By SHARON McMAHON
Be Well
“Is it not unlawful to run red lights?!” – Rhetorical question from me to my husband Bruce
Readers: Warning! Metaphors ahead!
Recently I have been frighteningly impressed by the number of vehicles running traffic red lights, primarily in the Noblesville area. I am horrified by the number which continues to grow. This says much about our civil society these days, but I digress. I am tempted to go THERE but will not! However, I have been reflecting on these important traffic lights and how we can use those as metaphors which relate to our own health and well-being. For instance:
Eating Plan: (Do not call it a “diet” – which should only be used as a noun, not a verb!)
Green light
- Complex carbohydrates (whole grain breads, peas, beans, potatoes, oats, fruits, vegetables)
- Fats – monounsaturated and polyunsaturated (avocados, olive oil, unsalted nuts and nut butters)
- Proteins (lean meats, seafood, eggs, dairy, seeds and nuts, legumes, soy)
Yellow light
- Sodium
- Saturated fats (cheese, palm and coconut oils, red meats)
- Alcohol
Red light
- Fast foods (Sorry!)
- Sugar
- Trans fats
- Refined grains
While the above usage of “traffic lights” is meant to merely illustrate foods which are the most safe and healthy, just remember that for your best life that 45 to 60 percent of your eating plan should be carbohydrates, 20 to 35 percent healthy fats, and 10 to 35 percent proteins.1 Persons with specific medical conditions will need to consult their physicians.
The Green Lights will keep you healthy, the Yellow Lights can be tricky so be careful, and if you find yourself in a Red Light situation – be careful! These guidelines are intended to help people decrease their risk of some forms of cancer, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, osteoporosis, and liver disease – the so-called lifestyle diseases. So please … eat healthy, pay attention to yellow lights, and don’t run those red lights!
1 U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.