To Eat, or Not to Eat …

Food - the abundance or lack thereof - governs our health. In contrast to ancient times, in our modern society food is abundant and a new way of eating has emerged; anything, everything, anytime. A very important skill for survival has been forgotten, and that is NOT to eat. 

Yes, eating well is a key to health, but so is fasting.

Staying hungry, fasting, or starvation is part of human evolution. Before agriculture was developed, hunting, gathering or foraging was a part of life. Humans are able to go for days or even seasons to find the right food to survive. Our body is capable of much more than what we might think.

In many cultures fasting is a regular practice, but this is not so in western culture, and the need for it is overlooked by most of us. Research has proved that fasting can improve hormone levels, reduce inflammation, reduce stress, improve strength, reduce blood sugar and improve overall health.

As a person who regularly practices fasting, from my perspective the majority of people seem almost obsessed with eating. As wide-spread health issues increased over the years, the idea of ‘moderation’ became a popular one. However, when it comes to health, we want it in abundance! How many of us would like to have moderate diabetes, moderate obesity, moderate cancer or moderate heart failure?

There are various ways of fasting depending upon variables such as your health condition, availability of time etc.  For many the intake of food is a constant, regular occurrence; overabundant in supply and low in quality (i.e. junk food). However, for optimal health a good rule of thumb is to only eat what is in season, eat locally grown (which is often the cheapest), and do not eat when you are not hungry. Additionally, eat the right stuff.

Diets change just like fashion, but one thing that should remain a consistent part of our regime is FASTING.

References
https://authoritynutrition.com/10-health-benefits-of-intermittent-fasting/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9Aw0P7GjHE

Jai Payel
Sustainable Landscapes Consultant

021-050-3048
jppayal@gmail.com