You Can Pay the Farmer Now or Pay the Doctor Later

I've struggled with health and wellness over my life.  I was skinny as a little girl.  Jr. High was torture (weight, braces, glasses...).  Better in high school.  Then the Freshman 15 hit.  As an adult, I've had years where fitness and wellness were a top priority (2008 when I ran the DC Marine Corps Marathon) and times when I would regularly inhale 3 slices of pizza at midnight after 3 or 5 cocktails.  Oops.   

It doesn't help that I've always had a voracious appetite.  Even as a little girl, I was getting a Quarter Pounder with Cheese and large fries when other kids were getting Happy Meals (or as I like to call them, McAppetizers).  

And then there's the issue of "real food" vs. processed food.  I know I need to eat real food - the less messed with, the better.  But it's not always convenient to eat real food.   Also, I LIKE junk food.  If I liked spinach and water as much as I like Oreos and wine, we'd be in business.  

Anyways, when I have moments of struggle with food (so basically every single day), I repeat this mantra:

"You can pay the farmer now, or you can pay the doctor later."

And I don't just mean payment with money - paying for wholesome fresh food now versus paying for doctors, medication and diet plans later - which is the most obvious way you'll pay.  

• You can pay with time: time spent buying/preparing fresh food vs. time spent on doctor visits and gym classes to work off the weight
• You can pay in energy: the "cost" of missing out on the short term satisfaction from eating junk food vs. the "cost" of not feeling your best and having energy and a clear mind

Either way, you pay.  Pick your currency.