The headline of the secret's of the world's healthiest women is somewhat misleading because it is good advice for everyone. A couple of obvious things are to eat less and eat slower.
And do we have any readers from France who can talk about the way they eat and live?
Here's the link:
http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/secrets-worlds-healthiest-women-142400616.html
FD
Virtue
1 hour ago
Florida Dom,
ReplyDeleteI was born and raised in Canada;however, I have been fortunate to save my money long enough to spend on travelling throughout this world. Although the people were different, cultures were different, climates were different what I did notice was fewer overweight people in nearly every country I explored. As I am quite the conversationalist, meaning I like to converse with others I found myself asking women and men how they can eat all those rich foods and not gain weight. After numerous observations I came to the conclusion (just like in the article) that it was more about slowing the pace, smaller proportions and the desire to walk everywhere.
I have been blessed to have been raised by parents who did not drive me everywhere, who encouraged me to walk to and from the places I desired to go. That routine of using my legs has stayed with me and for the most part I would rather walk than take a car or even bus. Unfortunately though I was raised in a "hurried" environment so the quicker the meal the better and that often meant eating more than needed because I ate fast without allowing my body to digest.
Like most women in North America I have struggled with weight and body issues. Truth be told I personally do not know a single woman who hasn't. Even when the women are light in weight there is still some under lying worry that they are fat. When it comes to obesity I do not think Canada is much different from the US and I do believe it stems from our instant gratification and entitled environments.
Everyone wants things "now" and without waiting and everyone is told to rush. When I was in high school our lunch break was a full 60 minutes. We had time to properly eat and digest our lunch. Now in many schools lunch ranges from 30 to 45 minutes and lets face it a child would rather play than eat; a teenager would rather visit with friends or shop than eat so they rush to eat or they eat caffeine or sugar foods/drinks instead of proper meals. Even with work. No matter where I worked my lunch was only 30 minutes. If I forgot to bring my lunch that really only left 10 minutes to eat by the time I went to the store or restaurant to order my food.
I sadly believe that if we as a society do not slow down, do not take time, do not avoid the packaged quick food we might make North Americans extinct.
Eat less but more often. Slow our pace. Walk more. Could it really be that simple? I have to say yes.
~a
My answer is fresh ingredients and homemade. Use butter and fresh parmesan, but keep your portions small. I just got back from Spain and ate like a queen, but was never full. I ate fried cheese over there and still lost weight on that trip. France is the same. I think the key is portions and walk, walk, walk. There's no magic bullet. Put out more than you take in.
ReplyDeleteI remember back in the 70 and 80's all the talk was about how polyunsaturated fats were better for you, so don't use olive oil. At the time I was a teen and announced to the world, talking to myself in the kitchen, that it was a load of hooey. Olive oil was better for you and I knew it, instinctively, and the fact that after you used it a few times, the bottle is slippery to touch, and the bottles of the other oils were sticky. That was my proof.
ReplyDeleteI don't drive so I've walked everywhere all my life, so I've got that covered.
As for living to be 100, it's not a goal of mine. But I might be stuck here that long. My maternal great grandmother lived to be that old, and so did my paternal grandmother.
It is i believe down to good old fashioned common sense, in the uk there is a huge rise in obesity and im wandering if this is due to the drastic changes in family life today.
ReplyDeleteMothers tend to work more now, they have to, so there tends to be more reliance on fast food or something that can be zapped in the microwave, ready meals as opposed to starting from scratch.
Im not saying this applies to all but sometimes it comes down to convenience, im a working mother and sometimes yes im inclined to go for the easier option.
Being fit and healthy is about having balance i think, i dont obsess about it but i do try to be sensible, i want to set an example to my children, especially when we live in a world today that is overly centred on body image....i find it worrying the alarming amount of young girls who think there fat and stop eating and develop anorexia or bullemia....and im talking ages 8 and 9 and upwards.
so i do question if in fact we have gone too far in some ways.
tori x
Processed, caned and packaged foods are unhealthy. Just look at what is in the food you eat. Ick. Ideal would be to have a garden and large freezer. Unfortunately, most Americans eat processed foods every day. Who knows what these chemically modified foods do to your body.
ReplyDeleteFlorida Dom,
ReplyDeleteI eat a lot...no small portions for me, lol! Since my diet is plant based and it doesn't revolve around meat, I'm able to eat yummy, delicious food that's good for you and I don't have to worry about eating tiny little portions.
Love,
Kitty
P.S. No weight problem, either.
goodgirl: Yes, it apparently can be that simple.
ReplyDeleteSirsButterscotch: Fresh, homemade ingredients and small portions seems like a good formula.
T1klish: You were right about olive oil. And I'm surprised you don't drive. Are stores and work close enough for you to walk to them?
pains: Having balance is a good idea.
Dragon'sRose: Yes, we eat too many processed foods.
FD
Kitty: Nice you can eat yummy, delicious food that is good for you without worrying about portions. And the picture on your blog shows you don't have a weight problem.
ReplyDeleteFD
We do not eat meat very often nor do we own a microwave....yes I can hear all the gasps now. It really does help when preparing foods since you have to think about everything you are making instead of just zapping it. Now if only I could find a way to slow down I would be good to go.
ReplyDeletedancingbarez,
ReplyDeleteDare I confess we do not have a microwave either. Gasp. I know. We do eat meat mind you although I am more of a fish and chicken eater whereas Master likes his beef!
~a
Dear Sir, I really enjoy your blog; from the variety of topics to the thoughts that they provoke.
ReplyDeleteI've been fighting a weight issue (my opinion); Luther thinks I'm just fine. But honestly, no. I am considered overweight by my weight to height. But as everyone has been saying; eating healthier and moving more. It's working. I've lost about 12 pounds. I don't talk much about it to Luther as he worries that I might go too far. No problem there - I LOVE TO EAT. I especially love my veggies and pasta. So changed the type of pasta and increased the veggies. More walking and with little changes, my body is responding.
Thank you for keeping us thinking!
Love, Isabella
Dancing and goodgirl: Interesting that you both don't have microwaves.
ReplyDeleteIsabella: Thank you for your kind words about my blog. And congrats on losing the 12 pounds by changing the type of pasta you more, increasing the veggies and walking more. Sounds like a good formula.
FD
Shobet: Sorry I didn't even know I was on Yahoo News until you told me and I don't know how to get listed there.
ReplyDeleteFD
I'm not much of a meat person, don't eat pies, pizza or hardly any processed foods. I much prefer fish and chicken with plenty of fresh vegetables. Though I do like the occasional steak.
ReplyDeletePlenty of exercise, walking and jogging when my knees allow it.
Love,
Ronnie
xx
Ronnie: Sounds like you have a healthy diet. And exercise is always good.
ReplyDeleteFD