Try these food rules on for size. Be sure to take your CoQ10 supplement, BUT if it’s not the ubiquinol form, don’t bother. You need magnesium, BUT if it’s not the right magnesium, AND if it’s not taken in the right nutrient combination, then skip it. At mealtime, eat quality protein, BUT be sure to have it first. Want a peach? Go ahead … BUT don’t eat it with your meal.
Do food RULES drive you crazy?
Are you tired of reading the ANDs and BUTs of food, nutrition, fitness, and health-related info? If so, you’ll get a kick out of this quote:
(If you can’t read the graphic, it says, “If ANDs and BUTs were candy and nuts … every day would be Christmas.”)
Well then, let’s say,
Ho – Ho – HO!
Food rules used to drive me crazy. But, not any more.
Why?
First of all, food rules makes me think of a nutritional straight jacket. Think of them as tips instead. Rules are rigid. Tips are flexible suggestions.
Secondly, when I used to read various food rules (or tips), I saw them as indicators of what I’m doing WRONG. They often blindsided me. Just when I thought I “knew” something, the rules changed. The changes made me feel defeated, chastised, on the wrong track, or uninformed.
But that’s not true today.
I still read new rules every day. I’ll read new rules tomorrow. Rules haven’t changed … but I have. I’ve weeded my way through the facts and fiction. I’m confident that I’m on the right track. Not because I know I’m right, but because I know I’m doing the best I can. Isn’t that all that can be expected of me? (And, of you.) New rules can add to what I know – or replace what I’ve learned. Or I can decide it’s not helpful at all. It’s my choice. I can accept or reject.
It’s up to me.
I’m a grown-up. I get to choose.
There’s always going to be something new that I don’t know. There’s always going to be new and cutting-edge information from sources that I respect. There’s also a lot of hooey out there. Again, I get to choose. I can follow new info., or I can skip it. Sometimes I follow the “rules” and sometimes I don’t.
Being rigid about it would drive me crazy.
It’s not about being right or wrong – it’s about being open to new info. Take it or leave it. There’s always more to learn.
So, I’d better go now. I’m in a hurry. I’ve gotta go take some CoQ10 and magnesium with my protein-rich bison burger. And, perhaps a peach for dessert? (But of course, I’d wait about 3 hours after my meal 😉
Do food rules drive you crazy? Do they make you feel like you want to give up? Share your comment in the comments section below.
P.S – I used the above “rules” to add a sense of humor to this post and to get the point across. If, however, you’d like more basic information on any of the topics I’ve discussed here, the following is provided for your edification and enjoyment.
I fully agree. If we truly listen our body can speak to us and we will know what works for us. The food rules seem to me almost like walking through a maze. Yes, when you think you have it nailed down.something comes along that wants to discredit what you are doing. I must develop enough confidence within with God’s help to be able to choose for myself what is beneficial for ME.
Thanks for writing this Sue.
Great points, Joyce – and thanks for sharing! You’re right food rules can be like walking through a maze — and a mine field! Poof 😉 Self-confidence is a learned thing (by God’s grace). It’s accepting who we are, the decisions we make, and what we’re doing. Doesn’t come fast, but gradual over time.
So true it is part of our wellness journey, Joyce
I just read this article about CoQ10. Here is part of it on how to make sure you’re getting the best quality product. I was particularly interested in the part about piperine.
• Look for the words “trans-form” on the label. Trans-form CoQ10 is identical to the CoQ10 produced naturally within the body, and if you read all of the studies on CoQ10 like I have, you’ll notice every single researcher in the world worth his or her salt only uses trans-form CoQ10.
• Also check to see if the CoQ10 is made using yeast fermentation, which yields by far the most effective form. This is a patented process used by only the most reputable, higher quality producers of CoQ10.
• Seek out a supplement that contains piperine, an extract of black pepper. One problem with CoQ10 is that it’s not always well absorbed within the body. However, research shows that piperine significantly increases CoQ10 absorption by over 30%![7]
• Finally, make sure it says “Made in the USA” right on the bottle. Who needs CoQ10 bottled overseas in facilities of questionable integrity? It’s just not worth the risk.
I take Ubiquinol 200 mg. I too am confused by all of the conflicting information out there.
Thank you for this. I still get caught off-guard by the “rules” and it frustrates me. Like you said, just when I think I’m doing the best I can I’m reminded that “wait, there’s more!”. It’s nice to instead be reminded that yes I am doing the best I can, but it also never hurts to learn a little more.
I get frustrated by “rules” too which, of course, is why I wanted to write about it. I’m less “willow in the wind” than I used to be, but I can still get surprised…