Rewarding Ourselves by Carme

Through the last decade, I've been able to see how the American population leans toward reward as a large part of daily life.

Obesity is rapidly increasing in America and across the globe as a result of excessive calorie intake and nutrient deficiency. This is a world-wide problem. One of the reasons for this, among countless others, is that people are rewarding themselves at the end of the day not with gratification or satisfaction, but with food. Is this self-preservation? No.

The body doesn't need this type of fuel. In other words, who doesn't reward themselves with a nice glass of wine, a beer, cake, cookies, pizza or other special treat? The numbers are slight. We are quickly growing to fill larger sizes, with a higher risk of disease than ever before. As a result, new diseases are surfacing and, most importantly, kids are being diagnosed with these diseases, earlier than ever before.

How did we manage to accumulate so much extra weight all of a sudden? Let's take a look at an average person's day.

The day might start something like this:

Breakfast: Cheese Danish or doughnut and coffee from 7/11 - to save time of course - or nothing at all

PROBLEM: Too many calories, the wrong kind of calories or even worse, no breakfast at all.
SOLUTION: Throw together some oatmeal (Steel Cut Oats are amazing) the night before -it only takes a few minutes to boil. Dish it out in a few containers, add sliced almonds, a few berries (frozen are fine) or a banana and some cinnamon or splenda.

Lunch: Too little or none.

PROBLEM: You drag through the afternoon, setting yourself up to over indulge in the evening
SOLUTION: Make lunch the night before. Bring a few small things to get you through the day. Have your breakfast in the morning, but bring an apple, a banana and a large salad to keep you entertained and energized. Throw in some tomatoes, beats, pre packaged lentils (from Trader Joes), a dash of goat cheese and maybe an avocado in addition to some lean protein like chicken, fish or tofu. Dress it lightly with a sensible dressing or balsamic vinegar.

Dinner: This is when people try to make up for the rest of the day in which they barely ate anything. Consequently, they eat too much, probably the wrong choices and to top it off, they reward themselves. Not good.

This reward alone may have 300 + calories, and on top of eating it late at night, becomes a source of fat accumulation that our body doesn't need and cannot register as good fat.

For whatever reason, it is clear that we need some type of a "reward" at the end of the day. Your choices are endless and can be healthy. Rather than unhealthy food options, try:
- Reading an article about nutrition or something you're interested in
- Reading your favorite magazine or book
- Starting a project that you have been dreaming about since you were a kid
- Draw or sketch or daydream
- Writing a letter to someone (one of the best gifts & very thoughtful)
- Calling a friend
- Plan your meals

The bottom line is become more conscious about your body. It's the only thing in this life that doesn't last forever!

Be healthier forever!