7 Gifts from God - Balance Part 3

Greetings! Another part of the gift of balance is healthy eating. We have to start to be more aware of what we put into our bodies. I believe that our long term health depends on the foods we eat. I think we have gotten better about labeling our foods and becoming more aware of things like GMO's and antibiotics. I also think paying more attention to how much our food is processed and what is really going into the things we eat, from the variety of preservatives to artificial sweeteners, can make a big difference in the way we feel. 
You hear people talk about food allergies, some are allergic to gluten, others its peanuts; some people have life threatening reactions. But if you pay attention to what your body is telling you after you eat things, even if you're not allergic, you may start to notice that somethings make you feel worse than others. For example, if I eat a lot of sugar I just feel bad afterwards. I start to feel tired and have just a general lack in energy. But if I eat something good, like an orange or banana, I feel great and I have energy and feel more focused. I'm not telling you to do the sugar detox that is out there but if you feel up to it then go for it! I think it can be very beneficial! 
I struggle with sugar, even knowing how it makes me feel after. Cakes, cookies, ice cream, all these yummy sugared up processed foods taste great but don't make me feel so well. I try to keep some Extra Dark chocolate around for when my sugar craving hits. Just a little square is normally rich enough to curb the craving, however, I think most people would agree, if you are going to eat the sweets, homemade is the best! This way not only do you know more about what you're eating and know there aren't preservatives in it but most of the time you can benefit from the love and care that was put into that homemade item. 
I recommend and try to stay away from processed foods and even when you go out to eat, its hard, but I try to pick things that haven't been processed too much. I love spaghetti, but most places around me that serve it use the large extra processed noodles, so I don't order it, I hold off and go somewhere like Carraba's where I can order the spaghetti made with whole wheat noodles instead. There isn't much taste difference but its good, and I know its better for me because the flour used to make it hasn't been bleached. I don't want to eat bleach. I know if the FDA says its safe we should be ok, but its a personal choice. I choose more wholesome things like fruits, vegetables (not fried up in all the grease!) and organic meats are really the best.
I encourage you to really start to think about where your food is coming from before putting it your mouth. I also encourage praying over your food or blessing it first. This can be done silently and no one has to know that you are asking for the food to nourish your body and that it be infused with love so you can enjoy the benefits from that. I also encourage you to drink lots and lots of water! IF you can cut out soft drinks that would be a huge step in the right direction. I don't enjoy a soda very often, I tend to drink just water, but when I do have a soda I just don't feel good after, I have the sugar reaction I mentioned. Diet soft drinks aren't any better because I do not care for artificial sweeteners. 
Try everyday to really think about what you are putting into your body, really see in your mind where its been first. Try to drink more water and watch the amount of food you eat. I don't believe you have to stay hungry but portion control is important. I eat all day long, I just eat things that are good for you and I eat little amounts all day. Fruits, nuts and veggies make great snacks. Just think twice before you eat it if it comes in a bag, box or can. Read the labels and be very aware. And if you want, research things like GMO's, hormones in foods, antibiotics, steroids and the feed fed to animals.  Let me know how your food choices change when you really start to think about the packaged foods you eat. Blessed Be.