You are what you eat

The phrase "you are what you eat" always struck me funny as a kid. It seemed to be one of those things parents said to admonish you when you wanted Twinkies for dinner, or pizza for breakfast. Of course, it never did accomplish anything other than make us giggle at the thought of resembling a giant, anthropomorphic snack cake or slice of pepperoni.

Today, that cutesy phrase carries so much more meaning for me. I think about the food I eat not only for how it tastes or how it looks (though those are certainly important factors), but for how it truly feeds me. How it helps me feel healthy and happy.

The fabulous Gluten-free Girl writes frequently about how her attitude toward food changed drastically once she was diagnosed with celiac sprue:

"Years ago, I ate my share of junk food, preservative-stuffed snacks, and meals out of a box. I’ve been there, and I don’t want to go back.

Just after I was diagnosed with celiac, I decided to regard the food I ate as a way of feeding myself, and healing myself."

Being diagnosed with a food intolerance or sensitivity can open your eyes to an entirely new way of thinking about food. You learn to eat mindfully, consciously -- you make choices instead of turning to pre-packaged or fast food. You plan, create, innovate, experiment. Sometimes, it can feel overwhelming. But ultimately, it's one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself. I'm reminded of those lazy humans in the movie WALL*E, drinking all their meals out of cups, being wheeled around by efficient machines, watching mindless entertainment flash before their eyes. There's no life in that. Making choices to ensure our own happiness, health, and vitality? That's life. Eating not only for pleasure and satisfaction but for our own wellbeing? That's a gift we give ourselves.

You are what you eat. Eat well.