Tuesday, July 13, 2010

The Sugar Story and my life in Nutrition


During the 1930's a young man had become obsessed with eating sugar. His mother became very upset with it, but no matter how much she scolded him and tried to break his habit, he continued to satisfy his sweet tooth. Frustrated, she decided to take the boy to see Mahatma Gandhi, who was the boy's idol. She believed that the boy would listen to him.

She had to walk many miles in the hot sun to reach Gandhi's ashram. When she arrived she shared with Gandhi her predicament and asked him to tell her son to stop eating so much sugar.

Gandhi replied, "Come back in two weeks."

The women looked confused, and left. She made the long journey home and in two weeks time made it once again as Gandhi requested. When they arrived Gandhi looked directly at the boy and said...

"Stop eating sugar, it is not good for your health."

The boy nodded and promised that he wouldn't. The mother was puzzled and asked Gandhi why he couldn't have just told her boy that two weeks ago.

Gandhi smiled and replied, "Two weeks ago, I was eating a lot of sugar."

On another occasion Gandhi also said...

Be the change you want to see in the world.

Part of my recent introspection has been about finishing school this year. While I am excited by everything that I have learned in school about nutrition I realized that I am somewhat lacking in the application. For the most part I already eat a well balanced diet... but thinking of this story reminds me I have a lot to work on.

Hypocrisy weakens your message... Gandhi waited two weeks to talk to the boy because he wanted his statement to have validity and to be powerful. The boy probably would have been hesitant to agree to his counsel if Gandhi had a Big Gulp Slushee in one hand and a Snickers bar in the other.

I really do want to help people improve their health and quality of life through food, and so I am analyzing my diet this week for weaknesses. Yesterday I started a week long dietary assessment. Which... if you have ever done one is kind of tedious, you have to measure out and keep track of every single thing you eat or drink all day long and report physical activity. It's pretty amazing what yo discover about yourself though when you pay such close attention.

So check back in a week for the results!

And ask yourself today, "What change can I make in myself that I desire to see in others?"

2 comments:

jeff and alli said...

I've read bios of Ghandi, I think he is such an interesting inspirational man.

Mommadriver said...

I always love stories about Ghandi. He tried his best to be authentic in every aspect. This was another example of his personal integrity. Thanks for sharing. Tacy, you are one SMART cookie! Love YOU...