Body Wellness
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Autumn at a sparkling mineral water dispenser in Paris. Yes!
Conscious Intake and Exercise
I believe in body wellness and it centers on two things: conscious intake and exercise. Still, both are dependent on time. It is so easy to be consumed in other areas of our lives and leave these two things low on the priority list. Things low on the priority list always get cut secondary to time constraints. So, instead of choosing our food, we make choices based on convenience. Furthermore, as a society, our lifestyles are plagued with endless hours sitting behind screens of computers and phones.
Riding the "L" In Chicago
Exercise
Physical Fitness had been a part of my life, forever. For the most part, I am beyond organized sports. I participated in an indoor triathlon earlier this year but right now I am simple training for everyday living. Also, I think that it is important to model this for my girls. We bike, scoot, and walk all over the place. We are active! I tote reusable water bottles at all times. When we travel, my girls pull their own luggage. We roam major cities on foot augmented with the use of mass transit, usually trains, and less hopping into cabs and ubers.
Wonderful rock wall located along the Seine while going for a walk in Paris
This Fall, I will be heading up to Volleyball preseason at my alma mater, Colgate University. I am taking the time to connect with these brave women that made the decision to compete as student- athletes because sports are not just a game. It is another opportunity to expose my girls to the benefits of body wellness and to see others practicing it.
Wonderful treats prepared by my girls for me in the garden. Love their creativity!
Eating
I was raised in a holistic lifestyle- long before it was mainstream. I make conscious food choices daily and not just the first of the year and milestone birthdays. My diet is rich with choice proteins, fresh fruits/veggies, probiotics and limited sugar. No sodas. No fast food. No microwaves. I buy a lot of whole foods and prepare most meals from scratch. I have an extensive collection of recipes although most prep is simple and rote. The girls are present when I am cooking and love to help. I have seen this influence take root when they make meals for me out of the spoils of the garden. My girls know about fast food and the active decision I make to avoid it - so far they are buying in.
The hardest thing for me is limiting sugar. I no longer put sugar in my coffee. When making baked goods I consciously omit a large percentage of the recommended sugar. Limiting sugar was a difficult transition and it remains my largest source of dietary indiscretion. I have a sweet tooth! Give something hot with a scoop of ice and I am one happy gal. Instead, I keep ice cream in the house and we eat it sparingly.
I believe body wellness contributes to #mindheartsoulfreedom. I simply feel better as a result of exercise. I notice the difference when I do not. I never want to take my health for granted. I like the physical freedom that exercise gives me. I chase my kids effortlessly.
There are no down sides to body wellness. You just have to see it as a priority and carve time out for it. Your body will thank you.
The last post I wrote was nearly two years ago. I have been grieving, slaying giants, raising champions, and growing in faith.