Getting Healthy - Hopefully!

A few weeks ago, we watched a documentary called "Forks Over Knives". It really started us thinking how unhealthy our diet was and how we need to make a change. I highly recommend you watch this documentary. It might save your life.

I realized that even though we started eating less and I started cooking healthier, sometimes there is hidden salt, sugar and preservatives even in "healthy" foods that I have to watch out for when I grocery shop. There are so many hidden preservatives, sugars and sodium in any processed food. Unless you read the labels you would not even know. I have become an avid label reader. I have also started moving toward a more plant-based diet.  The other change I am making for the family is to try and buy local and in-season fruits and vegetables.

I am also trying to lose weight because I have gained way too much in the last few years. We started a mini-exercise club at work where we bring in our exercise tapes and try to exercise every day after work. We can't do it everyday but even a few times a week helps.

A bad diet and too much weight are a recipe for so many different health problems. I have a bad diet and carry way too much weight. I have started to worry that my future might involve heart problems, diabetes, kidney problems and so much more. I know I need to make a change. As I get older, it becomes more difficult. Changing our diet is a start.

I am not sure if we will ever go totally vegetarian but we I have started switching out at least 3 meals a week to a vegetarian meal. I even bought some low-fat vegetarian cookbooks because I honestly do not know how to cook that many vegetarian dishes.

In essence, I have to learn to cook again. I am a whiz in the kitchen with any type of meat but give me a bunch of veggies and I don't know what to do except make salads and stir fry. I think that would get old really fast. I also have to careful about not just serving pasta and anything with cheese. I need to learn how to make balanced vegetarian dishes.

So there you have it, I am trying to teach an old dog new tricks. Personally, I think I can succeed. My main obstacle was the hubby but he is on board because the documentary made him realize that we needed to make a change.

I am not here to preach but I do suggest watching "Forks Over Knives". I also am listening to a book on tape by Barbara Kingsolver called "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" which is absolutely fantastic. She writes about many of the same topics in the documentary. I am learning so much and I cannot wait to start planning my garden this year because I am going to make sure I make the most of it so we can have fresh veggies in summer and fall.

For more information on some of the problems caused by not eating healthy, check out the following websites Diabetic Connect and Heart.org. Watch "Forks Over Knives" and find out what you can do to become healthier. Read those labels as well! I was surprised what was in some of the "healthy" food I was buying. I am hoping that in a few months I can come back and report some good news about my health!

Wish me luck!