The Food That I Grew Up On

When I look back at all the 12,056 days (as of the day I’m writing this) I’ve been alive outside of my mother’s womb, I realize I have been extremely blessed. I also realize that the food(?) I put into my body has changed drastically over the years.

You see, during the glory years of life, which we’ll call the time between the ages of 4 and 18 (I’m sure 0-4 were great too, but alas, I don’t recall those days), my food choices weren’t particularly above par. In fact, they were mostly dreadful. Actually, we probably shouldn’t even call them food choices, because a lot of the stuff I was putting into my body wasn’t really food.

The definition of food is as follows: any nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink, or that plants absorb, in order to maintain life and promote growth.

My parents loved me during the glory years (and probably loved me a little less some of the non-glory years…). They did they best they could to feed us quality food, but sometimes the dog was fed better food. Don’t get me wrong, it was DELICIOUS. Pop tarts, Fruit Loops, granola bars, those cream filled chocolate cake things (I forget what they were called). Man, they were tasty, but they had less nutrition, and caused more harm, than a piece of cardboard.  

However, we, like most western families, didn’t know any better. According to food labels and deceptive marketing tactics, things like Sugar Smacks and Cocoa Puffs were a nutritious way to start the day!

What else could possibly be better to fuel your growing body with than 80 grams of processed carbohydrates and sugar!? YUM.

Yes, those cereals were fortified with synthetic vitamins and minerals that do little to sustain life and promote growth, but I guess if I was stuck on a deserted island with NOTHING to eat, I would be thankful.

In my parents’ defense, we did also eat plenty of meat, eggs, veggies, fruits, and dairy. Foods that actually maintain life and promote growth. Hence why I am still alive writing this.

While I still have some of those old treats from the glory days, I do not habitually eat them. That’s the key. Do not make eating junk “food” a habit.

Make a habit of eating quality meat, eggs, broths, raw dairy, organic fruits, low-toxicity veggies, and move, get outside, and have fun every day and you will find health.