Filling Your Tank

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I remember the gas shortages of the 70’s.  I remember sitting in lines at the gas station for HOURS to get gas.  I remember being annoyed that I had to waste good playing time sitting in the line, doing nothing. (I was still a KID in the 70’s I might add) 

I find I have the same reaction to having a bunch of things to do and not enough energy to keep up.  What a waste of good time.

Margie asked about keeping our bodies up to their best, in order to have the strength and energy to do all that we need to do in our days.  I have found the being an entrepreneur makes the need for additional strength – both physical and mental, as well as energy, all the greater.

I would encourage you to go here and sign up for Dr Leanne’s free report “The Seven Critical Factors to Radiant Health.”  I think you will find it really helpful. (If nothing else, it’s a great kick in the pants.)  

I’m going to use her seven factors, as the framework for what I share here – it’ll give us a good starting point.  (Just because I’m blogging on it, don’t assume you’ll have the best of what she shares – it’s really worth the effort to get it.)

1) The things we eat and drink.  Most of us have a skewed understanding of what is good for our bodies.  For example, I was taught that we needed our 3 squares with no snacking between meals.  That makes you fat.  I was also taught that all fat is bad.  Furthermore I was taught that a Pop-Tart and a glass of milk made a great breakfast.  I was taught wrong.

In order for our bodies to do all that we have for them to do, we need to give them good fuel.  Especially in the morning.  After sleeping all night, your body is ready for a good nutritious jump into the day.  I have heard some people advocate all fruit in the mornings.  For most of us, that’s really hard on the pancreas and can tax already weary adrenal glands.  I have found that our better option for mornings is protein.  Your body has hard work to do – give it what it needs.

Now, for those of us that can remember the low-carb diets, let’s talk for just a moment.  Did anyone tell you how or why these diets seemingly work?  Let me try and do so – they put your body into a state of ketosis.  Ketosis is a toxic state that will burn fat, but it will also burn your own body tissue – this includes muscles, organs and yes, your brain.  Now speaking as someone who needs EVERY brain cell, this is not a good option for me.    This state of ketosis also explains why, as soon as you add any significant amount of carbs, the diet will stop working.   Furthermore, a low-carb diet will eventually cripple your ability to exercise because it will be attacking your muscles -which are generally considered needful for exercising.    Muscles need carbs to work.

Furthermore, our bodies operate best on a continual supply of energy, so eating all day long is optimal.  Okay, let me refine that statement:  It would be best if you would eat lightly every 3 hours or so.  Going more than 4 hours without food, at any time other than bed, means your body is drawing energy from you, rather than supplying it to you.

I have also found that including some kind of light protein with each of those “grazings” to be very helpful.  Now when I say “eat something” I am not saying make a meal every 3 hrs.  I’m talking…..oh, let’s see… some cottage cheese with chunks of cucumber and tomato mixed in.  I like to have some apple with that, too. (NOT mixed in.) If I’m feeling extravagant, I’ve even been known to throw some sunflower seeds on top of that.  Or take some left over chicken and put it in a tortilla, with veggies and make a wrap.

I try to make my goal eat 6 times a day – with the last “meal” being kefir before bedtime.  I strive to make each one fresh produce, some form of protein and a low glycemic carb.

Now, please note – I said STRIVE.     This isn’t worth beating yourself up over, nor should it destroy your grocery budget.  Let’s face it, high glycemic or not, sometimes my family either eats rice and pasta or they go hungry.   We are to do the best we can, pray for what we lack and trust the Lord for the gap between the real and the ideal.  (Right Mary Jo??!!)  

So, crank up the fingers and let’s talk fuel!!!    What is your biggest struggle, what is your biggest success?  I’d love to hear both.

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