By AMY SHANKLAND
Sandwiched
“Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates
I started out 2022 with a New Year’s Day brunch with Our Gang, a group of friends that John and I consider as more like family. Our friends Matt and Cindy graciously hosted.
When it comes to breakfast, I don’t mess around. With my intermittent fasting, I only eat between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. So you can bet I’m good and hungry after 16 hours of no food. I want my first meal to really count and be full of things that are good for me.
I packed items that I always eat every morning and figured I’d quietly add them to my plate while we all enjoyed some lively conversation. After all, there would be nine of us gathered around the table – who would notice? Turns out, everyone did. I should have known.
Right away my friend Greg piped up with “Hey… are those prunes?”
“Yep,” I said without any embarrassment whatsoever.
“What’s that?” my friend Cathy asked as I sprinkled something over my oatmeal.
“Ground flaxseed,” I replied.
“Wow. It looks like sand!” she said.
The entire group looked at me dubiously as I scooped out my mini avocadoes and plopped them on my plate. I was surprised that no one commented on them, although Cathy laughingly asked if she could take a picture of me with my unusual breakfast. I happily obliged and grinned proudly for the camera.
When I finished my meal and began to take my allergy pills, vitamin D, and Uqora (a wonderful bladder infection prevention product) David finally piped up and said, “Are you taking your Geritol now?” I merely grinned and shook my head as I drank my water with two tablespoons of organic apple cider in it. I was glad they hadn’t noticed that part of the meal!
As I’ve said before, sandwich generation members absolutely have to take care of themselves so they can take care of others. When perimenopause began to wreak havoc on my body a few years ago, I wanted to stay away from medications and change my diet instead. I talked to my doctor and friends who were experiencing similar issues. I read countless articles as well.
At age 51, I don’t take any prescription medications. I lowered my cholesterol 56 points through what I eat and drink alone. Most of the time I feel the best I’ve ever felt in my life. I walk half marathons. And I recovered from COVID-19 pretty quickly.
I truly don’t like bragging, but I share my story to encourage others to get inspiration from Hippocrates. As we get older, we don’t have to automatically turn to prescriptions to fix what ails us. Food can make a big difference, and it’s not expensive (I buy most of our groceries from Aldi.)
I didn’t mind the teasing whatsoever last month and I often reflect on it with a smile. You’ll have to excuse me now… it’s time for me to whip up a cup of matcha tea.