Nutrition has always been a priority for my family.  It is something that is important to my mother, to me, and to my children.  My mother made sure there was a balanced meal on the table, including fruits, vegetables, and protein. 

As I raise my children I have the same priority, on a daily basis, I work at finding a nutritional balance for my children and myself.  It is not easy finding things my kids will eat and hopefully enjoy that build their bodies into sound machines. Foods that will prepare our bodies for the stress, sports, and activities that we encounter daily.

I don’t worry about how gorgeous the meal is displayed daily, but I do take time to select nutritionally sound meals.  It might not be a warm meal, it might be the same meal as the night before, and often someone will roll their eyes in dissatisfaction.  My job is to fuel their bodies with a nutritional meal.  It is a bonus when the family is happy with the meal, but my priority is to provide good healthy choices that they will consume.    

Because nutrition is a priority to me, I think about it daily. There are times when I forget to plan appropriately, but then I think of a quick solution that has nutritional value and is convenient.

There are numerous occasions when speed is a necessary component of our meal.  However, we are careful to choose our food based on its nutritional value.  Yes, there are times we choose to eat food that lacks nutritional value, but it is rare and it is a conscious choice.  If I forget to plan our meal, we make a turkey sandwich, grab some fruit and yogurt, or make a quick wrap. 

When we eat out to fuel our bodies, we pick locations that sell healthy food.  When looking for a quick meal between activities, our family has two or three locations that serve food that we know will meet our needs.  Providing food that is not deep-fried, salty, or depleted of nutritional value. 

Eating out for social purposes is much different for our family.  Because we eat out infrequently, when we go to a restaurant to socialize we normally figure it is a special meal and eat “off-plan”.  However, if we enjoyed eating out regularly, I would be ordering things such as grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, and a salad.        

One of the most important aspects of eating nutritionally is what you purchase at the grocery store.  I was once told the way to shop at a grocery store is to choose your food items from the perimeter of the store.  Normally you will find fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy around the perimeter of the store. 

As you walk up and down the inside aisles of the store, you will find a greater portion of the processed food items.  I do shop some of the center aisles, but I am careful about what I purchase.  The frozen fruit for smoothies is located in the center isles.  We purchase cereal and oats from the center isles. However, on average, the food choices around the perimeter of the store are where we like to shop.

There are many nutritional plans available, but the one that works for me is eating a combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates (fruit or vegetable) at every meal.  I normally eat the protein first because it takes longer to break down.  Carbohydrates break down quickly and turn to sugar.  Eating the protein, fat, and carbohydrate in combination helps process the food.

Personally, I don’t worry too much about sugar.  I eat raw sugar, stevia.  I avoid sugar substitutes.  I don’t measure or weigh the portions of food I eat, but I am careful not to overeat.  A quick guide for portion size is the palm of your hand.  I always thought that eating at night before bed was a sure way to gain weight.  However, the protein shake I consume before bedtime helps keep my blood sugar levels from falling overnight.  Although I have not always loved to exercise, I have grown to appreciate what 20-30 minutes of daily activity can do for my mind, body, and soul.    

It is indeed my faith that drives me daily.  When I need help to redirect my daily activities to better strengthen my mind, body, and soul, I pray.   When my priorities get off track and nutrition is lacking, I pray for help in redirecting my priorities to focus on what is important for my family.

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