I woke up with puffy eyes this morning

I have always blamed my mother for my love of sugar. My older sister told me that my mother ate nothing but chocolate candy when she was pregnant with me. I am sure my sister is not exaggerating because my mother slept with M&Ms under her pillow to have them within easy reach when she woke up. I can attribute her weakness to heredity. My maternal grandmother insisted that sugar be included in every meal. She loved scrambled eggs with strawberry jam for breakfast. Since I had an easy excuse to absolve me of any personal responsibility, I have eaten copious amounts of sweets all of my life.

I brought home my favorite ice cream last night. During the drive, it had reached the perfect semi soft consistency and, therefore, tasted exceptionally good. I enjoyed every mouthful. Now, however, I am sitting through the morning after. My eyes are swollen, my face is puffy, it is hard to move and close my fingers and my joints feel achy. I do not need a degree in nutrition to realize that I retain water when I eat sugar. I can see it and feel it in my body. Sugar spikes your body’s insulin production; insulin causes sodium retention and that, in turn, causes water retention.

Let’s Cook Tonight® believes in a simple, common sense approach to cooking and eating for health, maximum flavor and enjoyment. It just makes sense to listen to your body and if you eat something that makes you feel bad physically, it must not be good for you. Give up the easy excuses you have been using to justify old behaviors and start paying attention to your body. Stop feeding it foods that make it feel bad. It really is that simple.

Cooking is easier than you think and you are worth the time and effort it takes.