. Plus my electric bill is up due to all the cooking, lol.
I won’t say I’m a good cook or I eat much standard American fare these days but I like to control what I put in my body and make good basic foods that I can understand. I rarely use more than a handful of minimally processed ingredients in any dish, even my bread is simple – whole wheat flour, water and yeast – and a very small amount of salt and no sugar. I really don’t use recipes as most are too complicated and unhealthy for my tastes. Probably people think I’m werid.
Recently, I’ve noticed that people have been commenting on how I look different from before. Some are genuinely worried about the changes in my facial appearance and profile. Additionally, an increasing number of people have expressed concerns about my face appearing somewhat sunken, likely due to the loss of fat in my face and neck. Still, my chest doesn’t share the same flatness though my waist line has dropped significantly. While I still have room to lose a few pounds, I’m uncertain about the extent, especially since I’m reintroducing higher-quality dairy, homemade whole-grain breads, and healthier locally-sourced meats into my diet.
People seem to assume that I’m following a strict diet or that I might have health issues. The reality, though, is that I’ve been educating myself about nutrition and making healthier food choices. Rather than focusing on portion control, I’ve been loading up on fruits and vegetables. When you fill your plate with well-prepared, delicious vegetables, it’s naturally difficult to consume excess calories because your stomach has its limits. While indulging in too many veggies might send you to the bathroom frequently, they won’t contribute to weight gain due to their high water and fiber content compared to carbohydrates and fats.
Despite the concerns voiced by others, I’ve never been happier in my life. My stomach feels full, and I experience fewer hunger pangs. I’ve managed to avoid regular sugar crashes and junk food cravings. Processed sugar doesn’t hold the same appeal for me anymore, and even fatty foods have lost their allure. When your stomach is satisfied and you’re aware of the harm they can cause, things like cake and cookies lose their satisfaction. Importantly, my mental health has significantly improved since I’m no longer on a rollercoaster of sugar-induced highs and subsequent crashes.
In my forties, gaining knowledge about the relationship between food and health has profoundly transformed both my perspective and my body. The positive effects I encounter on a daily basis far outweigh the initial challenges of making changes. Undoubtedly, my 40th year of life stands out as the most remarkable thus far, and I’m confident that the trajectory will continue to improve.
