It happens to us all from time to time. A sudden flash of inspiration strikes, perhaps as a bolt out of the blue or one of those “ah ha” moments. However it arrives, it brings a completely new understanding on something, large or small. Sends our imagination off in a totally new direction. Exhilarating and, often, more than a little scary as it has the potential to take us out of our comfort zone and into unchartered territory. Then, just as quickly, it vanishes without a trace leaving the feeling that we may have missed something important and, possibly, life changing. 

Thanks to modern marketing and simple straplines, sadly, many people’s food choices are driven more by clever marketing than anything else. Over the years, it’s led to many “interesting” conversations with Clients (!) and proved just how effective and long lasting some marketing campaigns can be. However, on the plus side, it’s provided ample inspiration for blog posts… 

 

So, this week, we’ve gathered together some of the blog posts – and links – on foods that most often feature in conversations with Clients. And, before anyone says it, there are lots of others we could have mentioned which don’t come up nearly as often (!). 

It’s easy to forget just how much impact we have on the world around us – and we’re not just talking about the actions we take. The things we do. 

 

Our words are just as powerful, whether spoken out loud or as the running commentary in our heads. So, our thoughts need to be added to the list. Or, as it used to be referred to “our thoughts, words and deeds…” 

One of the positive things to come out of the madness of 2020, was that people became much more aware of the importance of good old fashioned day to day hygiene. Keeping their hands clean. Carrying – and using (!) – a handkerchief or tissue. And all the other things our Mothers – or older family members (!) – used to remind us about when we were younger. Repeatedly… 

 

While this seems to be waning a little now, there’s one very simple thing many people seem to overlook. And, to be honest, always have done. What they then dry their hands on. In other words, the towels they’re using. After all, what use is it in washing our hands if we then dry them on a dirty towel – or the front of our jeans?!? 

If you have any online account – whether Amazon or Ebay, Netflix or iplayer – you’ll have noticed the continual suggestions of things you may be interested in. While the odd “wild card” may be thrown in, most of the suggestions are based on what you’ve previously shown interest in, making the underlying assumption very clear. You’ll only be interested in what you’ve bought – or watched – in the past. 

 

No judgement is made about your choices – “Why on earth did they choose that?!?” – just the assumption that you’ll want the same – or something similar – again. And, so, the same things keep coming up again and again. Which is great if you still want exactly the same things – not to mention saving time in the process – but not so helpful when you decide you’d like something different. 

 

But this doesn’t only happen online, you’ll probably have noticed it yourself at some time or other. 

With the surge in popularity of Keto and other low carb – carbohydrate – diets in recent years, it’s not surprising that many people now consider carbs to be “bad”, possibly even “the enemy.” Not quite “Public Enemy Number One” (!), but definitely high on the list… 

 

While we’re great fans of keeping things simple, sadly, it’s not quite that simple. 

 

So, this week, we’re going to take a closer look at carbs and why they’re an important part of a balanced and healthy diet WITH ONE BIG CAVEAT. More about this in a minute. 

With everything going on in the world around us, let alone in our own lives, it’s all too easy to find ourselves completely swamped by it all. Swept along by whatever emotions – or circumstances – we encounter as we go about our day. 

 

If those around us are sad or angry, then finding ourselves feeling sad or angry too. Noticing that our previously good mood turned sour the moment we met someone who was in a bad mood – or having a bad day. 

A couple of weeks’ ago we talked about the questions we ask ourselves AND how often they just give us the answer we want – or expect – rather than one that actually helps us. Or, more accurately, the answer the Little Monster in our Heads wants… 

 

As this tends to undermine our best intentions or efforts, there are no prizes for guessing the end result. Continuing to do the same thing over and over again, regardless of how much we say – or think – we’d prefer something different… You can find the post here. 

We all have our own “pet” – or favourite – subjects (!) and there aren’t any prizes for guessing one of ours. 

 

Water.  

 

As in, how much are you drinking each day – and, “No” tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, alcohol and the rest don’t count! If we had a pound for every time someone said this to us, we’d be very rich indeed… 

 

Yes, we know, it can seem rather repetitive – not to mention boring (!) – at times, but there is method in our madness. 

 

While we don’t think of ourselves as living in water, in reality we do, with our bodies being made up of more than 75% water. Every one of the billions of cells found in our body is bathed in water. Our body’s main transport systems, the blood and lymph, are water based. The millions of chemical reactions occurring every second do so in water. And, so, the list goes on. 

Have you noticed how good we are at asking the question that gives us the answer we want?!? Or, more accurately, the answer the Little Monster in our heads wants… 

 

And, as all too often, this just undermines our best intentions or efforts; there are no prizes for guessing the end result. Continuing to do the same thing over and over again, regardless of how much we say – or think – we’d prefer something different…