Junk is the ultimate
merchandise. The junk merchant does not sell his product to the consumer, he
sells the consumer to the product.
He does not improve and simplify his merchandise, he degrades and simplifies
the client.
(William S. Burroughs)
Diet
'Diet' is not about losing weight or looking slim. It is about what you eat.
Many people look thin but are actually quite unhealthy.
If you eat junk food, then the nutritional value is poor and your health
suffers.
If you eat well, your body is stronger, more resilient and less prone to
illness.
A martial artist should pay particular attention to their diet:
drink plenty of water, eat only fresh fruit and
vegetables, pulses,
rice, beans, grains, nuts and seeds.
Fast food/junk food, preservatives, additives, nicotine and alcohol
hamper your efforts to be healthy.
Diet & exercise
Do not underestimate the importance of balancing
diet and
exercise.
You may train all hours but if your food intake is shoddy, your body
will not receive the necessary nutrition.
Some students live off fast food.
Self harm
Tai chi is about health. If you are not healthy, then your martial skills
are meaningless.
You may spend hours learning how to defend your body.
You may be committed to an ongoing
quest aimed at preserving your health and wellbeing.
Yet if you are inflicting harm upon yourself by eating junk food, what is
the point?
Can you see the contradiction?
Junk 'food'
Just be wary of what you choose to eat.
Remember that burger outlets lace
their products with an unhealthy cocktail of addictive chemicals.
Ask yourself if what you are eating can really be considered
food at all?
Food is supposed to improve your wellbeing, give you energy and make you
feel good.
Junk food may taste nice but sugar, salt and additives are not
healthy.
Watch the film Supersize Me if you need convincing.
No junk?
If you
eat well and drink plenty of water
you will reap the benefits.
A variety of fresh fruit and vegetables consumed
daily is ideal.
Go for choice: the more diverse your intake of
healthy food, the wider the spread of nutrients.
Aim to
stagger your food types across the week.
You can still eat some junk if you want to. It is up to you.
Just keep it minimal.
If you can do without it, even better.
Just remember what junk food is and what it does to your body.
More...
Page created 1 March 2000