Life Is Short, Live It Well!

  I couldn't help it! When she made the following statement on FB, I just had to respond,

"Good nutrition can heal any illness and keep you from getting sick." And just like that, I was unfriended! 

 The response that got such a reaction? The truth! I simply stated, "Eventually we all die from something." I didn't even have a chance to explain what I meant. 

I wholeheartedly endorse eating a healthy diet and taking nutritional supplements.

I myself have experienced a great improvement to my health because of them. But seriously, we are all going to die someday, and unless it's by an accident, the cause will be an illness! (well, unless the Lord comes and takes us home first, but that's a whole other story!)

If she would have given me the opportunity to have a discussion with her, I would have told her that as someone who ignored my health and my diet most of my life, I know how important nutrition is! At age 60 I'm finally realizing just what a difference nutrition can make in my day to day life. Had I continued down the path I was on, my health would have continued to deteriorate. And I don't mean the natural process of aging; there's no avoiding that! What I'm talking about are specific health concerns that if left unchecked, will have some very negative outcomes.

But before I get into that, I have to say, I've also met a lot of people who are on the opposite end of this discussion too. 

I'm actually astounded at the number of people who are so quick to mock our decision to take nutritional supplements and eat healthier! 

Maybe they think we aren't trusting God, or perhaps they think we believe we've found some miracle cure that's going to allow us to cheat death. Whatever the reason for their comments, I feel like I need to address both of these perspectives.

Have you ever seen this FB meme? "Life is short, eat the cake!" Every time I see it, I can't help thinking, "Yes, life is short and mine is so much better without the cake!" But not so long ago, I would have agreed with this meme. My attitude was, "What I don't know will one day kill me." So I went merrily on my way, ignoring signs from my body, bad results from blood work, and healthy living advice. It didn't occur to me that what I was ignoring would also cause me joint pain, lousy sleep, headaches, constant colds and illness long before it ever killed me! 

They say with age comes wisdom...well, I'm not sure about that, but it sure does bring about a bunch of health issues that make you rethink some things! I've not only had to change my thinking, but a lot of bad habits as well.

 First, let me clearly state what I don't believe. 

• I don't believe that nutritional supplements are a miracle cure for all illness.
• I don't believe nutritional supplements are going to make me live forever. (sounds silly I know, but so do some of the comments I've heard!)
• I don't believe that nutritional supplements will stop me from getting cancer or some other disease if that is in my future.
• 
  

Now that I've cleared up those misconceptions, I'll move on to what I do believe.

I have no doubt that God determines the day I will die.

Acts 17:25b, 26b, 28a seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; For in him we live, and move, and have our being;

 I also have no doubt that God expects me to take good care of the body He has given me and to use the brain He gave me to make wise decisions!

1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 

 Back to that cake meme for a minute... I understand the writer is merely trying to get across the idea that we should enjoy life, I'm just using it as an illustration, because I think it's representative of a common attitude...Why should I be deprived? I'll just do whatever I want and not think about the consequences...Que ser sera!

 Sidenote: Why do we have to equate sugary food with having a good life? I'm not saying that no one should ever eat a dessert, but too many of us overindulge in all things sugary, to the detriment of our health. There are so many other ways we can enjoy life! We are far from deprived in North America! 

 For many, their genetics have predisposed them to weight issues. MY genetics predispose me to developing type 2 Diabetes. This link explains a little about it.

Type 2 Diabetes, Mayo Clinic

 "More common in adults, type 2 diabetes increasingly affects children as childhood obesity increases. There's no cure for type 2 diabetes, but you may be able to manage the condition by eating well, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight. If diet and exercise aren't enough to manage your blood sugar well, you also may need diabetes medications or insulin therapy."

 Now I could continue ignoring this information, or I can choose to be wise and make some simple changes and possibly avoid the need for medication in the future. Remembering that as a health care aid I once cared for a lady whose legs had been amputated due to complications from diabetes may be why I've finally decided to be proactive in this area!

 But Diabetes is just one example of an illness that is affected by diet, exercise and lifestyle; there are many more! I was prescribed a corticosteroid for my OLP, but after doing some research I decided to not use it, choosing instead to manage my symptoms with diet changes, and natural anti-inflammatories. My cholesterol was high for years and my doctor kept pressuring me to take medication. Three months on specific nutritional supplements and my levels improved. Given the options, why would anyone choose medication over good nutrition; drugs over natural substances?  

So, in short, I believe...

• eating a healthy well-balanced diet and taking certain nutritional supplements improves my overall health, strengthens my immune system, and helps me to avoid many colds, viruses and common illnesses.
• good nutrition is helping me to have a better quality of life, for however long I live.
• good nutrition will help my body to be stronger in the event that I do get cancer or some other illness that requires treatment.

For me, nutritional wellness is not about adding years to my life, but about adding life to my years.

It's about being the strongest that I can be, using what God has made available, not taking for granted how very blessed we are to have the options we do. There are many people who don't have access to good nutrition, and that makes me all that much more thankful for all God has provided!  At the same time, I realize that GOD is the one who holds my life in HIS hands, and I can live the healthiest life possible, eating the best food available, taking supplements and exercising, and He may choose to take me home tomorrow. But as long as I'm alive I pray that I glorify HIM in all that I do.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Yes, Life IS short, and God willing, I hope to live it well!

P.S.
 Lest anyone think I'm completely against cake...this is my mom celebrating her 90th birthday....and yes, she ate cake!

Read this series: My Wellness Journey

Follow us on Facebook: Living Our Lives Well

For women who would like some encouragement or accountability for your own journey, we have a support group:
the Christian Ladies Network