If you live in the northeast, from December until March, it is very cold. Normally, my goal is to stay warm. I don’t really go outside the house much if I’m not snow birding in Florida. If I am up north at my parents’ house in New York, I make a pact with myself to make sure that I take care and put myself first by watching what I eat.
Making Good Decisions About Food
During the winter months, it is so easy for us to make really bad decisions when it comes to food. Usually, I stick with a strict eating regimen: I only have bread twice a week, I limit my carbs and I try to eat things with high fiber, like fruits and vegetables. When I do eat healthy, I have a clear mind and I notice a difference with how I move and transfer. Growing up, I never really paid much attention to this. I ate whatever I wanted. As I got older, I noticed that when I eat healthy, it improves my health, both physically and mentally.
Food Affects How We Feel and Move
Whether you have a disability or not, I’m sure you’ve had a day where you eat a very carb-inducing meal and afterwards you fall asleep or you feel sluggish the next morning. There’s nothing wrong with that. The trick is to find balance. Unless you were born with some incredible gene where you can eat as many calories as you want and you don’t put on any weight, it’s a good idea to watch what you eat. If you have a disability and want to make a change to your eating habits, I highly recommend putting yourself first. Try eating healthy for a while and see how it affects your daily life over time. I’m not saying that you need to give up everything that you love. You can eat those things too, but in moderation. You probably aren’t doing much physical activity in the winter because when it’s 20 degrees out, no one wants to be outside.
By watching what you eat, you can help yourself feel better, both physically and mentally. If you have a disability, eating right can make a big difference when completing transfers and other activities that may be challenging for you otherwise. One more thing: make sure you always take at least one day a week where you treat yourself and indulge for all your hard work.
About Josh McDermott: Josh is a brand ambassador for Quantum Rehab®. He is a public speaker and has served as a goodwill ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Josh lives in New York and loves to travel. Click here to learn more about Josh.
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