Modeling and Super Foods

Observational learning or modeling is one way we learn. The more important the person is to us, the more likely we pay attention and as a result can better incorporate what we see. A number of years ago, Albert Bandura, a psychologist, studied various variables related to  how we learn and what we tend to imitate. Maybe you have heard of imitative learning.

When you think about it, this suggests that women, especially mothers, play a very significant role in our health. This leads to the question “how important is what we eat related to health and performance”? Most of us would say that what and how we eat is important.  It is common knowledge that blueberries, spinach, broccoli, and tomatoes are packed with antioxidants that fight cell damage. How many of us know about the so-called number or portions of these foods per day are required? The old  pyramid has been replaced by the plate. We are now told that half of our plate should consist of fruits and vegetables.

A recent article in Trail Runner, May 2011, issue 72 talked about whole grains and gave  good examples of such as Quinoa, Popcorn, Soba noodles, and Barley. The author suggested that trail runners should have a daily diet rich in high-quality carbohydrates to ensure enough stored glycogen for fuel for the runner. The author added the following formula: “runners should eat about 2 g of carbohydrates per pound of body weight per day”.

What about “super foods” those found in health food stores distributed by companies such as “Bright Earth Foods”? There are some  that search all over the world, especially in South America, looking for those natural plants and herbs rich in fiber, antioxidants etc.  So, the female or mothers can become the expert in healthy foods and model that behavior to spouses, friends, children etc.  Or, the male can become the expert and be the model .And; maybe more of us should grow our own food employing hydroponics and other techniques? Just think how healthy we can become. In essence, the more control we take over our lives the better off we are.

Paying more attention to what you eat is likely to lead to better health. It takes more work but just think of who is going to reap the rewards. You heard that expression “you are what you eat”. Make it work for you.