Compromising on Health

 

Compromising on health

Today I will be sharing a little bit of our family’s testimony. Ever since our children were very young, we made radical changes to our family’s diet. We wanted a healthy family, free from sinus issues, allergies, fatigue, skin problems and flu. Not to mention avoiding doctors, prescription medications and hospitals as far as possible.

Our family’s health started improving drastically, doctor’s bills decreased, our energy levels increased, everyone’s emotions stabilized and we felt happier. What we didn’t bargain on, was the reaction of people. We have spent many years being judged, criticized, ridiculed, all for the sake of good health.

As time went by, we learned to adapt wherever we went. Not everyone is on the health train yet, and we needed to take that into consideration. It’s about more than just food. It’s about enjoying life together, building each other up, motivating and strengthening the one beside you.

But what if your physical and emotional strength begins to weaken because you have become more lenient for the sake of others around you? We changed our standard of healthy eating, because we still needed to fit into society and be accepted. Children have an even bigger need to fit in. If they don’t join in on eating all the junk and sugar laden food, then they are seen as weird. We don’t want anyone to end up without friends or be seen as outcasts.

 And with so many food temptations surrounding us, it can be really hard for anyone, not to mention a child. There is also some ridiculous lie out there that children can eat the junk and adults have to learn to restrain themselves and not eat the junk. You have to teach your children from an early age, not only when they reach adulthood. You will spare your child a lot of problems later in life.

We used to teach our children to have one or two biscuits or small unhealthy options whenever we go somewhere or visit people. If we do go out alone as a family and we see something decadent that is unhealthy, then we would share it. But what do you do when occasional visits, parties and social events become more regular, and becomes a lifestyle? If you have to make two unhealthy choices a few times a week? A roller coaster ride sets in, because an unhealthy lifestyle has come into motion!

 On compromising on my health this past month, I reaped the most terrible PMS and menstruation of my life! Nausea, bloatedness, period pain, sleeplessness, body aches, feelings of depression and anxiety, heavy period and tearfulness. So is it really worth changing your standard?? Will you be able to build relationships, build other people up and encourage them if you are the one that is feeling miserable??

Today I want to ask you; What is your standard? Who decides what your standard must be? Are you brave enough to change your standard, even if it costs you being judged and criticised?

An unhealthy lifestyle will wreak havoc in the long run. Do you want to continue jeopardizing your health and wait for next week to take responsibility for your health? It is time to change before you get sick. Everyone says that they want to be healthier, but what are you doing about it? How are you educating yourself to learn how to take control of your health?

Healthy food can be tasty and appealing, you just need to put a little effort in. There is a wonderful website that can help you in this department. A couple with 4 children that can inspire you, get some new recipes and show you where you can make changes in your home. Go to www.naturallivingfamily.com

My next question is, what healthy options are available wherever you go? What healthy options do you have available in your home for your family or guests to enjoy?

If we all make changes, it will be easier across the board, because there will be healthier options available that you can eat together. This will in turn build healthy relationships, literally and figuratively. We can’t be lukewarm anymore. You will be helping your family, friends and community.

It is time to take ownership of your health.

Lizelle

 

Recipes:

“Cheesy” butternut pasta: (serves 4)

 

1 butternut

1 large onion

non- dairy milk

Warm water

Pink salt

Nutritional yeast (2  heaped Tbsp)

Gluten-free pasta (Sam Mills corn pasta)

-Roast butternut in oven.

Gently fry onion. Set aside.

-Cook pasta.

Add butternut to the onion.

-Place mixture in blender or food processor.

-Add plant based milk and water to mixture, blend until creamy. (Quantity will depend on how muck milk and water you would like to add for creaminess.)

·     -Add salt according to taste.

·     -Mix into pasta. Place it in a serving dish. Garnish with parsley or paprika.

 

Raw carrot cake balls

 

1 peeled and grated carrot

Three quarter cup almonds

Half a cup pressed cut dates (Soak in water if it is too hard.)

Quarter cup raw oats

1 Tbsp melted coconut oil

Cinnamon (half a tsp)

Nutmeg (quarter tsp)

Ginger powder (quarter tsp)

Clove powder (1/5 tsp)

Desiccated coconut

·    - Place almonds in food processor until ground to almost fine.

·     -Add carrots and dates . (Remove any soaking liquid first.)

·     -Process, then add coconut oil.

·     -Process, let stand for 5 min. (Oats will absorb some moisture and soften.)

·     -Process again. Roll in balls, roll in desiccated coconut.

 - Store in an airtight container in the fridge.