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How Is Your Work Being Affected By What You Eat?

- November 30, 2011 | by April -

Have you thought much about what you’re eating and how productive/creative you are?

Over the past couple months, a few incidents have come up that have made me think more and more about the foods that I eat and how it affects my work.

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you probably know that I’m vegan and gluten-free. In this week’s video, I’m NOT trying to convert any of you. I just want you to start thinking about the foods that you’re eating and how they’re affecting your work and energy. And, I urge you to eat healthier {whatever that means for you} in order to be more productive and energized throughout the day.

Check out the video below.

Before you leave, let me know in the comments below if you made those paper things I used for my background this week when you were in elementary school. My husband and I have a bet going.

115 Comments · Filed Under: Productivity

Comments

  1. Kelsey says

    November 30, 2011 at 8:51 am

    I totally made those in grade school. We’d make them 25 rings long and take one off for each day in December leading up to Christmas.

    You know that I’m gluten free vegetarian; let me tell you though, the past few weeks because of traveling a lot, the holidays, and all those other good things that keep us too busy, I have eaten so crummy. I’ve been drinking way more coffee than usual and my energy is just shot. So here’s my public proclamation to back away from the spiced pumpkin ice cream and get back to what I know my body appreciates!

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 8:59 am

      Ha! I knew it! Thanks Kelsey 🙂

      Spiced pumpkin ice cream…oh my gosh….that sounds sooooooooooooo yummy. I really miss regular ice cream. I’ve also been indulging way too much and need to get back on track. My work completely suffers when I’m eating crappy foods.

      Reply
  2. Sarka says

    November 30, 2011 at 8:53 am

    Not sure if it was in elementary school or in kindergarden, but yes, we made them 🙂 if I remeber it right, they could be also devil’s chains, connected with St. Nicholas Day.

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 9:00 am

      Two for two! Thanks Sarka 🙂

      Reply
  3. Licia Dantas says

    November 30, 2011 at 8:53 am

    Great post as usual! And I did do those paper strings thousand times when I was little or working with little one. 🙂 Cheers!

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 9:01 am

      Thanks Licia! Happy holidays 🙂

      Reply
  4. Vanessa says

    November 30, 2011 at 8:59 am

    Great post!! It’s sooo important to EAT!! Us creatives sometimes forget to eat because we get so into what we are doing… Well I know I do!! Lol! And YES!! I so made those “things” (I don t know what to call them!) in school!!! Teee heee!!

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 9:02 am

      Yes, forgetting to eat is bad, too! Getting wrapped up in something creative is so fun that it’s hard to pull away from it, but we’ve got to in order to keep up our energy. Thanks for commenting Vanessa.

      Reply
    • Phoebe says

      November 30, 2011 at 9:08 am

      yes, Vanessa, I sometimes lose track of time, and only when my belly starts growling violently, do I realize it’s 4pm (or later), and I haven’t eaten since breakfast…
      Which is strange for me, because I am almost always hungry…. But… you know I’m really “into” what I’m doing, if I forget to eat.

      Reply
  5. Joanne says

    November 30, 2011 at 8:59 am

    Yes we always decorated with them especially
    at Christmas. And got paste everywhere!

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 9:02 am

      I knew I wasn’t the only one!

      Reply
  6. Phoebe says

    November 30, 2011 at 9:05 am

    I love your ever changing backgrounds, they’re always so pretty and creative. =)
    And Yes, I made those paper chains as a child. I don’t know if I did them in school, but I definitely made them in school, and I love them.

    And by the way, I agree with you about the stuff we eat… it definitely affects us. In many ways.

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 9:07 am

      Thanks Phoebe. I have sooooooooooo much fun making all my backgrounds. I have some really fun ones coming up for December 🙂

      Reply
    • Phoebe says

      November 30, 2011 at 9:11 am

      Ha ha, I meant that I “Definitely made them” (not “In school”) ha ha. =)

      Reply
  7. Phoebe says

    November 30, 2011 at 9:09 am

    I look forward to seeing them. =)

    Reply
  8. Katy says

    November 30, 2011 at 9:20 am

    How could you guys possibly have a BET about this? Didn’t EVERYBODY make those paper chains?

    And yes, I’m bad about eating too, especially when my husband is out of town. I think of meals more as a social event than a necessity, I guess. Am trying to remember to eat at midday, and to DRINK WATER all day long. That’s another biggie!

    xo

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 9:24 am

      I guess they don’t make these chains in Blacksburg, VA where my husband grew up.

      I used to think of food more as a treat than as something that fuels my body. In the past few years, I’ve learned a lot about how food affects my energy, health, and ability to focus and it’s really helped my productivity.

      Reply
  9. Dani says

    November 30, 2011 at 9:25 am

    Great video April, thanks – such a good thing to think about. I’ll get straight into my studio in the morning and forget to get breakfast and as the day goes by and I’m getting more headachey and tired I’ll just grab whatever is closest! Not good!
    I must find a way to make eating well part of my routine.
    And yay for paper chains! We totally made them in school (and I have some paper with cute little deer and festive loveliness on which is just crying to be made into a chain this christmas :D)

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 9:28 am

      Thanks Dani! Breakfast is so super important. I challenge you to eat at least a little something in the morning before starting work. It will make a big difference.

      Yay for paper chains! I knew lots of other people made those chains. My husband missed out on the fun.

      Reply
  10. Tiina says

    November 30, 2011 at 9:35 am

    Yes, we made those paper chains in elementary school. 🙂 It must be an international thing (I live in Finland). I remember that we competed on who would make the longest chain… Oh and we still got my and my sister’s paper chains in our Christmas decoration box! Talk about vintage, right. 😉

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 9:41 am

      That’s so cool that you still have them. Thanks for weighing in on the discussion Tiina!

      Reply
      • Tiina says

        November 30, 2011 at 5:43 pm

        Seems like everyone has something to say about the paper chains! Maybe your husband skipped school that day.

        Reply
  11. Alicia says

    November 30, 2011 at 9:37 am

    Um, I make those now! And YES, I made them in school. 🙂

    Back to the topic for today — yes, I have noticed a HUGE difference between how I feel when I eat healthy and when I eat yucky! It affects my energy my concentration. I try to eat six mini meals a day to keep my blood sugar stable. A great emergency snack is a dozen raw whole almonds. Takes the edge off hunger, doesn’t let your blood sugar dive and they taste good! 🙂

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 9:43 am

      Obviously, I make them now, too 😉

      Great tip about the almonds Alicia! We always keep nuts in our kitchen for a quick snack, but they’re also easy to put in a bag when you’re on the go.

      Reply
  12. Tanna says

    November 30, 2011 at 9:39 am

    Interesting timing. I just started seeing a doctor who does care what I eat. So much in fact she thinks I would benefit greatly from a gluten-free diet. I’m going to give it a try. I know food significantly affects our health, energy and emotional wellbeing.

    And yes, we made those paper chains in school! Ah the memories.

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 9:45 am

      I’m so glad your doctor cares about what you eat! That’s good to hear. Let me know how your gluten-free diet treats ya. It was incredibly hard for me at first, but once I learned some new recipes, it got much easier.

      Reply
  13. misty says

    November 30, 2011 at 9:39 am

    We made those paper chains all the time!!!!!! When it comes to food I try to remind myself “you are not a dog so don’t reward yourself with food”

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 9:46 am

      Hahahahahaha…love the “you’re not a dog” reminder!

      Reply
    • Alicia says

      November 30, 2011 at 3:26 pm

      I see t-shirts with this message on them! 🙂 good reminder! HA!

      Reply
  14. Beatrice says

    November 30, 2011 at 9:39 am

    First thing yes I did make those paper chains 🙂

    I eat gluten and sugar free and I feel 300 times better when I eat like that!

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 9:47 am

      Thanks for sharing Beatrice! It’s amazing how much food affects how we feel.

      Reply
  15. Sharon says

    November 30, 2011 at 9:40 am

    Everyone (except you husband apparently) made those 🙂

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 9:46 am

      Hahahaha….apparently 🙂

      Reply
  16. Lynda says

    November 30, 2011 at 9:54 am

    April, I am veggie not vegan and I reflect with everything you just said! There is certain foods that if I eat will change my mood or energy level drops and all I want to do is sit and look at my knees hahaha. I too do not say people should switch to veggie or vegan but for me I feel a lot better in my eating. I was raised on a farm here in Texas so when I tell people I am veggie they think I am the nut that dropped out of a tree since we are known for all the beef etc. here. I just make granola for the first time during Thanksgiving because what they have on the shelves has so much bad stuff in it and the PRICE! I turned out so good that another batch is going to be on my to do list.

    April, I did the paper chains in school (that has been about a 100yrs ago lol) and continued to do them with my children and when my grandson was small we did them then. They look beautiful as a backdrop for you and I may have to do some of them soon. You look lovely…

    Love and light……

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 10:00 am

      Hey Lynda. Thanks for sharing. Almost all of my friends and family members think it’s weird that I’m vegan–but I bet it’s even more odd in Texas! Homemade granola sounds delicious. I’ve been meaning to make some myself, because I’ve got a couple recipes that I want to try out.

      Thanks for your kind words. They are very much appreciated.

      Reply
      • Lynda says

        November 30, 2011 at 12:10 pm

        April this is my basic granola recipe and believe me it will need to be doubled or tripled when you taste it. Just make it your own when putting in the yummy stuff…..I call it the 1/2 Cup____

        3 cups old fashioned oats
        1/2 cup of anything you love….seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower, nuts-almonds, walnuts, coconut-I use unsweetened, dried cherries, dried cranberries. anything that strikes your fancy or taste buds lol. Mix it all together.
        The wet stuff to make it granola……1/2 cup grape seed oil and 1/2 cup agave sweetener. You can use honey if you like but you do taste the honey more than just the agave since it is only a natural sweetener. Oils can be what you prefer: nothing in the receipt is written in stone. Believe me you will want to double this or triple but any amount you use enjoy!!!

        Reply
        • Lynda says

          November 30, 2011 at 12:43 pm

          GOOD GRIEF!!! I forgot one of the important steps to granola hahaha COOKING!! I got so excited about what to put in lol.

          Cookie sheet sprayed with Pam….Oven 250 degrees and bake for an hour.
          =O opps <3

          Reply
        • Alicia says

          November 30, 2011 at 3:28 pm

          must try this! 😉

          Reply
  17. Mariana Marinescu says

    November 30, 2011 at 9:55 am

    Yes, we too made paper chains aaaaallllllllllllllllll the way in Australia!

    When I get immersed in a creative project, I tend to snack on fruit or crackers to keep me going so that I don’t interrupt my process with a big food break; at other times I’m so involved that I don’t actually notice that I’m hungry until I start to crash around 3 or 4pm.

    I few months ago I randomly came across a video clip of Alicia Silverstone talking about her experience with veganism — now I know that being vegan or vegetarian is not for everyone, but — I thought I’d share it because it left such a strong and memorable impression on me; particularly when she talks about the health impacts she experienced, and the phenomena of health practitioners being aware of the health benefits of a veg diet but not sharing that info with clients…

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA2CWnJ8j-k

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 10:03 am

      Thanks for sharing that clip Mariana. Alicia Silverstone’s book, The Kind Diet, was one of the first that I read on the subject. It was an eye-opener.

      Paper chains in Australia, too! I can’t wait to tell my husband that one 🙂

      Reply
      • Lynda says

        November 30, 2011 at 12:15 pm

        Mariana, thank you for sharing. I must take a look at Alicia’s book.

        April, your husband has lead a sheltered life hahaha Paper chains are international hahaha.

        Reply
  18. McKella says

    November 30, 2011 at 10:08 am

    I know that my food and exercise has a TON of impact on my creativity and production. I can’t make stuff if I feel like crap!
    And yes, I made tons of paper chains in elementary! Once we made paper skeletons for Halloween, and the arms and legs were paper chains.

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 10:12 am

      Thanks for sharing McKella! It’s easy to get wrapped up in day to day life and forget {or block out} how important food and exercise is in our lives. When I get super busy, I find myself trying to make excuses why I should skip exercising and work instead–but I’ll end up being less productive.

      Reply
  19. Lorene says

    November 30, 2011 at 10:18 am

    Great ‘food for thought’ or should I say ‘food for energy’? And yes, I made the paper chains, not only in school but many times with my own children and their friends. I LOVE them! I think your husband has what my husband has most of the time–they block out what was not important to them–maybe they need to eat better to have the energy to remember 🙂
    Thanks

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 10:57 am

      Hahahaha 🙂

      Reply
  20. Shana says

    November 30, 2011 at 10:22 am

    I totally made those in school and so did all of my kids. I really thought that everyone did that.
    Shana

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 10:57 am

      Me, too!

      Reply
  21. allyson says

    November 30, 2011 at 10:48 am

    yup, i made them! thanks for talking about food health and how it affects our productivity, I needed to be reminded of this today

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 10:58 am

      You’re welcome! Glad it was a good reminder.

      Reply
  22. Tabassum says

    November 30, 2011 at 11:07 am

    Who “didn’t” make those paper chains in school?? That was like one of the first art projects I learned 🙂 Btw the way, such a pretty background.

    I’m so happy to see this video b/c sometimes I feel like I’m the only one obsessed about healthy eating. And you have to be these days considering how crappy the health system is worldwide. Here in Spain (I’m an American living here in my husband’s country), I’ve come across doctors who didn’t even look me in the eye and just scribbled me a prescription and shoved me out of the door! It’s insane.And that’s when I decided to take care of myself and “prevent” myself from getting sick and run down.

    I read that every 7 years we have a new body, in the sense that our cells completely regenerate every 7 years. So thinking about what you eat, the type of energy you put into your body is the type of person you will be and the energy that you will put out. It’s something important to think about and take advantage of.

    So for me, going vegan cooked/raw, gluten-free, giving up chai, giving up Starbucks coffee, going all organic and natural even down to my personal care products and getting sleep when my body begged me for it rather than trying to be some kind of superwoman has made a PROFOUND difference on my health and productivity. All of that nasty stuff that companies sneak into our food and products have real negative side effects on us. And not being sick and having a naturally high energy levels = no sick days from work, and having a mental clarity that I couldn’t achieve on a SAD (Standard American Diet) diet.

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 2:22 pm

      Thank you so much for sharing this Tabassum! I know that my food choices affect my creativity and productivity. But, they also affect how I feel emotionally–there’s a reason that I’m crabby when I’m living off of french fries and potato chips. And, there’s a reason that I’m happier, healthier, and more energized when I eat healthy. This is such an important conversation to have. Thanks for adding to it.

      Reply
  23. Julie says

    November 30, 2011 at 11:43 am

    I have been vegetarian for the past five years, but recently I have decided to drop the dairy and go vegan. I think it has been a little easier for me than my husband, but we are still working at it. 🙂 Oh yes, I remember making those chains and before I even saw your request for a comment if we made them, I was already thinking about how much I would love to make some with my daughter this weekend.

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 2:23 pm

      Going vegan was easier for me than it was for my husband. Once we learned lots of fun recipes it got easier for him, too. I hope you have so much fun making the chains with your daughter this weekend!

      Reply
  24. Jeannie says

    November 30, 2011 at 11:49 am

    How can you have Christmas without paper chains? Of course we made them in school! And at home & at grandma’s & in the car while driving from Virginia to Florida…. Paper chains are awesome! 🙂

    I haven’t noticed (ie, paid attention to) how my diet affects my creativity, but I KNOW it affects my energy, blood pressure, moods & even PMS. I started running a few years ago & made a flip comment to my husband about “remind me not to run after eating a cheeseburger.” And a light went on in my head. I realized that when ever I ate anything high in fat, my runs totally sucked for the next 2 or 3 days. I couldn’t breathe, my heart felt like it would jump out of my chest, my legs felt like cinder blocks…. I changed my diet to help my running & my entire world changed for the better. Eating healthier led to cutting out processed foods. That was a Nightmare for the 1st 3 days. It was like kicking heroin, but I survived and by day 4, I was a new woman. Super Woman! I had 10 times more energy, the nagging ache in my belly that I’d never really noticed before was gone and when a certain time of the month rolled around, I didn’t get the usual cramps, migraines, depression or urges to kill. I thought it was a fluke, but same results the next month. After 6 months or so of being Super Woman, I went back to processed foods & instantly regretted it. Did the whole cold turkey thing over again & felt incredible. Eventually, I went vegetarian & felt even better. For a while. I had some trouble though because I wasn’t eating a very balanced diet. I seemed to be living on peanut butter, cheese & crackers with a few veggies thrown in. I went back to eating meat & then went back to eating everything and now I’m miserable. I’ll probably stay miserable through Christmas, but come Dec. 26th, I’m going cold turkey again. “Eat Clean” is already written across my calendar.

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 2:26 pm

      Thank you so much for sharing your experience Jeannie. It’s incredibly inspiring to read other stories about how food makes such a big difference. It’s very interesting to me that what you were eating determined how you would feel when running. I’ve never thought about how what I eat affects my workouts. I’m going to pay closer attention to that!

      Reply
  25. Deanna says

    November 30, 2011 at 12:20 pm

    Hi April! It looks like you’re winning the bet. I made the paper chains in school too. When I was little we made them out of construction paper and decorated our Christmas tree with garlands of them. We would also string popcorn and cranberries as garland. They were always my favorite trees!

    This year has been one of transformation for me. I am not vegetarian (but am on the verge), I eat very little meat. In the past six months or so I’ve greatly reduced the amount of bread and pasta I eat (by the way, I found a delicious gluten free pasta made from quinoa … but I’m not sure if it’s vegan), and cut waaay back on sugar and caffeine too. Plus, I have reduced to nearly zero the amount of processed food I eat. I also started walking my dogs in the mornings first thing. I suffer from chronic headaches and migraines and this change in how I eat has dramatically reduced the frequency of my headaches. I’ve also lost 25 pounds.

    I sleep better, I no longer get heartburn, my legs and back don’t ache, my focus is better, I’ve gotten so much more done. I could go on. I am just about to go have my annual blood work done for my doctor (who doesn’t ask about what I eat) and I am excited to see how the numbers have improved over last time!

    Thank you for beginning this conversation. There is a very real connection between our diets and our brain function.

    I am curious of any other books you’ve read that led you to your decision to choose veganism.

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 2:31 pm

      Hey Deanna. Thanks for adding to the conversation! My eating definitely affects my sleep, back aches, and headaches, too {which of course affects my work–because who can work well with a pounding headache?}.

      Congrats on the healthy changes that you’ve made. That’s super inspiring.

      Other favorite books that I’ve read about veganism: Crazy, Sexy, Diet {which is my all time favorite and you don’t have to be vegan to get a lot out of this one} by Kris Carr and Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer {couldn’t read this one all at one time because it made me too sad}

      Reply
  26. Erin Giles says

    November 30, 2011 at 12:25 pm

    You are too cute…sadly I don’t remember making them:(

    I am ALWAYS preaching this message to my husband! Eating nutritiously is soooo important!! Good vid April:)

    Reply
    • Kris (April's Husband) says

      November 30, 2011 at 1:22 pm

      HAHA! Vindication! Thanks Erin for the backup….

      Reply
      • Carrie says

        December 1, 2011 at 1:43 am

        This is too funny and cute that you’re reading all these comments too!! . .but I’m with April and the 99% and made those paper chains in grade school too! ..Is there a reason why the pink strand all the way on the left has a green link at the bottom?? Am I the only one who noticed? ;P

        Reply
        • Kris (April's Husband) says

          December 1, 2011 at 5:44 am

          Good catch! Each one of the chains extends downward into another color, it just wasn’t caught on the film with that exception.

          As for the “cuteness” – I’ve been stalking the comments under the guise of “support” and “love” but really its me checking to see if I’ll win the bet :)… April really underplays how competitive we are with each other; I sincerely hate to lose (especially to her, it seems that my housework always increases exponentially if I do).

          Thanks for the comments! P.S. – I really dig that NYC garland over the subway map, April and I lived in Brooklyn for about 5 years. It really looks well made.

          Reply
          • Carrie says

            December 1, 2011 at 12:18 pm

            Ooooh.. So sorry that you’re losing/lost this bet.. good luck on the extra housework! ;D (Hmmm..maybe I should start betting my bf for housework!!)

            ..and thanks for checking out my post and for the compliments! My bf and I are originally from NYC (I was born and raised in Manhattan, he’s from Queens) and moved to LA just over 5 years ago.

            Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 2:32 pm

      Well, at least my husband isn’t the only one who didn’t make them! Thanks for adding to the conversation 🙂

      Reply
  27. Anna says

    November 30, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    yes to the paper chains. And a hearty YES! To get back on track with eating and REMEMBERING to eat- just yesterday son was asking me if I was okay. (red light. meaning= “Mom you are being grouchy”) It dawned on me after I apologized etc that I had forgotten to eat lunch.

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 2:33 pm

      Oh man…I get cranky when I’m hungry so I can relate.

      Reply
  28. Bridgett says

    November 30, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    Totally made them! And I too think what you eat affects every aspect in your life, especially your work.

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 2:34 pm

      Thanks Bridgett 🙂

      Reply
  29. Rachael from KitchenCourses.com says

    November 30, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    Great post today, April! What I eat each day greatly effects my productivity and energy levels. Even though I write about food on my blog, I am always struggling to remember to get up, stretch my legs, get a healthy snack, and drink enough water. I tend to work all morning until lunch and then from lunch until my husband gets home from work and know for sure I wouldn’t hit my mid-day slump if I just remembered to get out of my chair once in a while!

    We definitely made those paper chains in school too! Sorry, Mr. Blacksburg Belle! 🙂

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 2:36 pm

      Hey Rachael. Something I’ve been doing to combat that problem is I keep my workout clothes on most days until lunch and I set a timer so that every hour I get up and do a quick 10 minute workout. Being sedentary most of the day has greatly affected my health and energy. I’ve seen a big difference when I workout throughout the morning in short spurts. I also try to get in a quick workout before I shower after lunch–that keeps me energized throughout the afternoon.

      Reply
      • Carrie says

        December 1, 2011 at 1:44 am

        Staying in your work out clothes and doing quick 10 minute workouts – what a great idea!!!! I find working out boring because I think of the 45 min. time frame that I have to commit.. but this may work! I need to try this!

        Reply
    • Kris (April's Husband) says

      December 1, 2011 at 5:48 am

      Rachael, for some reason, I’m not getting that you’re entirely sorry! 😉

      Reply
  30. Danielle says

    November 30, 2011 at 2:03 pm

    Yes – I definitely made those chains. I think this was a BRILLIANT topic. Something that I think that each of us intuitively knows (when I eat a bag of chips or whatever, I definitely know that my energy will crash & unmotivation will set in) but that we never truly think about in the course of a day.

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 2:37 pm

      Yes, exactly! We all know that we should be eating healthy and that it affects our work–but we don’t want to think about when reaching for the chips 🙂

      Reply
  31. Gaby @ Tmuffin says

    November 30, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    So true! I was feeling like crap, and I went gluten-free and tried to avoid sugar recently, and I have much more energy and feel much better. It’s so true about doctors and preventative care. It’s infuriating. Especially with pediatricians and kids. That is the first thing doctors should inquire about–doctors often fix the symptoms, but neglect to cure the problem. You really are what you eat.

    And we totally made those paper chains growing up. My sisters and I would make them as long as we possibly could… I can’t believe you have so many in the background of this video!!

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 6:06 pm

      Thanks for sharing your experience Gaby. It’s so upsetting that doctors don’t even ask about what you eat–that doesn’t help with the obesity rate in the U.S.!

      It took me a while to make them for the video, but I listened to a book on tape while making them so it was pretty fun 🙂

      Reply
  32. Marta Costa says

    November 30, 2011 at 4:16 pm

    Right on time, April! I’ve been thinking about this question for some time now.
    Not that I eat bad but I could eat better. I do eat fruit and vegetables and only few amounts of meat but my big problem is sugar.

    I’m a sugar addict and it’s really dificult to let go the chocolates and cakes and sweets that I eat daily. Not big amounts but because I’m petite it’s enough to let my body and mind numb.

    So I decided to go slowly on the terapeutic 🙂 and started to drink more water (another problem I have) and eat fruit when I’m craving for sweets. Just trying to trick my body with other kind of sugar. Sometimes I succeed sometimes I don’t.

    I hope you win the bet! Me and my boyfriend are always doing bets because he likes to be right and winning but most times I win 😀

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 6:10 pm

      Thanks for sharing Marta! You should try some raw desserts that have no added sugar. I really like the desserts in the this cookbook: http://www.amazon.com/Anis-Raw-Food-Desserts-Delectable/dp/0738213063/ref=pd_sim_b_1

      You only need to eat a little bit and they’re really satisfying.

      Reply
      • Marta says

        December 1, 2011 at 4:54 am

        Good idea, April! Thank you for the tip.

        Reply
  33. Jana says

    November 30, 2011 at 4:42 pm

    Dude, he’s crazy. Everybody made those in grade school! I know I did. They were legit too! I like the idea of making skinny ones and putting them on the Christmas tree.

    Secondly that is a REALLY good point. Doctors don’t ask how we eat. It’s a great thing to think about. Thanks for the pep talk. 😀

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 6:11 pm

      Hahahaha! You’re welcome–love to give pep talks 🙂

      Reply
    • Kris (April's Husband) says

      December 1, 2011 at 5:52 am

      Jana, I prefer “duped” rather than “crazy”… April tricked me into making this bet!

      Reply
  34. Tyla B says

    November 30, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    April – great post! I think about eating for energy and “productivity” versus cravings quite a bit. I’ve had my own gastro issues over the years and it has definately changed my mindset. For example, I used to hate eggs, but I found a new way to prepare them. I am good for atleast 4 hours without any tummy growls. My daily staples are pretty consistent, maybe even a bit boring, but I “save up” for those treats that I really want and that helps me power through the boring meals.

    Another tip is that I keep a water glass on my desk all day. As soon as it is empty, I go to the water cooler and refill. I think a lot of medical problems can be solved with proper hydration. I know i have way more energy and less headaches when I chug water.

    So, on what planet did you say the hubster is from??? I used to decorate my bedroom for Christmas with paperchains attached to anything that would stand still long enough! Better get him going on the paper-chaining; sounds like he has a lot of years to make up for!:-)

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 6:13 pm

      Thanks for sharing Tyla. I’m with ya–I’ve got to keep hydrated or I get major headaches. Unless I get really wrapped up in something, I remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

      Can you believe that my husband doesn’t know about those paper chains? So weird!

      Reply
    • Kris (April's Husband) says

      December 1, 2011 at 5:58 am

      I think that this is a skewed audience for this bet! Obviously, I’m not from “I recall that I made a picture from macaroni in pre-kindergarten which depicts my dad, my mom, me, my kitty, my fish Earl, and do you see my sister? She’s way in back because she pulled my hair last week” planet. 🙂

      Good tip on the water, April is always saying I need to drink more!

      Reply
  35. Kimberley W. says

    November 30, 2011 at 5:16 pm

    I remember making those chains when I was in Elementary School and how I loved the bright colors!!! I don’t have children so I don’t often think about the activities or projects I once did back then, but when I am reminded, it always brings a smile to my face!!

    As for terrible eating, well, I have been not doing such a great job lately. My husband and I have been traveling in an RV since June of this year and that has created some terrible habits. When we get hungry while driving, we snack on candy and other items that aren’t healthy for us. We got lazy; I admit, but our resolution to ourselves is to be more aware of what we eat. Hopefully not that we are aware, things will change now.

    Thank you for your information-very much appreciated.

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 6:19 pm

      Hey Kimberley! Traveling since June in an RV–that sounds like so much fun! I always eat worse when I’m traveling. I try to bring along healthy snacks and research places to eat before traveling but I always eat less healthy when traveling.

      Reply
  36. Marian says

    November 30, 2011 at 5:48 pm

    Indeed I did make the paper chains every Christmas when I was in elementary school; my son and daughter made them when they were in grade school, and my only grandchild made them when he was in Kindergarten.

    Your advice about eating properly is right on target. Whoever said, “You are what you eat” knew of what he/she was speaking.

    I enjoy your blog, your videos, and your spirit. Thanks for sharing your talent and expertise with all of us.

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 6:20 pm

      Thank you so much Marian! Your kinds words put a huge smile on my face 🙂

      I’m so glad you enjoyed this week’s video.

      Reply
  37. Marian says

    November 30, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    P. S. I attended elementary school in a suburb of Chicago. My children attended elementary school in a suburb of Dallas, TX. My grandson attended elementary school in San Diego, CA so you can see the paper chains were and are everywhere.

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 6:20 pm

      Yes, I knew it!

      Reply
  38. Linda says

    November 30, 2011 at 6:32 pm

    April, I made those paper chains when I was a kid. And furthermore, your husband made them when he was a kid also. Kris is only trying to push your buttons! YMIL

    Reply
    • April says

      November 30, 2011 at 6:43 pm

      He really doesn’t remember making them. He would not have bet me otherwise–he hates losing bets more than almost anything.

      Reply
  39. Claire from HandmadebyClaireBear.com says

    November 30, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    Yes, I too made those paper chains at school (here in the UK) when I was little, and I hunted high and low for them when my children were little too.
    I’ve since seen a craft tutorial that explains how to make “paper” chains with fabric instead of paper and using velcro dots instead of licking and sticking the ends.

    Reply
    • April says

      December 3, 2011 at 1:50 pm

      Hmmm…interesting! I glue the ends together 🙂

      Reply
  40. Andrea says

    November 30, 2011 at 7:20 pm

    I definitely made these in school! And as a teacher, I have my students make them every year! So paper chains are still flourishing! 🙂

    I had one doctor concerned about what I was eating – she was adamant that there was no way I could possibly be getting all of the vitamins and nutrients I needed on a vegan diet – she was so convinced I was undernourished she sent me for lab work! It all came back better than fine. She kept saying “I can’t believe this.” But she never bothered me about my eating habits again!

    Because I eat healthfully most of the time, I really notice it when I eat sweets or junk food, and my productivity definitely takes a hit. This time of year I try to make myself a lot of healthy sweets and snacks so I am not tempted by all of the holiday treats around. It can be so easy to get off track. Thanks for the healthy eating reminder!

    Reply
    • Kris (April's Husband) says

      December 1, 2011 at 5:59 am

      Andrea, as a teacher, I think you have a duty to stop the chain madness! Help a new generation of men win bets with their wives 🙂

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        December 1, 2011 at 6:40 am

        As much as I would love to help the plight of the modern husband, I’m afraid that this worldwide chain-making phenomenon stretches longer than my reach! May future betting men be warned! 🙂

        Reply
    • April says

      December 3, 2011 at 1:52 pm

      It makes me angry when a doctor says that a vegan diet isn’t healthy, especially since many doctors haven’t taken classes on nutrition. I won’t get crazy about it here–but it riles me up when a health care professional doesn’t know much about nutrition.

      Reply
  41. carolyn says

    November 30, 2011 at 8:30 pm

    I made them when I was a kid in school & also when we couldn’t afford Christmas decorations for our tree in elementary school. Funny tho…my kids have also made them & continue to make them (they’re teenagers). They make them out of Christmas scrapbook papers & use them as a form of “advent calender” to count down the days until Christmas. FYI: I never taught my kids how to make them, so they must have learned at school too.

    Reply
    • April says

      December 3, 2011 at 1:53 pm

      Yay! Another one on my side 🙂

      Reply
  42. lakshmi says

    November 30, 2011 at 9:33 pm

    Hey April ,
    You are what you eat .. I guess that applies to all of us. I am a vegetarian and I turned a vegetarian simply because I love animals too much . Its my personal choice . I too, get a lot of questions about how I get my nutrition. Healthy food isn’t the issue for me, but if I go off track, its very easy to feel unhealthy. I have a sweet tooth ..sooo I have to be very careful !
    Just one example of what junk food can do..on a recent trip, we ate what we got our hands on- oily greasy food for the most part. But by the 3rd day, my body was craving for natural foods.so , that we stopped at a local grocers and bought strawberries just to get our bodies back onto track .
    And those paper chains totally rock ..I made them with my kids recently. Keeps them busy 😉

    Reply
    • April says

      December 3, 2011 at 1:54 pm

      Thanks for sharing Lakshmi! I agree–when I eat unhealthy a couple days in a row my body craves something healthy. It’s our body’s way of telling us that we’re not giving it what it needs.

      Reply
  43. brandi says

    November 30, 2011 at 11:23 pm

    I made them as a kid in elementary school. I actually had my kids make some.

    Reply
    • April says

      December 3, 2011 at 1:54 pm

      Yay! Thanks for commenting.

      Reply
  44. Adriann Saslow says

    December 1, 2011 at 1:51 am

    Not only did I make those chains as a kid, I made one my last semester in college. I was so done and burned out, I didn’t want to go to class anymore. But I made my chain with a link for every class I still had to attend and I cut them off at the end of the day. It really helped me get through it and go.

    Reply
    • April says

      December 3, 2011 at 1:55 pm

      I love that–using it as a countdown for something. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  45. Carrie says

    December 1, 2011 at 1:53 am

    Great post April! ..and so awesome that it received so many responses – I’m trying to pick up on everyone’s tips! I’m horrible at drinking enough water during the day. Even when I have a cup/glass of water on my desk, I won’t drink it. I don’t know how to “train” myself to drink water – maybe start having a counter/alarm that goes off every hour or so?? ..ooh.. perhaps I can tie that in with the 10 min. work outs!

    My boyfriend and I are trying to eat healthier -started juicing for our first small meal of the day, started to make quinoa, eat more veggies, etc. ..but I find my problem is making it to the market. When I get food shopping done, we’re good, but once I run out of food in the fridge, we go out to eat and that sticks for a few days until I’m tired of eating out and then make the market run…. speaking of market runs, I think I have to make the bf stay home from now on. He’s the one who loads up our cart full of munchies and junk food! ..and of course, if they’re laying around at home, I’m bound to eat some!

    ..and lastly, I’m trying to trade in my occasional afternoon coffee with green tea now – I hear that’s better.

    Thanks for the post.. a lot to think about and to be aware of.

    Reply
    • April says

      December 3, 2011 at 2:00 pm

      Isn’t it amazing how many people are interested in this topic? I love it!!!

      I used to have a hard time remembering to drink water throughout the day, too. I wish I had some tips on how I changed that, but I don’t really remember why it changed. Something I do to add a little splash of yumminess to my water is squeeze in a slice of lemon or lime. That makes me want to drink it even more.

      Juicing is amazing! I love my green juice.

      We make a weekly trip to the grocery store and we plan out all of our meals in advance–that way we make sure that we have everything that we need. And, my husband stops by the store on his way home in the middle of the week to pick up more stuff for green juice and any other perishables we’ll need for the rest of the week. If we don’t have something at home, we’re much more likely to eat out, too.

      Reply
  46. Bobbie says

    December 1, 2011 at 2:53 am

    yes I did those goofy chains!!!

    good post! I will be thinking about it this week.
    I once went on an extended low glycemic (spelling help??)
    diet once, and I swear I could feel every item I put into my
    body in the form of the energy that it did or didn’t give me.
    I remember literally eating a raisin (not on the diet) and
    feeling a glycemic rush!

    Reply
    • April says

      December 3, 2011 at 2:00 pm

      That’s so interesting Bobbie! When you pay attention to what you’re eating and how your body reacts, it can make a big difference in what you want to eat.

      Reply
  47. Susan says

    December 6, 2011 at 6:08 pm

    Tell your husband I am pretty sure HE made those in elementary school (I know I did…and we had the same teachers and school…) and prob made a few at home with me and mom!!!

    Reply
    • April says

      December 6, 2011 at 6:12 pm

      When your mom said that he did, he said, “Well, I might have. I just don’t remember them at all. I don’t remember every silly creative project I did in elementary school. You might remember gluing macaroni onto construction paper–but I don’t remember that kind of stuff.”

      Reply
  48. kim says

    December 9, 2011 at 11:52 am

    TOTALLY made those. I still think about making them whenever there’s a big countdown 🙂

    Reply
  49. Mary Deighton says

    January 6, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    Haha thats hilarious, but I definitely made those in school and on my own at home, such the budding artist I was 🙂

    One of my resolutions this year has been eating healthier, and I feel very productive right now and it’s only the first week!

    Reply

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  1. What’s Your Sh*t Pickle? And, Why You Should Eat More Veggies! | Blacksburg Belle says:
    March 7, 2012 at 5:05 am

    […] Videos: 1. How Is Your Work Being Affected by What You Eat? 2. The Importance of Exercise for Your […]

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