Living Healthy – An Exploration

It has been more than 3 months since I smoked a cigarette. In that time, I have eaten meat a handful of times. While moderately aware of my dietary consumption for a while, I would say the past 6 months I have been hyper-aware. All of these changes, are starting to have an impact on my sense of taste and smell.

When I tell people about the change, I have noticed an interesting trend – people attribute the change to a particular aspect of my lifestyle depending on their bias: Vegetarians tell me it is because I no longer eat meat; Carnivores tell me it is because I quit smoking and that I would really enjoy a steak now; Obese people tell me that the senses become acutely sensitive just before catastrophic organ failure.

There is a downside to this heightened awareness of the world around me. When things are good, they are really, really good. But, when they are bad, they are horrific. Body odor has taken on epic proportions to my poor nose. I am not just talking about other people’s body odor, but my own as well which in some ways is worse. At least, I can walk away from a stinky hippie, it is much harder to get away from my own stink.

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We need oxygen to survive, but excessive amounts can lead to oxygen poisoning and even death.

How many people do you know who have destroyed their body through excessive exercise?

I guess there is too much of a good thing.

This can be good and bad.

When we are slothful, incorporating activity is painful.

When we are active, periods of inactivity are uncomfortable.

When we eat garbage, the body freaks out when healthy food is introduced.

When we eat nutritionally, fast food can induce vomiting.

When we practice conscious living, we resist absent-minded activity.

When we practice inattentive action, that is all we can do.

Protein is needed to help the body build strong muscles, repair tissues and maintain an effective immune and hormonal system. Our bodies—hair, muscles, fingernails, and so on—are made up of protein. As suggested by the differences between our muscles and our fingernails, not all proteins are alike. This is because differing combinations of any number of 20 amino acids may constitute a protein. Amino acids are a fundamental part of our diet. While half of the 20 can be manufactured by the human body, the other 10 cannot (the essential amino acids).

The focus on protein borders on obsession in countries of the Western Hemisphere. One glance at restaurant menus and the plates that come to the table is proof that the centerpiece of the meal is the large serving of meat, chicken or fish frequently smothered in creamy sauces or melted cheese. The portions served at one meal alone come close to fulfilling a day’s worth of protein needs.

Because the body doesn’t store protein as it does other nutrients, it must be replaced each day as a source of nourishment for building and repairing new cells, hormones, antibodies, enzymes and muscle tissue. But, just how much protein do we really need?

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During the birth of a movement, and it doesn’t matter if it is a cultural, social or ideological movement, a few like-minded individuals come together with a purpose that is different than what has been accepted previously. If they are strong and the time is right and there is dissatisfaction with the status quo, then the movement gains momentum. Others are attracted, the movement evolves and coalesces.

Inevitably, at some point, people are attracted to the image rather than the content of the movement. Or some are attracted but without the passion of the original members, or possibly some are attracted but their passion wanes. Whatever the cause, the movement loses its potency and purity.

There are two important lessons to take away from this. Firstly, the original motivation for the movement is still valid. If you are attracted to it, do not be dissuaded by the superficial antics of the mindless. Secondly, be careful judging those who appear to be mesmerised by the sparkly bits, because on some basic level, they may recognize the validity of the movement.