Be Fit, Fun and Free …. YES please!! :-)
There are so many powders, potions, pills and supplements on the market, it can be a bit of a jungle and somewhat confusing.
I believe we are all unique individuals and there is no ”one brush fits all” when it comes to our body, mind, soul, health, fitness and general wellbeing. You are the expert on your life! Some may agree, others may not, and that’s ok. We all approach health, fitness and general wellbeing from our own view of the world and possibly from a different perspective. We are the only person that lives in our body 24/7 and we are the only person that has 100% control of ourselves. Sure, there are external factors and considerations, which I acknowledge and respect. Having said this, I believe we have free will and choice in life.
I wonder …. are we on the same page so far, or not?
For me personally, I find it helpful to enlist the support of professionals (as I don’t know what I don’t know, and physiology isn’t a field I’ve studied). I’ve been seeing a Naturopath for just over 12 months, which has been invaluable from a nourishment and nutrition perspective. I feel we have choice when it comes to what we put into our bodies and I prefer to speak with professionals and do my own research, to make more informed choices for my overall health and wellbeing. When I open my refrigerator and pantry, I know that the choices I make are healthy for me and for my body …. mainly raw and fresh foods, organic as often as possible, and treats I can savour, I know taste sensational and are healthy! Who would have thought that “treat” and “healthy” would complement each other in the same sentence! :-)
Eating out could potentially be challenging, however, some cafes and restaurants do offer healthier menu options (or a selection of healthier food choices) that are appetizing and delicious. I imagine more will spring up over time, to provide us with a greater variety to choose from. If you’re at the Gold Coast, check out the Mandala Organic Arts Café in Broadbeach, From Earth & Water and the Woodbox Café in Burleigh, The Shed at Rabbit + Cocoon in Miami, and The Establishment at Southport Park Shopping Centre. I’ve also attended a range of Raw Food cooking classes and events, which I thoroughly enjoy. I’ve found these classes and events online or through health food stores such as Mrs Flannerys. With the advances in technology, the internet, online organic stores and facebook pages are terrific resources to tap into, as are local farmer’s markets.
For me, food has to look good, smell good, taste good, feel good, be good and be good for me. I tend to keep a folder of healthy recipes I enjoy making, which have been tried, taste tested and have got the “thumbs up” to make again. I like quick and simple and my experience so far has been that raw food recipes require no cooking or baking and usually very few dishes to prepare! :-)
There is an abundance of raw food and healthy recipes readily available online and in books. A few of my favourites are:
Books have also proven to be a good foundation for me to build on, as I have a thirst for knowledge and I love reading! I’ve gained immense value and a deeper insight from the following:
Body Ecology Diet – Donna Gates
If you're experiencing discomfort, fatigue, or other symptoms that won't go away no matter what you do or how many doctors you see, chances are you're one of the millions unknowingly suffering from an imbalance starting in your internal ecosystem, which can be a key factor in headaches, joint and muscle pain, depression, cancer, food allergies, digestive problems, autism, and other immune-related disorders. This book reveals how to restore and maintain the "inner ecology" your body needs to function properly, and eliminate or control the symptoms that rob you of the joy of living.
Coconut Cures – Bruce Fife
Learn about the amazing health benefits of coconut oil, meat, milk and water and why coconut oil is considered the healthiest oil on earth.
Grain Brain – David Perlmutter
The devastating truth about the effects of wheat, sugar, and carbs on the brain, with a 4-week plan to achieve optimum health. Renowned neurologist David Perlmutter, MD, blows the lid off a topic that's been buried in medical literature for far too long: carbs are destroying your brain. And not just unhealthy carbs, but even healthy ones like whole grains can cause dementia, ADHD, anxiety, chronic headaches, depression, and much more. This book demonstrates how to remedy our most feared maladies without drugs.
I’ve been working with a Personal Trainer for just over 12 months as well and the results have been astounding! :-) My fitness has improved significantly …. my body looks and feels healthier and stronger, I’ve lost around 18 kilograms and I have more energy and vitality to live life to the fullest. I love the beach, water and outdoors! As often as I’m able to, I walk on the beach, run up and down sand hills, swim and meditate …. and I’m keen to get back into yoga and boxing class (which I stopped towards the end of 2013 due to a nasty chest infection that really knocked me and I struggled breathing). Longer term, all going well (and if my body plays nicely!), I would love to get back to doing the swim leg of team triathlon events, possibly even ocean swims at some stage.
A few months ago, and fortunately for me, I was referred to a brilliant Remedial Masseuse (and ‘brilliant’ doesn’t even come close to doing this person justice!). Having regular body work sessions and treatments has been, and continues to be, immensely beneficial for my health and wellbeing from a physical perspective. My body receives the support it needs to enable me to function at my best physically, pain from niggling injuries or accidents has reduced significantly or disappeared, and my body tends to heal faster now.
I’d love to know your thoughts from a health and wellbeing perspective and what works well for you. Are you happy and satisfied with your general health or wellbeing? What have you done (or continue to do) that makes a positive difference for you and your health?
I believe in living a holistic and balanced life, from a physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual perspective. I nourish and feed my mind, body and soul, to the best of my ability, to enable me to be Fit, Fun and Free and to live a life I love! :-)
Karen Low is the owner of Coach Me Now! To learn more, please contact Karen on 0409 343 336.
Follow us on Facebook for inspirational quotes and links, events, workshops, networking opportunities and resources.
I believe we are all unique individuals and there is no ”one brush fits all” when it comes to our body, mind, soul, health, fitness and general wellbeing. You are the expert on your life! Some may agree, others may not, and that’s ok. We all approach health, fitness and general wellbeing from our own view of the world and possibly from a different perspective. We are the only person that lives in our body 24/7 and we are the only person that has 100% control of ourselves. Sure, there are external factors and considerations, which I acknowledge and respect. Having said this, I believe we have free will and choice in life.
I wonder …. are we on the same page so far, or not?
For me personally, I find it helpful to enlist the support of professionals (as I don’t know what I don’t know, and physiology isn’t a field I’ve studied). I’ve been seeing a Naturopath for just over 12 months, which has been invaluable from a nourishment and nutrition perspective. I feel we have choice when it comes to what we put into our bodies and I prefer to speak with professionals and do my own research, to make more informed choices for my overall health and wellbeing. When I open my refrigerator and pantry, I know that the choices I make are healthy for me and for my body …. mainly raw and fresh foods, organic as often as possible, and treats I can savour, I know taste sensational and are healthy! Who would have thought that “treat” and “healthy” would complement each other in the same sentence! :-)
Eating out could potentially be challenging, however, some cafes and restaurants do offer healthier menu options (or a selection of healthier food choices) that are appetizing and delicious. I imagine more will spring up over time, to provide us with a greater variety to choose from. If you’re at the Gold Coast, check out the Mandala Organic Arts Café in Broadbeach, From Earth & Water and the Woodbox Café in Burleigh, The Shed at Rabbit + Cocoon in Miami, and The Establishment at Southport Park Shopping Centre. I’ve also attended a range of Raw Food cooking classes and events, which I thoroughly enjoy. I’ve found these classes and events online or through health food stores such as Mrs Flannerys. With the advances in technology, the internet, online organic stores and facebook pages are terrific resources to tap into, as are local farmer’s markets.
For me, food has to look good, smell good, taste good, feel good, be good and be good for me. I tend to keep a folder of healthy recipes I enjoy making, which have been tried, taste tested and have got the “thumbs up” to make again. I like quick and simple and my experience so far has been that raw food recipes require no cooking or baking and usually very few dishes to prepare! :-)
There is an abundance of raw food and healthy recipes readily available online and in books. A few of my favourites are:
- Teresa Cutter (The Healthy Chef) at http://www.thehealthychef.com
- Eat Dessert for Breakfast by Nicole Joy
- Paleo Lunches and Breakfasts on the Go by Diana Rodgers
Books have also proven to be a good foundation for me to build on, as I have a thirst for knowledge and I love reading! I’ve gained immense value and a deeper insight from the following:
Body Ecology Diet – Donna Gates
If you're experiencing discomfort, fatigue, or other symptoms that won't go away no matter what you do or how many doctors you see, chances are you're one of the millions unknowingly suffering from an imbalance starting in your internal ecosystem, which can be a key factor in headaches, joint and muscle pain, depression, cancer, food allergies, digestive problems, autism, and other immune-related disorders. This book reveals how to restore and maintain the "inner ecology" your body needs to function properly, and eliminate or control the symptoms that rob you of the joy of living.
Coconut Cures – Bruce Fife
Learn about the amazing health benefits of coconut oil, meat, milk and water and why coconut oil is considered the healthiest oil on earth.
Grain Brain – David Perlmutter
The devastating truth about the effects of wheat, sugar, and carbs on the brain, with a 4-week plan to achieve optimum health. Renowned neurologist David Perlmutter, MD, blows the lid off a topic that's been buried in medical literature for far too long: carbs are destroying your brain. And not just unhealthy carbs, but even healthy ones like whole grains can cause dementia, ADHD, anxiety, chronic headaches, depression, and much more. This book demonstrates how to remedy our most feared maladies without drugs.
I’ve been working with a Personal Trainer for just over 12 months as well and the results have been astounding! :-) My fitness has improved significantly …. my body looks and feels healthier and stronger, I’ve lost around 18 kilograms and I have more energy and vitality to live life to the fullest. I love the beach, water and outdoors! As often as I’m able to, I walk on the beach, run up and down sand hills, swim and meditate …. and I’m keen to get back into yoga and boxing class (which I stopped towards the end of 2013 due to a nasty chest infection that really knocked me and I struggled breathing). Longer term, all going well (and if my body plays nicely!), I would love to get back to doing the swim leg of team triathlon events, possibly even ocean swims at some stage.
A few months ago, and fortunately for me, I was referred to a brilliant Remedial Masseuse (and ‘brilliant’ doesn’t even come close to doing this person justice!). Having regular body work sessions and treatments has been, and continues to be, immensely beneficial for my health and wellbeing from a physical perspective. My body receives the support it needs to enable me to function at my best physically, pain from niggling injuries or accidents has reduced significantly or disappeared, and my body tends to heal faster now.
I’d love to know your thoughts from a health and wellbeing perspective and what works well for you. Are you happy and satisfied with your general health or wellbeing? What have you done (or continue to do) that makes a positive difference for you and your health?
I believe in living a holistic and balanced life, from a physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual perspective. I nourish and feed my mind, body and soul, to the best of my ability, to enable me to be Fit, Fun and Free and to live a life I love! :-)
Karen Low is the owner of Coach Me Now! To learn more, please contact Karen on 0409 343 336.
Follow us on Facebook for inspirational quotes and links, events, workshops, networking opportunities and resources.