Last month, I talked about the fact that we needed to Honor Thy Mother this month as a part of the celebration of motherhood. We should honor the gifts they have given us – our bodies and our selves. Over and over again, I have stressed here that taking care of yourself is about your whole family. With today being Mother’s Day – today is a great day to remember that.
When you go out to eat or prepare your meal tonight – choose from a healthy selection of foods. Instead of fried, go for grilled. Choose leaner meat such as turkey, chicken or fish for the meat portion. Add some fruit to breakfast and lunch, along with a helping or two of green leafy vegetables at lunch and dinner. If you are going for chips or snack food, choose raw vegetables or baked chips. Skip having the sauces or gravy put on your food and ask for it on the side.
Like sandwiches? Get some split-topped wheat bread instead. Prefer sodas? Try fruit juice or water. Drink plenty of fluids and if you happen to have great weather where you are – spend time outside in your garden, playing with your kids or maybe just going for a long walk with your spouse or your pet.
When you take care of your body and your mind, you will reap the benefits in the long run. A diet that affects your lifestyle is one that is populated by healthy choices in what you eat, drink and do. Time with family is vital to all of us. The support structure our family provides us with also improves our emotional and mental fitness. We benefit from the time we spend together in many ways and we benefit from the love they have for us.
Isn’t it time to listen to Mom? Eat your greens, skip the sodas and don’t put more food on your plate than you want to eat. Don’t stuff yourself; you’ll make yourself sick. Don’t eat dessert first. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and you should drink your juice – it’s good for you.
Listen to your mother and honor your mother this month. She loved you and you deserve the healthy return that these types of choices will offer you.
Happy Mother’s Day!