What's The Problem?

I've been thinking about some things for a few days that have got me asking questions to myself and thinking about others. Some things I notice about myself, others, and society in general:

1. People want to eat healthy
2. People want to eat healthy, but they don't want to give up their favorite foods. They want a fast, magic pill to do it.
3. There is a huge industry of health advise and many conflicting theories
4. Generally people understand that fruits and vegetables are the healthiest foods for you.
5. There are a lot of politics in public nutrition information
6. Most parents want their children to lead healthy, happy lives
7. Most people don't believe their kids will like healthy food
8. There is a fear of failure with healthy living

Does anyone agree or disagree? People I have talked with, in general understand that plant food, aka fruit and vegetables are the healthiest for us. Most have not researched about dairy and how many doctors and studies are now explaining that yes, dairy is hard for our bodies to handle. If you haven't noticed dairy is one of the top allergies in children. A lot of people disagree with the fact that you can get healthier protein through beans and plants, meat isn't the only food that has protein. You can get it elsewhere with fewer calories.

I'm not writing this to say my way of eating is best, or judge anyone else for how they choose to eat! No way, no judgement right? I'm writing this because so many people have been in the situation where fear sets in. Whether it's fear of gaining weight, fear of unhealthy children, or just confusion on all the diet plans available to us.

I want to really share what I know, what has worked for me, and to explain that my insides are healthy! I have adequate calcium and protein! A diet rich in vegetable carbohydrates is essential! It will take time to get your kids used to it, if they aren't already. Accept that fact and move forward. Adding tons of fresh fruit and frozen fruit is needed as well. Lettuce, spinach, and greens have protein! Did you know that? Add these with beans and nuts you will have enough protein!
Calcium is everywhere. Almond milk has more calcium than cow's milk. When my kids had to go to a home day care, my day care lady was provided food by the state for the child care center. She told me the state was changing the regulations on cow's milk. After age two they will only provide skim milk because they feel the milk was assisting in obesity in children. Whole milk is given to infants for fat reasons. They need fat for their brains. Want to know how I gave my son fat? Avocado, blended seeds and almond butter. We blended avocado in smoothies for him. He drank almond milk. This is nasty- but one of his favorite sandwiches when he was about 9 months old was mushed avocado, almond butter, with a little applesauce! Yuck, but whatever it had the good fat he needed. The cow's fat was tough for me to let go of with my son (my daughter, I didn't really understand better so she got cow's milk). I worried that I wouldn't provide him with enough fat so his brain wouldn't develop properly. Well so far the pediatricians have said he's just healthy as can be, trust me he's not a little guy...he's my little chunk :)!
I don't like red meat! I like the taste, but I feel it isn't healthy for our bodies in calories and types of fat it puts into us. If you're a meat eater I think a healthier route is white meat poultry. I don't think using olive oil and other oils for cooking everyday is healthy! Oil is fat, no matter what oil it is. I think using very small amounts every once in awhile is okay. I have experienced massive, healthy weight loss eating a plant rich diet. I never felt tired, I never felt sick or that something was wrong inside.
 I suffered from chronic headaches, they disappeared. On a personal note, I had a screwy monthly cycle....a problem for a lot of women...it regulated! These are beliefs and passions I have, that have proven themselves to me. My kids have adapted, it's not perfect eating all the time. Just last night I explained that I had to persuade my kids to eat dinner, but they are beginning to understand a base for healthy living!

I love the way I eat because it will sustain weight loss, I won't be constantly fighting against my weight if I keep it up. That is a relief to some of my fears as well!

Do I believe that I will never be at risk for disease? No, I don't always eat perfect, but I'd like to help my preventative chances any way I can.

How do you live? What are your concerns? Do you feel a difference when you eat a certain way?