>“Don’t let you get in your own way”. I heard this quote the other day (sorry I can’t remember where!) and it stuck with me. So much of what we strive for in life – whether it pertains to career, relationship, or health – is in fact hindered by us!
Why do you stay in that job you hate?
Why haven’t you applied to that dream grad program?
Why aren’t you maintaining a healthy weight?
Why haven’t you been exercising regularly?
Why are you letting him/her walk all over you?
Outside factors surely influence but the only person to change these things is you. Life is busy and hectic and will probably always be. So if you’re putting off what you really want in life, what are you waiting for? I am continuously reminded of this working at a hospital. Life is precious and it can it’s not a given. Life is a privilege. Run with it .
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In thinking about life, love and what makes me at peace, I couldn’t help but think about what about this little blog and leading a healthy lifestyle in general, truly makes me happy. I’m not talking the number on a scale or how I feel in a bathing suit, but what about being healthy makes me truly smile.
The first thing that came to mind was running. In all honesty, if I had one week to live I would spend my last days running. And I would run and run and run the most in pleasurable way I know how – with no watch and lots of scenery!
When you’re not crunched for time try going for a leisurely jog without your Garmin (GPS) watch and no set course or plan. Jam out to soul-sooothing music (think Jack Johnson-ish) and let your mind go free. It’s liberating.
I next thought about how eating healthy makes me happy. Besides fitting into my jeans and rarely getting sick, I thought about how I feel after eating a clean meal and how it fuels me with nutrients. When I eat clean and nutrient dense I leave the meal feeling clean, and nutrient dense but unlike many chemical-filled meals, I could get up and head out for a run if I wanted to! No post-meal nap required, just pure fuel!
And of course, a few items came to mind…
Green juice. From what I’ve read, drinking green juice on an empty stomach (especially first thing in the morning) is like a surge of vitamins throughout your body. An empty tummy and little fiber (lost in the pulp) allows for speedy digestion and quick absorption of nutrients.
Kombucha juice. Supports a healthy digestive system and metabolism. Organic and raw. I swear I can feel an energy buzz after guzzling one of these babies.
Green Monster smoothies. Add fresh spinach to your favorite smoothie. I swear you can’t taste it!
Hot/cold salad bowls. Mix of roasted veggies (here, sweet potatoes) and chilled veggies. Top with a serving of hummus and it becomes a savory meal.
Summer salads. Add diced mangoes, strawberries, or apples to your favorite traditional salads for a refreshing twist.
Sweet potato fries. 4 ingredients (potatoes, sea salt, pepper, and olive oil spray), quick and an uber comfort food. Puts MickyD’s to shame. Recipe here
Garbanzo bean pancakes. Yes, pancakes that taste like traditional restaurant quality (in my opinion, even better!) but don’t leave you feeling like you ate a brick. Recipe here.
Pancakes topped with coconut milk yogurt. I’ve gone to heaven.
Fresh produce. Something about a fridge full of fresh fruit and veggies makes me giddy.
And, coffee. What? I’m being honest. You can read about my quest to quit consume less here, here and here.
If you can define what about a healthy lifestyle makes you genuinely happy (or what will) beyond the vanity reasons, you’re much more likely to stick with one.
What are your reasons for maintaining or beginning a healthy lifestyle?
What recipes are mainstream in your diet for good reason?
Biochemista 