Are we really what we are with what we eat and drink?

What we are with what we eat and what we drink?

How healthy can we really be by eating foods and drinking stuff we think is good for us? The reason so many people hit an energy wall every day has everything to do with what they’re putting into their bodies. I know that most of us think that eating healthy is a constant battle in our daily lives. Main reason is that everyone thinks it is more expensive than most of fast food and junk foods that we can easily buy.  It is a scientifically proven fact that our food choices affect our health! We all know that already, yet, still stubborn or just too complacent to act on it. However, sometimes, it’s either the habits, culture, lifestyle and financial restraint is one of the culprits that hinder us from eating healthier. The old saying, we are what we eat, is true. Every cell in our body was created from the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. In addition to nourishing our bodies, food also affects the quality of our lives, our appearance, moods, weight, energy, the aging process and our overall health and well-being.

Are genetically modified foods good for us?

These days, people are getting more and more aware of GMO foods, (Genetically Modified Organisms.)  A genetically modified organism is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Scientists insert a gene from one organism into another to “improve” or change the organism. These GMO foods were found to have been sneaking into our diets since 1995. I read an article that tomatoes were the first foods to be modified. They are modified to have a longer shelf life and so they will not freeze during cold seasons. Also, strawberries and many other fruits are modified to grow year-long so they can be bought anytime of the year. Makes sense. In order to make crops have a longer life, they insert a special gene, called Bt- toxin so that crops are more resistant to pests. These were mostly used on corn and cotton plants. Now, we ask ourselves: Are they a big contributing factor to all the diseases that are so prevalent today? Does this really have something to do with what we eat and what we drink?

I truly believe that most of the chronic diseases plaguing the world today can be drastically reduced with better choices in our food and drink intake. If you have been watching the news, documentary videos or read articles about on how some countries are also manipulating and trying to inject chemicals so that they will look fresh,  colorful and plump for exporting, you would not believe your eyes seeing it. In the Philippines, we always see on the news on how fake rice is being sold to a lot of consumers and get sick. It is real and happening. It. is. really. sickening.

Some of the independent research that has been done on biotech crops has revealed troubling health implications. A 2009 International Journal of Biological Sciences study found that rats that consumed Roundup Ready corn (produced by Monsanto) for 90 days developed a deterioration of liver and kidney function. Another study found irregularities in the livers of rats, suggesting higher metabolic rates resulting from a Roundup Ready soybean diet.

So, being aware of what we feed our bodies and how that food is produced is of paramount importance. We should think with our bodies, because what goes on in the inside shows on the outside. Feeding your body nutritional foods possible heals your body better than any drugs! Food is not just for the taste buds, it is for nourishing every cell in your body. They say if you don’t want medicine to be your food, let food be your medicine now, before it’s too late. Sometimes, I am guilty myself  for eating junk foods couple of days a week but I am only human so I get tempted once in awhile especially on weekends. We all do. Of course, who wouldn’t want to enjoy their weekends? However, this keeps me back on track for the workweek after the weekend of binging. So I just offset and kick those junks out by detoxing and consuming mostly fish, fruits and vegetables. I believe that Food is healing and that when we connect our relationship with food deeper, we unleash it ‘s power. We should recognize that food and nutrition are critical components in living well so it can contribute to a more positive and confident outlook throughout our lives.

I am not really at my best on healthy-eating. All I can say is just to keep it balanced and enjoy life! I know it is and will be a big leap for some of us to be more conscious on what food and drinks to buy. Keep checking every label on the shelf before we even decide to make that purchase. Some might say it would be really difficult not to be able to buy stuff without some of the products that has GMO, but at least eliminating some of them from our lists and/or diet will help. Motivation will get you started and habit will make you keep on going. Start buying and eating organic fruits and veggies from your local farmers. Somehow, it will give you a sense of accomplishment that you are contributing to the success of small businesses and contributing in keeping our environment pesticide free.

Unfortunately, our food industry is dominated by a handful of powerful corporations that control nearly every aspect of how our food is produced. Monsanto, for example, now owns a staggering number of seed companies that are genetically modified. I don’t believe in supporting big companies that dictate what I put on the table and making decisions on what is best for us – the customers. It’s all about them making increasing their bottom line and what is best for their profits and not what is best for us. GMO foods are not going to solve nutrition problems or feed the world- they are all about corporate control and profit.

We all have to start somewhere.  It just all begins with Consciousness, which will lead to Awareness, that follows by each one’s interest with the result of Action by making a Decision.

Just remember, “A healthy outside starts from the inside”. – Robert Urich