Shannan and I recently spent some
time in California with her family. We joined others to celebrate her aunt's
80th birthday. As you might imagine, family meals were a major focus of our
time together. The odd thing came in managing a variety of dietary concerns. We
had to have offerings that were both dairy and gluten free, for one, low sodium
for another and two folks were on a strict Paleo Diet. The latter two elected
to go on the extreme diet as part of a Cross Fit training program. I can
appreciate that.
Across the weekend I considered
revamping my diet for the coming year. As many of you know, I am not a dieter.
I enjoy food, especially carbs. Generally, I try to make healthy choices at
meal times, and mostly I eat within moderation. Where I fall down is with
peanuts, donuts and salty snacks. If I had to write out a formal diet, like
most others it would incorporate a lifestyle change as much as a food choice.
My diet plan would of course, include daily exercise, and a meal selections
similar to what Laura Ingalls Wilder describes in her "Little House" books. Her husband, Almanzo,
and her father, Charles, both ate meat and fish according to migration
patterns, as well as in vegetables, fruits and grains that grew
locally. They drank milk and had donuts here and there. By all accounts both
men lived healthy and active lives. The trick comes as these fellows, like
others on the prairie at the time, engaged in active work every day.
Truthfully, that is about how I live now. So, my diet plan is the status quo.
Make good choices at the table and keep your body in motion.
Eat Well. Exercise regularly.
Tom
