I just met with a delightful couple, who reminded me about something important. I live in Sonoma County – wine country – home of “the good life”. It really is a good life here.
Now, “the good life” can be associated with wine, cheese, and lots of food in general. And it is not uncommon that the outcome can be high blood sugar, high cholesterol and/or weight gain. But it doesn’t have to be.
Eating well – making healthy food choices – doesn’t mean giving up the good life. It is not an either-or type of thing. You really can have them both. You just need to be thoughtful about it.
“The good life” speaks to a quality of living. It implies a way of living that feels bountiful and full and sensuous. Sounds pretty wonderful, don’t you think? Why would you want to give that up?
Think in terms of quality instead of quantity. Have the wine – really enjoy it. And stop. Having large quantities doesn’t make it better. Have a little cheese; and stop. With both, you might want to save yourself for the good stuff. Why waste the calories on ones you’ll enjoy less?
If you are hungry, fill up on fruits and vegetables. Find the ways of cooking them that you just love. With all the fresh produce available at Farmers Markets, it really is a feast. A pile of colorful produce is sensuous too!
You don’t even have to give up your old favorites. Just expand your tastes. Find the healthy stuff that truly pleases you. You don’t have to get less by being moderate, you can actually get more.
Instead of choosing between eating healthy or enjoying the good life, find ways that you can do both. Eat slowly and enjoy it all. Have the good life and feel great about it.
Find more nutrition information and my monthly newsletter on my website: http://healthyhabitscoach.com .
Eat well!
