I have found myself being more conscious of food lately. I am becoming more aware of how I feel after eating: do I feel nourished or just full? I have always thought I ate fairly healthy, but have found there is always room for improvement.
It all started with instant potatoes. They used to be a quick, go-to side at dinnertime. Then, one day as I was washing dishes after supper, there were bits of instant potatoes left on a plate. As the hot water washed over these potatoes, they turned into a thin liquid almost instantaneously.
After witnessing this transformation, I began to question why do I eat these in the first place? I thought it was for the convenience--the name says it all. It's much easier to tear open a packet and add water than peeling and mashing real potatoes.
I couldn't shake the sickening image of the instant potatoes turning this watery slime running down the drain. My mind was littered with questions: What was it doing in my digestive track? How could it possibly carry any nutrients? Is the convenience really worth it?
I decided to forgo buying any more instant potatoes and take the time to cook up real potatoes--be russet, red or white rose. I found something about the preparation added to the eating experience and I felt nourished afterwards.
I was reminded of a quote by Susan Powter, author and motivational speaker in the 90's that was popular for her book Stop the Insanity. She said during her infomercial "Did the food grow that way?" After asking this question, the instant potatoes was answered with a resounding no. Its list of ingredients takes up half of the package and not one of the items is sunshine or rich soil.
For me, making small changes will resonate much longer and become a good eating habit than radically changing my whole menu.
It all started with instant potatoes. They used to be a quick, go-to side at dinnertime. Then, one day as I was washing dishes after supper, there were bits of instant potatoes left on a plate. As the hot water washed over these potatoes, they turned into a thin liquid almost instantaneously.
After witnessing this transformation, I began to question why do I eat these in the first place? I thought it was for the convenience--the name says it all. It's much easier to tear open a packet and add water than peeling and mashing real potatoes.
I couldn't shake the sickening image of the instant potatoes turning this watery slime running down the drain. My mind was littered with questions: What was it doing in my digestive track? How could it possibly carry any nutrients? Is the convenience really worth it?
I decided to forgo buying any more instant potatoes and take the time to cook up real potatoes--be russet, red or white rose. I found something about the preparation added to the eating experience and I felt nourished afterwards.
I was reminded of a quote by Susan Powter, author and motivational speaker in the 90's that was popular for her book Stop the Insanity. She said during her infomercial "Did the food grow that way?" After asking this question, the instant potatoes was answered with a resounding no. Its list of ingredients takes up half of the package and not one of the items is sunshine or rich soil.
For me, making small changes will resonate much longer and become a good eating habit than radically changing my whole menu.
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