December 12 is an important day-my Mum’s 90th birthday! We’re
all attending three full days of festivities, doing everything she
loves to do, with a rest planned mid-day and nothing planned after
7 p.m.
My Mum not only had whopping cough as a child but Scarlett fever,
and yet she is living a full life. She remembers when the ice man
would bring her family a block of ice he had cut from the frozen
river near her home town in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They had a
true ice-box! She was a bold young woman in those days, when at 22
years of age, she moved to California, where she was to spend most
of her life.
Why is it that she is living a long life even with the health
issues she had as a child? One doesn’t know for sure, genetics
certainly comes into play, but lifestyle plays a big part in
leading a vibrant life.
I know my Mum’s habits. She always eats breakfast; eggs or oatmeal
are her favorite choices. I have a distinct memory from childhood
about her little bit of cottage cheese on a plate with a half a
sandwich for lunch. Dinner was generally some kind of meat and
veggies-pot roast on Sundays, type-thing. If there was ever dessert
at home, it was homemade cookies or perhaps an apple pie. Alcohol
was rarely a part of her life-perhaps she’d put a little brandy in
some hot water with lemon in the winter, or had the occasional gin
and tonic in the summer, but that was rare. She does like her
coffee and Red-Rose brand tea (as do we all by the way-some habits
are inherited!) Her choices were moderate, never excessive.
She has also always exercised, walking being her exercise of
choice; laps around Ragle Park being her favorite. Church and
spirituality is a big part of who she is. Mum has attended
regularly her whole life.
These are her patterns, her consistent patterns. Perhaps that’s the
secret to a long life.
Simply put:
• Consistent habits
• Home-made food
• Not-too-big portions
• Fresh air
• Exercise
• A social and spiritual base
• Few vices, but not too strict-moderation being key.
I am thankful for my Mum’s lessons, as I inherited her good habits,
as have my own kids and now my grandchildren. Watching my daughter
feed her daughter is heartwarming. She learned healthy habits from
me as I did from my Mum.
Happy 90th Birthday Mum!
Patty’s passion is assisting you to obtain or maintain
your good health. Patty has her master’s degree in
holistic nutrition and is a certified natural chef.
Patty James, Vital Health Educator and Nutrition Coach.
Founder of the first certified organic cooking school
and nutrition center in the country.
www.pattyjames.com,
pa***@pa********.com
.
P.O. Box 1915, Sebastopol, CA 95473.
Read about Patty’s new health program called Zest, which
begins in January. Give the gift of health for you or someone you
love this holiday season! Go to www.pattyjames.com for more
details.
