“A healthy lifestyle is the slowest form of death.” That quote always makes me smile. It’s funny because it’s ironic truth. But I don’t think most Americans have anything to worry about. Have you seen those lines at the fast food restaurants? Apparently there are plenty of people who’d just as soon take the faster forms of death. But then again…are those “bad for you” foods really the problem?
Processed foods are bad for you. Right?
Hmm…what would Daisie Adelle Davis say? You probably don’t remember her, since she was born in 1904. But at one point in her life, Time Magazine called her the “high priestess of the new nutrition religion.” And she believed we shouldn’t eat processed food. And she wasn’t shy about her opinions either.
Ms Davis thought we should be eating whole-grain breads and cereals. And get this. She also recommended eating liver at least once a week. Crazy talk I tell you. But I remember how liver was on our plates, regularly, when I was a kid.
Daisie (who dropped that name because it reminded her of pigs and cows on the childhood farm) became a well-known speaker. And her ideas about eating organic food instead of “ultra-processed” food got more popular in the 50’s and 60’s.
(Side note: those whole-grain breads, grass-fed meats, healthy fats, and low-carb foods are processed)
Before you assume I’m dissing Daisie, let me share a couple of things. Elgielene and I eat mostly organic. And we prefer healthy fats over weird margarines and oils. And we have a high quality gravity water filter. Plus, we love to get out and walk as much as possible and enjoy the Rocky Mountain fresh air.
So, no…I’m not making fun of Ms Davis. But here’s another tidbit about her.
She died from multiple myeloma at the age of 70. Not exactly a model of the “slowest form of death.” Multiple myeloma is apparently an incurable (so far) form of blood cancer. And from the little bit I’ve read on it, you sure don’t want to have to deal with that vicious malady.
But here’s why I bring up Ms Davis and her nutritional views.
Just like Euell Gibbons, the guy I wrote about yesterday, it’s more proof that a so-called “healthy lifestyle” isn’t where your ultimate focus should be.
I’m not advocating for an ongoing diet of McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme. But I also don’t believe avoiding them altogether will turn you into some sort of super healthy superhero. In fact, you might still not live past your 60’s or 70’s. So, I recommend paying more attention to what Paul said…
“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.”
Now, get outside and take a walk today
Unless it’s cold and there’s no sun today.
Then stay inside and take a break today
And read The Word, for Heaven’s sake, today.
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