Yes! I am speaking about America, and more specifically the West Coast/California! This is where people are most 'green' or in other words 'health-obsessed'. I must say that people I truly admire and love have come across to me 'a bit over the edge' in respects to how far they go to get an 'organic' lemon or tomato, but as if that isn't bad enough, lately it seems 'a tad' preposterous as I see friends going any length possible to have a healthy meal, even starving themselves, or fighting over the last item in the infamous 'Trader Joes' in some cases, if they cannot have the food they want. I witness people becoming paranoid like the TSA agents in the airport and the blaring announcements which say, that we are in code orange; as far as I'm concerned, with the news and media dramatizing everything that happens, we might as well be code 'ready to explode' with the amount of negative absurdities they force unto people everyday.
Now, firstly I'd like to say that I respect and appreciate people who eat healthily. A healthy body is a healthy mind, and it doesn't take a brain surgeon to know that you become what you eat and how you treat your body undoubtedly shows. I was fortunate enough to be raised with parents that not only planted and harvested fresh fruits and vegetables, but also had me in charge of the chickens and ducks, as I would feed, sing and dance with them and they in turn would give me their eggs! (no, I'm not crazy, just happy) – hahah. They not only steamed, blended, juiced and force-fed us these colourful provisions but tried to teach my siblings and I why it was important to have a healthy balanced diet with our extra-curricular (exercise) activities; and for this I am quite grateful. I am also aware and take into account that in international countries as well as Europe, food and consumer items have different regulations and organizations to pass inspection, and in some cases pesticides and toxins aren't ever used because of fertile planting conditions available.
After living in America for sometime and more so in California I have watched television programs in my hotel rooms and seen films knocking the diet of most Americans. I have understood that not only are the fast food chains becoming increasingly a regular meal for most of us that live here; too many are busy working and doing overtime, that they only have time for the 'drive thru', but also that because of this increased work ethic it also deprives us from taking part in sports or leisurely activities which work our metabolic or cardio rates and rhythms. An increased work ethic is no excuse to slowly or some cases abruptly commit suicide! In America it is a bit different; one cannot simply trust what is given to them for eating or in consumer products as the system (one driven by money), only cares about dollar signs as opposed to the health and strength of its people. And to make things worse, people becoming sick is a good thing in corporation's eyes', because then the consumers have to spend more money on health-insurance before they are able to get the help they need.
We must remember if we become ill, most times medicine and anti-biotics only tend to sweep the symptoms under the rug, and in fact the real problem is still brewing; the real problem can only be fixed internally, and we must listen to these signs and try to find natural or herbal remedies to cure ourselves. Beyond that aspect of healing we must also consider loving ourselves because when one loves his/herself they understand that they must treat themselves gently and with respect. Don't you wish to live healthy, be able to breathe comfortably and move about with ease; if you don't have health, it becomes more difficult to have happiness.
On another note, life is about the middle-way or mid-path, in other words, it is alright to indulge in sweets or fast food, once in a while, but everyday, and for all 3 meals, it can and will add up; in turn causing health issues. There is no need to be extreme with your diet or exercise routine, to be the biggest, fastest, leanest person, never got anybody anywhere…well, perhaps the World Guinness Book of Records, their very own work-out website, or numerous followers that would love to look like you too. J But that is not my point; it is simply, that because you eat all the right things or exercise in excess doesn't guarantee the best health either. Sure we must moderate ourselves in everything that we do, but life isn't only about material things, it is also about much unseen and the unexplainable. Give thanks or be grateful with each bite, even organic food is not perfect! We cannot live in a sterile world, for even bacteria and germs we try to get away from aid in building anti-bodies and immunity towards future un-known diseases (which I'm sure there are tones waiting to be discovered). Food may have toxins, or pesticides, but if you believe that they will bring the necessary nutrition into your body, then so it shall be!
Sadly I have known young people in sports, and old people who were vegetarians or vegans, fall down ill or even dead and left us baffled as to why this has happened. Nothing protects you 100%, we cannot cheat suffering, or tragedy, when it happens it happens, and there is no need worrying ourselves for answers, we can only live the best way we can with the knowledge that we have. It seems as though every month, scientists and scholars are coming up with new studies saying what we can and cannot eat, what horoscope we are now and what not to wear; these scientists are individuals just like you and me, and it's not to say what they study doesn't have relevance, but the truth is always within you and you can tell if what they say is bullocks or not. Draw your own conclusions; and live your life the best way you know how, however, please, do not become a hypochondriac or scared silly into thinking that 'organic clothes' are better than regular ones, or that you should quit wearing perfume to entice a loved one, but instead wear the odor of sweat to make them run away! – hahah It's not that serious people! Eat well, live with respect and love, and get your blood pumping – you're on the right track on the winning course!
We have to eat to survive, and depriving yourself of beautiful exotic foods is a bloody shame; the only result I see in this, is over-eating. It is a known fact, you restrict a person from doing something, or forbid them, they want to become rebels, the body I believe works the same way. Food can be a beautiful thing. We have seen what chefs have made from some of the loveliest places in the world and how it can bring pleasure to the taste buds and senses. There is no need to eat in excess, but to enjoy different rich foods once in a while I would certainly recommend. Just think, no buttery, smooth wines, no fresh fish, and warm breads, no piping and spicy morsels sliding off it's bones, to say what, "Oh no, no, no, I don't touch the stuff!" and to prove what? Life is precious and to be enjoyed, if not now, then when? You are the master and in control of your life, don't let life or food be the master of you, you take control of the reins and guide yourself steadily. Tomorrow is not promised to you, so on that note, could someone please pass me the sugar?! J
If you still don't buy my philosophy, no biggee, check out this useful link with how you can be wise about what products and foods you eat here in America, you may wish to develop some of these wonderful practices orrrrr maybe you might consider moving to Europe or the Caribbean! J
http://ekoup.wordpress.com/2010/08/04/the-story-of-cosmetics/
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