2020—The End or Beginning

Most describe 2020 as an extraordinary year they are happy to see end. We look forward to new beginnings. Perhaps we have set new goals or revised old one for 2021. One thing is sure, most of us had no idea at the close of 2019 how much 2020 would impact our lives. As we reflect on a year of illness and death, we also remember riots and national chaos. And who can forget a divided nation enduring the conflict of a contentious election.

But was there anything good to remember? Some of our family members contracted Covid-19 yet sustained mild symptoms and rapid recovery. Thousands of people weren’t so fortunate. I recall a pantry stocked full of abundant food supplies, ever mindful of many who went hungry because of limited funds to feed their families. With multiple reasons for caution, I worship in a different way. Inspiring spiritual messages from social media or television have replaced attendance within church walls. Hopefully, the pandemic has caused others to take advantage of alternate means to worship God if unable to visit with local congregations.

And how does all this relate to my blog title of Food from the Garden? We live within city limits on a rather large lot where we attempt to grow a few fruits and vegetables. Although we are poor farmers by most standards, a few plants survive. Kale and mustard greens, highly nutritious foods, seem to thrive in our poor soil. Whether a city dweller or otherwise, in the new year, try your hand a placing seeds or plants in flower beds or pots if you lack space for a small garden. As shoots of varied greens grow several inches, break off a few tender leaves for a salad or to cook. Check a few days later for more fresh shoots. They will produce throughout the summer.

From time to time, other foods do well, especially strawberries. They make nice borders or ground covers in sunny areas. The list of fresh fruits and vegetable to grow in unusual places is limitless.

But new beginnings are about more than food. Assess your personal situation for a healthier happier new year.

• If you lost loved ones this past year, think of ways you can honor their memory. What did they cherish that can bring fond recollections? Maybe a sunset/sunrise, smelling the scent of special flowers, preparing or enjoying a special food, and endless opportunities and activities can bring pleasant thoughts for which you can be grateful they were a part of your life. Be positive instead of sad or negative.
• Evaluate your own health. If you haven’t contracted Covid-19, consider ways you may help keep it at bay. Take the vaccine, eat healthier foods, lose weight appropriately (yes, weight is a major factor in the disease), and many other ways to get or stay healthier.
• Keep a positive attitude. That’s hard when you have lost a job (I know), but look around to help others, even with an encouraging word. Focus on the future, and always consider those things for which you can be thankful.
• Get to know the God who loves you and cares about your well-being. Talk to Him and contemplate what He may want you to learn from this experience. Seek to rely on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. ^“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” Don’t expect a revelation overnight. That may or may not happen but, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” Proverbs 3:5-6.

None of us knows what tomorrow will bring, but God reassures us by His words in Jeremiah 29:11, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the LORD. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”

January 1, 2021 begins a new year. With divine help, make a good start and maintain hope whatever the year brings.           

A happy new year to all and God bless!

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2020 Projections for Weight-Loss

On the cusp of a new year, how did 2019 meet our expectations? We may have celebrated special events along with experiencing problems and difficulties. Some choose this time of year to set goals or declare objectives to reach in the coming year. It’s a favored time to decide to take better care of our bodies whether making better food choices or paying attention to habits in our lives that prevent optimum health. Often topping our to-do list is losing weight.

Ted Kyle in his blog on ConsciencHealth identified ten major issues likely to expand in 2020. I have condensed his explanations and included my thoughts on the topics.

• Tailored Dietary Guidelines

Toward the end of 2020, new Dietary Guidelines for Americans will replace the current ones. As with most years, the new guidelines are beset with conflict. However, recommendations for children under two and pregnant women, based on a 2014 Farm Bill with emphasis in these areas, will come as a welcomed addition.

• Ketogenic and Low-Carb Diets

Keto Diets continue to make news. The still controversial diet has been referred to as “health story of the year,” and The American Diabetes Association now considers it a viable option for those with type 2 diabetes. However, do not read this as a sanction from all dietitians.

• Intermittent Fasting

Another controversial subject, IF, will continue to dominate nutrition news. Selected research has noted benefits for certain conditions including obesity, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and others. Should we all jump to this type eating pattern? Again, not all dietitians are on-board with this premise and more research may reveal different results. One thing for sure, it is not an ideal diet for everyone. Use caution and discretion.

• Serious Pediatric Obesity Care

Methods to curb the rising tide of obesity in children is shifting. Some professional groups now recommend bariatric surgery for adolescents with severe obesity. New centers focused on comprehensive care of youth and children will surface during 2020. Children’s hospitals and clinics are advised to get involved with this new wave of abating childhood obesity.

• Better Anti-Obesity Meds

When will anti-obesity medications rival bariatric surgery for treatment? In past years, several drugs have surfaced and failed. The new year could bring progress toward that goal. One promising option is Semaglutide. Another targeted obesity drug, setmelanotide, is awaiting FDA approval. Bimagrumab also shows promise.

• Body Positivity

Weight bias continues to exist. With nearly 40 percent of the US population obese, fat shaming is unacceptable. Acceptance of people of all sizes will continue to strengthen in 2020.

• Plant-Based Nutrition

For Vegans and others on a mission to change all of us to vegetarians, it isn’t just about nutrition. Many of them tout eating plants to save the planet. Like any new concept, businesses have latched on to this trend by giving us typical meat products (think hamburger) made from vegetables. If you are old enough, you may remember the soy burgers of yesteryears. From my observation, this is a new wrinkle on an old story.

• Clean Processed Food Labels

First, what is a “clean processed food label”? A clean label is a consumer driven movement to return food to simple and wholesome. It’s more about what is not in a product than what is. Consumers demand natural, simple ingredients they can recognize, understand, and pronounce. Primarily, products will be less processed, a proven plus when it comes to health. Labels will include disclosure on additives and sugar and become more allergen friendly such as gluten-free, MSG-free, etc.

• SADI-S

Bariatric surgery has become more common, especially the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass. While duodenal switch is less common, it can be highly effective. A variation of this procedure known as SADI-S shows promise as a more effective and safer option. More news and research should appear this coming year.

• More Inclusive Fitness

Inclusivity has become an “in” word the past few years. Now it is moving into the fitness realm.  Because physical activity profoundly affects long-term health outcomes, the public’s focus on fitness will remain strong. However, fitness in past years has focused on those categorized as young, slender, and white. That’s changing while body inclusivity gains momentum. The overused word diversity has entered the fray. Most important are the efforts of the fitness industry to meet needs of an increasingly elder population. Hopefully, this trend will continue.

Whatever our needs and desires for better health, may we reflect on and revise our habits to achieve better health in 2020.

Good Health and God Bless

 

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