The story of Elizabeth Grigsby sends one of the strongest messages of mindfulness over convenience. Elizabeth was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and the doctor suggested institutionalization. She would ‘not walk or talk,’ which was the reason for the recommendation. Her foster mother ‘consciously’ refused to put her in an institution. This mindful decision has worked as a great miracle. Today, Elizabeth can ‘talk,’ even though she cannot ‘walk.’ Even more, she serves as a Consumer Rights Advocate in California. This was achievable by the foster mother's thoughtful decision.
Regarding our personal lives, do we make mindful and conscious choices every day? Have we become advocates of comfort and ease, even in our homes? Has convenience become our lifestyle?
Choosing bakery products from a store, a fruit drink with sugar over the fruit, or meals away from home, are everyday examples of convenience in our lifestyle. Convenience as a choice, in the above story, could have been debilitating. So, too, with our lifestyle choices. Our diet, which is key to sustaining life, has become a choice of convenience in our busy lives.
The rising number of chronic conditions in households reflects our convenient lifestyle.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and being physically active to promote overall health and well-being.
Cigarette packs warn consumers of health hazards, while unhealthy foods lack such warnings. This emphasizes the importance of making mindful choices as consumers, reading nutrition labels, and avoiding foods high in salt, sugar, fat, and preservatives. A "healthy plate" is often emphasized in messages promoting healthy eating. Healthy eating begins with healthy buying and only requires a conscious effort.
On the next page are practical guidelines for a healthy lifestyle to prevent chronic conditions. They may not be as simple as they appear, but they are not impossible.
"Every great journey starts with a single step.” ~ Maya Angelou, 1993
In this National Nutrition Month, let us take conscious steps to choose health over convenience. Noting that some convenience items do fit in a healthy diet, especially if they ease the burden of food preparation (e.g., pre-chopped vegetables and fruit).
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