Food and mindset - Do you need a paradigm shift?

Consider the fact that what our bodies looks like in the mirror is approximately 95% determined by what we put in our mouths. Only about 5% can be attributed to exercise. Yet we spend hours on end “killing it” at the gym, often feeling broken afterwards and still our reflections of ourselves remain the same.

This is a lot to unpack. Stay with me for a minute.

I am not saying exercise is not valuable. It is not only valuable, but a necessary component of a long healthy, and happy life. This gym concept, however, where people gather en-masse to elevate their heart rates (riding bikes, rowing and running to nowhere), lift and lower heavy sh*t, or, alternatively, to consciously relax is fairly new to humans. Back in the day, we just did those things. They were part of living.  Moving the body in all ways in varying speeds, directions and intensities, moving heavy and light things, stretching, bending and flexing happened all day long. There were no televisions or phones to distract us when work was done, so when we were not busy surviving, we gathered with our community of family and friends and relaxed. There was plenty of time for gazing at the stars, long languid walks in the sunshine, storytelling and cherishing each others company.

Now more about food. The question, for the most part, is not what to eat. We know this. Clearly, we should avoid processed sugar. Clearly, we should avoid processed/packaged most things. Clearly, we should eat more vegetables. Then, why is it so hard for us to choose the right things to eat? Why are pre-made meals and quick delivery services - where we don’t really know who or what went into the creation of them - such a major part of our food stories?

Might I suggest that this is linked to our mindsets around food - or better said, our mindlessness or disconnect from the foods we eat?

My theory is that if we are able to reconnect to the source of our sustenance, we can change our relationship with food - gain deep respect and appreciation for food - and make better choices for ourselves, allowing our bodies to change naturally. How aware are you of where your food comes from? How hands-on are you with the preparation of your meals? And while you are eating, where are your thoughts?

Everything begins with mindset.