In the past I was like many people, thinking that illness is just a bad luck, blaming genetics and misfortune for every ache, cough, cold and flu. That way is so much easier to accept. I mean, it is comforting when something or someone is there to be blamed. Besides, I was doing everything I believed was right. Had my 3 meals and 2 snacks. Chips and crisps are vegetables, aren't they? Topped up with a tin of baked beans in a lovely tomato sauce can surely make a '5 a day' an easy target. Could I have been a further away from the truth?
Edible flowers: nasturtium
My cancer diagnose pushed me to do my own research.
I have always considered myself fairly healthy and equipped with enough knowledge to look after my body. As a child I dreamt of becoming a doctor, and reading biology and anatomy was one of my favorite pastimes. Science and medicine have changed since then. There are more studies and researches being done, but many for some reason don't make it to the headlines, as no one want to upset the public and it is better when people do little than nothing.
The truth is that every meal brings you closer to health or illness, you decide.
If you say 'yes' to an apple you choose health. If instead you reach for a bag of crisps, guess what, this 'innocent' little harm damages your body. Our body is an amazing machine that can cure and fix many things. Cuts heal themselves within few days, but try to cut the same wound every day.
In order to know how to do it correctly educate yourself.
Instead of spending time watching serials, read about how can you better look after yourself and the ones you love. When asked, majority of people say that health is the most import thing for them, but they still seams to be more interested in others. Why would they otherwise be so concentrated on celebrities' lives or their Facebook so called 'friends'?
Don't believe food producers.
They are not concerned with your health, their goal is to make money, satisfy shareholders, reach targets and expand their business. If they can increase profits from adding cheaper, lower quality ingredients, they will opt for that. Longer shelf life is also a bonus, so lets add preservatives, flavour enhancers, colourants. Everything need to smell and look nice to customers. Those ingredients are often considered safe as they only do small harm, or maybe no harm in a small amount in a short run. You don't know, until you research. The effect of combining those different additives coming from various food and drink sources cannot even be tested.
Say 'yes' to everyday health.
Make you and your families health a priority of the everyday life. Choose better and wiser options. Your health is your biggest asset. Treat your body well and you will feel better. Nothing matters more. What you eat today determines how you will feel tomorrow, next year and in many years to come (hopefully).