Why I eat well
Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized
My parents are both in their 70s 65 plus. They’re fit, active and independent.
They’re still able to play my nephews’ favourite game – running races. We speak regularly about the current affairs and latest political shenanigans. They argue over the crossword every day and are planning a big trip to Europe next year. My parents live a full and active life.
For a while they cooked and delivered meals-on-wheels on a regular basis. Until they decided this regular commitment was “cramping their style”.
They often told me about “the poor old dears” they delivered to. People who, through ill-health and isolation, weren’t able to fully take care of themselves.
The things is, my parents were older than most of them.
I have clients who say life’s too short not to do what I want. Life’s too short to eat vegetables, exercise and stay off the grog. I want to eat and drink to excess now. I want to enjoy myself.
I agree life’s too short. But it’s precisely because of this that I eat well and look after myself.
When I’m in my 70s I want to be exactly like my parents.
I’m greedy. I want to live my life to the full. I want wellbeing and vitality NOW. But I also want to have the energy, health and stamina to enjoy life when I’m older.
It’s what you’re doing today, this month, year and decade that will dictate your health in the future. It’s how you eat now. It’s whether you exercise and have given up smoking NOW. This is the stuff you need to do to have a long and healthy life. You have control over this.
So I look after myself. I eat my five serves of vegetables and two of fruit. I watch my junk intake, move regularly and manage my stress.
Because I plan to continue laughing, travelling, enquiring, talking and writing for a long, long time.
Photograph courtesy of wanjonpok under the terms of a creative commons license
Update: SORRY mum, I added at least five years to your age. I’ve corrected it now
06 November, 2007
Comments
Good on you, Kathryn! My partner Michael’s grandparents are a similar inspiration. Now into their early 80s, they haven’t stopped giving to their community in their entire adult lives. (Again, many of the people they drive around and assist are younger than them!) Along with the importance of taking care of your body now, I think it’s testament to the well-being we can earn with a positive and generous attitude.
What an excellent reason to eat sensibly and take good care of yourself! So often people either ignore their healthy, or put all their energy into thinking about calories and weight rather than health. But good health and nutrition is about much more than calories.
I’m like you—“greedy” for a happy, healthy, vigorous life even when I’m old.
Good point Cindy. I think my parents are also taking their retirement as an opportunity to engage and give back to the world around them. They’ve become activist grandparents, and even went on their first political march last year – against global warming. While they’re not doing meals-on-wheels anymore, they still take an active role in their community.
Agreed Crabby. You’re right, we do obsess about different parts of nutrition – whether it’s kilojoules, fat, trans fats. But overall good health is about much more than individual nutrients or kilojoules.
Great post Kathryn, very very inspiring. I might put it on my fridge. :)
Qn: Do you or your parents drink alcohol?
Life should be lived as such. It’s a shame that people think life is too short to not enjoy the lucidness and joy that good eating/living naturally brings. Life should be long and delightful. Your parents are inspirational Kathryn.
So are you, love!
I admire your outlook Kathryn and I appreciate you sharing your views so honestly. It sounds like your parents have set a great example and I wish them well in all of their aspiring pursuits.
I wish more people would be “greedy” as you describe because it will be people like you and me who will be supporting and looking after the “excess” type when they find their health abandons them in later life.
Fiona, both my parents and I do drink alcohol. Since retiring mum and dad have had a glass of wine every day – I would say without fail. As soon as 5.00pm hits in there house, out comes the glass of vino. They alternate between red and white. But very rarely drink anymore than that.
I also enjoy a glass of wine or two. To be honest, restricting alcohol is the part of healthy living I find the hardest.
I don’t believe you have to give up alcohol. However more and more it’s becoming apparent how harmful excessive alcohol is. Hence I try to limit to two glasses at a time and make sure I have at least four alcohol free nights each week.
i want to be your parents when i grow up!
:)
Lindsey – they’re also lovely people – what more could you want from parents!
Well, what can I say except I have never been featured on a blog before – another new experience! Bring it on!
I’m new to your site and so very excited that I have found you.
best wishes :-)
I wish people would think of their loved ones/family members when they shovel down rubbish into their mouths.
I’m a new mum. Because my dad didn’t look after his health he is not around to enjoy our new son! :(
My in-laws are going the same way. They’re a similar age to your parents but they are both in terrible health WHY??? Because they refuse to be healthy & look after themselves many years prior. :( Now WE are paying the price for their decision to eat rubbish (they are too ill to be involved in our son’s life/babysit/come to birthday parties etc). Breaks my heart.
P.S. LOVE yr blog! :)
P.S. I’d love yr thoughts on managing stress?? (I see you mentioned it in the above blog post) :)
Marika thanks so much for your comments and I’m sorry to hear your family are not there to fully enjoy their new grandson.
Unfortunately not everyone thinks ahead and not everyone sees the importance of healthy living practices, like eating well, keeping active and so on. It’s their loss, but as you’re finding out it’s also their families loss.
Maybe the birth of their grandson can be a wake-up call for your in-laws, to start improving their health now, so they’re able to become more involved.
Best of luck Marika.
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