Walking lighter on the earth

As you know, I don't possess any scales but I managed to weigh myself a couple of days ago and I have indeed lost three or four pounds. That doesn't sound like much but I'm not deterred and to be honest, the weight is only a small part of the picture.   So the plan continues and I'm really enjoying it.

Doing this has got me thinking not only of the benefits to my short and long term health but also the bigger picture.  For example, another benefit to eating less will be surviving the food shortage, which will surely come..... With the explosion of the global population and the dwindling of resources, animal, vegetable and mineral, we'll all have to start surviving on less.   That's putting it pretty simplistically, but sums it up.  

Recent droughts in the US have decimated wheat and corn crops, on which many other countries, including the world's poorest rely.  Not only that, but it has pushed the price of such grains up significantly, which will see the price of staple foods in the shops rise, putting the poorest and most vulnerable at greatest risk.   Many are predicting riots as a result.

With climate change, population growth, global development and over consumption, food shortages will become commonplace..... So those who can survive on less, and walk lighter on the earth, will not only help but will improve their resilience in preparation for leaner times.


Nutrition tip of the day

Beetroot is a truly wonderful thing.   It contains betaine which is good for cardiovascular health and it has a host of other nutrients including Magnesium, iron, potassium, Sodium and vitamin C.  Also, beta cyanin helps to detox the liver and prevents the build up of fatty deposits.

Beetroot juice has been shown to reduce blood pressure and can help in the prevention of strokes and heart attacks.  It's pretty low in calories too with a medium whole beetroot being around 35 calories.  Simply peel and boil with a pinch of salt..... Delicious and quite filling so quite useful when calorie restricting!