You all know that I am NOT about spreading the BAD health news....its just that this is VERY important information to share and just another reason why we really should be moving more towards natural, whole, unprocessed foods, free of packaging, as much as possible...
Fresh, home-made fruit and vegie juices can be a great healthy option.
I have never been a fan of any type of processed and pre-packaged juices.
See the link here
To you health, happiness and VITALITY! :)
Mwah! xoxo
BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant
Become a FACEBOOK FAN
Follow me on Twitter
www.newleafnutrition.com.au
http://bridgetjaneguru.blogspot.com
http://bridgetthompson.blogspot.com
http://bridget-jane.blogspot.com
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Powerful n Punchy Pineapple!
Ok! So Mango Mania is very sadly coming to an end...well really, the truth is, it's over :(
The delectable, delicious and incredibly delightful fruit is over its peak season and just not where it's at right now.
I have had to come to acceptance of this sad fact of nature, and instead direct my desires and cravings in another direction :)
So....I followed my nose at the local farmers markets to the just as divine, delectable and delicious PINEAPPLE!
Wow! These babies are RIPE, JUICY and oh so yummy! To add to that they are incredibly GOOD for you and should be enjoyed VOLUMINOUSLY! ;p
I still remember the day I watched in ABSOLUTE HORROR as a well-meaning "expert" from The Biggest Looser television series tossed one of these amazing fruits into the garbage claiming it was too high in sugar and off limits for contestants!
That was enough to swear me off that TV show for life! Professing that ANY type of fresh, whole fruit or vegetable is bad for you and should be avoided, is a SURE SIGN of a FAD to me!
In my many years of experience I have NEVER seen anyone suffer ill-health due to eating fresh, whole fruit AND similarly I have seen MANY health-benefits from people making these delights their BEST FRIENDS! :)
In fact, I have had many diabetic clients in the past who upon my enquiry into their fruit consumption told me that they avoided fruits, especially tropical ones, because they were strictly advised to by their specialist!
When I heard this I would quickly overcome my horror then immediately go on to explain the dynamics of fruit digestion in the body, insulin response, and how eating biscuits and cakes because they were avoiding fruit, probably wasn't the most sensible idea....
Anyway, long story short, pineapple IS good for you!
Just SOME of the health benefits of this oh-so-yummy fruit are:
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY- due to pineapple's bromelain content, eating this fruit will infuse into your body powerful little substances that help to heal bruising, swelling, tenderness and pain. If you suffer from any type of arthritis, this is especially good news :)
Also, bromelain is also responsible for pineapple being a great digestive aid! Bromelain helps to break down the amino-acids in proteins, thereby promoting good digestion (funny how my body intuitively feels like some pineapple after an evening meal! Intelligent system me think! ;p)
ANTIOXIDANT and IMMUNE booster- pineapples are loaded with VITAMIN C and this baby is the body's primary water-soluble anti-oxidant responsible for protecting many of it's cells from free-radical attack. When free-radicals are allowed to run riot they promote plaque build up in our arteries, contribute to airway spasms that lead to asthma attacks, turn healthy cells into cancerous ones as well as cause pain and stiffness experienced in joint conditions such as osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin C is also ESSENTIAL for the correct functioning of the immune system and so a good one to load up on to prevent colds, flu and recurrent ear-infections.
ENERGY- pineapple is an excellent source of manganese- an essential component of energy-producing pathways in the body. As well as manganese, pineapple is also a good source of the energy producing B vitamin, Thiamine. So, instead of B-B-Berocca...maybe...P-P-Pineapple will do the trick! Cheaper, yummier, easier! ;p
EYES N GUMS- fruit has been shown to be one of the most significant protectants against age related macular degeneration. Additionally, because of its high Vitamin C content, pineapple is excellent for helping to prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis, which left untreated leads to the destruction of gum tissue and underlying jaw bones. These conditions are also linked to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes...eeeek! cut me some pineapple NOW!
Wow...yes a powerful little fruit that really packs a PUNCH!
So....what are you waiting for?!
Get this juicy, delightful and oh-so-good-for-you fruit into you TODAY! :)
Enjoy fellow health-monks! ;p
Mwah!
BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant
www.newleafnutrition.com.au
bridget@newleafnutrition.com.au
The delectable, delicious and incredibly delightful fruit is over its peak season and just not where it's at right now.
I have had to come to acceptance of this sad fact of nature, and instead direct my desires and cravings in another direction :)
So....I followed my nose at the local farmers markets to the just as divine, delectable and delicious PINEAPPLE!
Wow! These babies are RIPE, JUICY and oh so yummy! To add to that they are incredibly GOOD for you and should be enjoyed VOLUMINOUSLY! ;p
I still remember the day I watched in ABSOLUTE HORROR as a well-meaning "expert" from The Biggest Looser television series tossed one of these amazing fruits into the garbage claiming it was too high in sugar and off limits for contestants!
That was enough to swear me off that TV show for life! Professing that ANY type of fresh, whole fruit or vegetable is bad for you and should be avoided, is a SURE SIGN of a FAD to me!
In my many years of experience I have NEVER seen anyone suffer ill-health due to eating fresh, whole fruit AND similarly I have seen MANY health-benefits from people making these delights their BEST FRIENDS! :)
In fact, I have had many diabetic clients in the past who upon my enquiry into their fruit consumption told me that they avoided fruits, especially tropical ones, because they were strictly advised to by their specialist!
When I heard this I would quickly overcome my horror then immediately go on to explain the dynamics of fruit digestion in the body, insulin response, and how eating biscuits and cakes because they were avoiding fruit, probably wasn't the most sensible idea....
Anyway, long story short, pineapple IS good for you!
Just SOME of the health benefits of this oh-so-yummy fruit are:
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY- due to pineapple's bromelain content, eating this fruit will infuse into your body powerful little substances that help to heal bruising, swelling, tenderness and pain. If you suffer from any type of arthritis, this is especially good news :)
Also, bromelain is also responsible for pineapple being a great digestive aid! Bromelain helps to break down the amino-acids in proteins, thereby promoting good digestion (funny how my body intuitively feels like some pineapple after an evening meal! Intelligent system me think! ;p)
ANTIOXIDANT and IMMUNE booster- pineapples are loaded with VITAMIN C and this baby is the body's primary water-soluble anti-oxidant responsible for protecting many of it's cells from free-radical attack. When free-radicals are allowed to run riot they promote plaque build up in our arteries, contribute to airway spasms that lead to asthma attacks, turn healthy cells into cancerous ones as well as cause pain and stiffness experienced in joint conditions such as osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin C is also ESSENTIAL for the correct functioning of the immune system and so a good one to load up on to prevent colds, flu and recurrent ear-infections.
ENERGY- pineapple is an excellent source of manganese- an essential component of energy-producing pathways in the body. As well as manganese, pineapple is also a good source of the energy producing B vitamin, Thiamine. So, instead of B-B-Berocca...maybe...P-P-Pineapple will do the trick! Cheaper, yummier, easier! ;p
EYES N GUMS- fruit has been shown to be one of the most significant protectants against age related macular degeneration. Additionally, because of its high Vitamin C content, pineapple is excellent for helping to prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis, which left untreated leads to the destruction of gum tissue and underlying jaw bones. These conditions are also linked to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes...eeeek! cut me some pineapple NOW!
Wow...yes a powerful little fruit that really packs a PUNCH!
So....what are you waiting for?!
Get this juicy, delightful and oh-so-good-for-you fruit into you TODAY! :)
Enjoy fellow health-monks! ;p
Mwah!
BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant
www.newleafnutrition.com.au
bridget@newleafnutrition.com.au
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Bad cholesterol: It’s not what you think
Review of Article from Men's Health by By Paul Scott
This is a long and windy read BUT if you have high cholesterol OR take lipid lowering medications, otherwise known as STATINS, you SHOULD make time to look over this one!
I have been beating this band-wagon drum for years...taking what doctors, specialists and institutions tell us as "God's word" and not investigating our symptoms and their real causes further ourselves, may not truly serve us.
I myself have been at the helm of well-meaning practitioners who have condemned me with some condition/disease/affliction, only for me to look or ask further and find out that in fact, although a great professional opinion, the same picture could in fact be interpreted in much a different way. A way that meant I was not victim to some horrid state.
It is really important that we always go back to basics with things and see how they sit with our own common-sense and "gut-feeling". Regardless of what any specialist can tell you about you, YOU know YOU best!
Yes, take their advice on board, take their information, but then allow this to sit in your own psyche. Investigate further, get second opinions, and find out the CAUSE of the problem and what OTHER OPTIONS you may have for resolution.
Just as smashing out the light on your car's dashboard that signals there is wrong with the engine WONT fix the problem, taking medications is sometimes akin to simply silencing the signal telling you that something is amiss.
We are the captain's of our own ship. It is important we feel what is happening on deck and below board is all for the greater good of the entire journey.
Never go against your own feelings and always trust yourself to look further, if you so have the inclination.
I do. I encourage my clients to, too. :)
You can see their personal stories of overcoming adversities and medical diagnoses at http://bit.ly/4xJHa9
Enjoy!
See original article at: http://bit.ly/cQcuIJ
Health, happiness, fun and success to you all!
Mwah!
BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer Speaker Consultant
www.newleafnutrition.com.au
This is a long and windy read BUT if you have high cholesterol OR take lipid lowering medications, otherwise known as STATINS, you SHOULD make time to look over this one!
I have been beating this band-wagon drum for years...taking what doctors, specialists and institutions tell us as "God's word" and not investigating our symptoms and their real causes further ourselves, may not truly serve us.
I myself have been at the helm of well-meaning practitioners who have condemned me with some condition/disease/affliction, only for me to look or ask further and find out that in fact, although a great professional opinion, the same picture could in fact be interpreted in much a different way. A way that meant I was not victim to some horrid state.
It is really important that we always go back to basics with things and see how they sit with our own common-sense and "gut-feeling". Regardless of what any specialist can tell you about you, YOU know YOU best!
Yes, take their advice on board, take their information, but then allow this to sit in your own psyche. Investigate further, get second opinions, and find out the CAUSE of the problem and what OTHER OPTIONS you may have for resolution.
Just as smashing out the light on your car's dashboard that signals there is wrong with the engine WONT fix the problem, taking medications is sometimes akin to simply silencing the signal telling you that something is amiss.
We are the captain's of our own ship. It is important we feel what is happening on deck and below board is all for the greater good of the entire journey.
Never go against your own feelings and always trust yourself to look further, if you so have the inclination.
I do. I encourage my clients to, too. :)
You can see their personal stories of overcoming adversities and medical diagnoses at http://bit.ly/4xJHa9
Enjoy!
See original article at: http://bit.ly/cQcuIJ
Health, happiness, fun and success to you all!
Mwah!
BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer Speaker Consultant
www.newleafnutrition.com.au
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
A handful of nuts...what they can do for you!
I am sure there are MANY imaginative ways to interpret the title of today's post.... :) Let's not go there! haha
What I would like to share with you today though, is ONE incredibly powerful habit that you can EASILY establish that will make an AMAZING difference to your health and well being, not just now, but in the long-term as well.
A handful (or about 30-40g) of raw, unsalted nuts a day can:
- help you achieve and maintain a healthy body weight (yes! It's true! They do contain fat, which is why we LIMIT the amount we have, yet as nuts are what we term a "whole food fat", the amount of fat digested and absorbed is LESS than you would derive from oil versions of fats- more on Whole Food Fats in another post)
-help manage existing diabetes better, AND prevent the ONSET of diabetes later in life! Wow! Powerful hey? (there are SO many reasons why this is the case including the healthy FATS they contain, which are protective against heart disease- something diabetes are much more at risk of; the fact they have a LOW Glycemic Index, which minimises insulin response and spikes; they contain an amino acid, arginine which has been shown to help insulin work more efficiently as well as to keep blood vessels healthy; they contain FIBRE, which helps to reduce cholesterol, insulin response and hunger; they are a powerful source of ANTI-OXIDANTS which help to reduce any inflammation in the body- a key contributor to blocked blood vessels and clogged arteries; they contain Vitamin E which also helps improve insulin sensitivity)
-help to prevent heart disease (in fact you can HALVE your risk of developing heart disease SIMPLY by eating a handful of nuts 5 or more times a week! Wow!)
So.....what are you waiting for?!?!
The time, energy, effort and $$ you invest into this ONE SIMPLE HABIT, really can and WILL make a difference in your life...
Test it out.... :)
By the way! Peanuts are NOT nuts....they are a legume :) And whilst very healthy and a great source of protein, they will not necessarily confer the benefits discussed above...we will address peanuts in ANOTHER blog :)
So! There you have it ladies and gents! :)
Would LOVE to hear your thoughts/comments/feedback and personal experience :)
Oh, and to add...for those who do not "like" nuts...I challenge you to a 21 day trial of giving them a go each day....there have been many nut-dislikers converted to nut-lovers, simply by persisting and TRAINING their taste-buds ;p
THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO THOSE WITH ALLERGIES!! If you are allergic, you know to avoid nuts, and we don't need to go there :)
For more info on ANY of today's topics, including fact sheets are more fun nut facts, go to www.nutsforlife.com.au GREAT WEBSITE for all your NUTTY NEEDS ;p
BIG LOVE to you all!
Mwah! xoxooxo
BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant
www.newleafnutrition.com.au
http://bridgetjaneguru.blogspot.com
http://bridgetthompson.blogspot.com
http://bridget-jane.blogspot.com
What I would like to share with you today though, is ONE incredibly powerful habit that you can EASILY establish that will make an AMAZING difference to your health and well being, not just now, but in the long-term as well.
A handful (or about 30-40g) of raw, unsalted nuts a day can:
- help you achieve and maintain a healthy body weight (yes! It's true! They do contain fat, which is why we LIMIT the amount we have, yet as nuts are what we term a "whole food fat", the amount of fat digested and absorbed is LESS than you would derive from oil versions of fats- more on Whole Food Fats in another post)
-help manage existing diabetes better, AND prevent the ONSET of diabetes later in life! Wow! Powerful hey? (there are SO many reasons why this is the case including the healthy FATS they contain, which are protective against heart disease- something diabetes are much more at risk of; the fact they have a LOW Glycemic Index, which minimises insulin response and spikes; they contain an amino acid, arginine which has been shown to help insulin work more efficiently as well as to keep blood vessels healthy; they contain FIBRE, which helps to reduce cholesterol, insulin response and hunger; they are a powerful source of ANTI-OXIDANTS which help to reduce any inflammation in the body- a key contributor to blocked blood vessels and clogged arteries; they contain Vitamin E which also helps improve insulin sensitivity)
-help to prevent heart disease (in fact you can HALVE your risk of developing heart disease SIMPLY by eating a handful of nuts 5 or more times a week! Wow!)
So.....what are you waiting for?!?!
The time, energy, effort and $$ you invest into this ONE SIMPLE HABIT, really can and WILL make a difference in your life...
Test it out.... :)
By the way! Peanuts are NOT nuts....they are a legume :) And whilst very healthy and a great source of protein, they will not necessarily confer the benefits discussed above...we will address peanuts in ANOTHER blog :)
So! There you have it ladies and gents! :)
Would LOVE to hear your thoughts/comments/feedback and personal experience :)
Oh, and to add...for those who do not "like" nuts...I challenge you to a 21 day trial of giving them a go each day....there have been many nut-dislikers converted to nut-lovers, simply by persisting and TRAINING their taste-buds ;p
THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO THOSE WITH ALLERGIES!! If you are allergic, you know to avoid nuts, and we don't need to go there :)
For more info on ANY of today's topics, including fact sheets are more fun nut facts, go to www.nutsforlife.com.au GREAT WEBSITE for all your NUTTY NEEDS ;p
BIG LOVE to you all!
Mwah! xoxooxo
BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant
www.newleafnutrition.com.au
http://bridgetjaneguru.blogspot.com
http://bridgetthompson.blogspot.com
http://bridget-jane.blogspot.com
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The YUMMIEST wedges you've EVER had!
Well I was in the kitchen an about to "bang" together our most favourite wedges for dinner when I was suddenly inspired to share these amazing delights with you!
I LOVE them because not only are they super speedy and EASY, they are also PACKED full of incredible nutrition AND they TASTE amazing!! :)
So! Without further ado, you will need:
-sweet potato (as much as you need for who you are feeding). I allow 1 large one, or 2 smaller ones, for my partner as he is a MEATY MALE with hungry MUSCLES :)
-fresh or jarred minced garlic
-dried mixed herbs
-extra virgin olive oil
What I do to prepare these are:
PRE-HEAT Oven
1) WASH the sweet potato- DO NOT peel! The skin is where a BULK of the goodness lies and peeling it away will do you a GREAT disservice! Simply wash well :)
2) CHOP sweet potato into "wedge" chunks. There are many ways to cut these but we like a fat wedge best. When we have less time to cook, we cut them into thin circles-like chips! :)
3) TOSS into a mixing bowl and add a dash of olive oil (not more than 1 tblsp per person), a teaspoon or 2 of minced garlic and a good shake of your dried mixed herbs :)Yes it is great to use FRESH ginger and herbs, but if you are like me and like a balance of great nutrition and convenience, these are BRILLIANT staples! :)I always say GOOD, BETTER, BEST :) Fresh is BEST, but the other is GREAT! :)
4) SPREAD the prepared wedges onto a BAKING PAPER lined tray and pop into a PRE-HEATED oven. The right temperature depends on your oven..I suggest experimenting here. We use 200 degrees celcius and they take 20-30minutes :)
5) EAT and enjoy!!! Yum, yum! Serve as a great side dish to some fish and salad...mmm..mmm. OR a healthy Thai Fish Cake Burger, as pictured! DELICIOUS! You can email me for this ripper recipe!
The benefits of these sweet tato wedges are MASSIVE! Just SOME include:
-a potent dose of anti-oxidants and phyto-chemicals (dried herbs are a CONCENTRATED power-house of these!)
-anti-inflammatory properties as GARLIC is a super hero in this department! This means garlic can be helpful in reducing the severity of conditions where inflammation plays a role, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
It is also a potent anti-bacterial so is GREAT for boosting the immune system!
-healing properties as sweet potato is an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) and a very good source of vitamin C. These2 beauties are very powerful antioxidants that work in the body to eliminate free radicals. Free radicals are chemicals that damage cells and cell membranes and are associated with the development of conditions like atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries which causes high blood pressure), diabetic heart disease, and colon cancer. This may explain why beta-carotene and vitamin C have both been shown to be helpful for preventing these conditions.
In addition, sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin B6, which is needed to convert homocysteine,which is an intermediate by-product of a chemical process (methylation) that occurs in the body, into other non-harmful molecules. Since high homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, having a little extra vitamin B6 on hand is a good idea.
I could go on forever but you get the gist!!
Well I better get back to actually MAKING ours, otherwise I'll have one hungry fella on my hands! haha
Big love to you all!
Mwah!
BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant
www.newleafnutrition.com.au
http://bridgetjaneguru.blogspot.com
http://bridgetthompson.blogspot.com
http://bridget-jane.blogspot.com
Saturday, January 23, 2010
The most Effective Agitation Antidote ever!
Yesterday I truly discovered the childish fun that can come from being creative and playful when it comes to meeting one of my most basic needs.
Whether we realise it or not, we all have a need to expend a certain amount of energy in order to constructively use up all of the “stimulant” hormones and chemicals produced in our bodies day to day. Not using these effectively can lead to feeling unsettled, anxious, angry or just “not quite right”.
Some of us seek solace in alternative means which can at least, do nothing with these excess chemicals, and at worst, create more. Whilst sitting on our royal rump immersing ourselves in an entertaining television show or movie may temporarily distract us from how we are feeling, you can guarantee those little excitatory substances are accumulating and creating a nice little storehouse of tension.
The other option for dealing with the presence of these compounds is to start nit-picking and perhaps lashing out at those around you. This is a way to deflect and dispel the anxiety and “not-quite-rightness” we are feeling within. One thing you can be guaranteed of is when this nit-picking culminates into an all out battle in which anger and rage may occur, you are creating yet more of these little anger-bubbles!
The point I am getting at ladies and gents, is that whether we realise or not, whether we feel like it or not and whether we are in the habit of it or not, we are deigned to be active; we are meant to be active; it is an innate need to move!
To really love, respect and appreciate our bodies, the temple within which we live whilst on this earthly plane, we must give it due care and attention. All cars are nice when we first buy them. In order to keep them that way there is a level of maintenance to keep up. Even a Lamborghini (sorry guys!) can end up looking like a neglected and dumped wreck if it is not appropriately looked after.
When we are born as perfect little babies, we are delivered into one of the most immaculate and impressive vehicles ever seen. We are a miracle of nature and so absolutely flawless. Our bodies are in sync with our innate needs and all is taken care of almost faultlessly in much a stimulus-response type model. Baby cries, mum responds. Without too much interference, our needs are perfectly met and we grow and develop just as we should. Amazing isn’t it?
Wherever you feel you are at right now, know you were once as nature intended and in impeccable harmony with your intrinsic needs.
Give yourself the opportunity to experience how this synchronicity feels, and over time with consistency, looks. Moving your booty is one of the major basic needs you have.
Start anywhere, just do it.
Yesterday, as mentioned, I discovered the joy of being playful with this need of mine. It was too hot to run outside and I had already treated my body to a good dose of Vitamin D rich sunlight. I felt those little bubbles of anxiety starting to stir within and funnily enough I found myself nit-picking at my partner (well, he started it!).
Noticing what I was doing and what was going on within me, I realised I had a need that demanded attention. I needed to move!
With the aforementioned limitations in mind, I got creative. Grabbing my iPod and my skipping rope, I decided to assume that child within me that knew how to skip effortlessly for hours and LOVED it! You see, I have had a skipping rope for quite a long time, 2 years perhaps. Yet, the idea of it daunts me. The voice in my head tells me over and over, “You can’t skip”. “It’s too hard”. And everytime I try I am proven right! (Funny that!)
So this time I tackled it differently, and entered the task from a state of childlike innocence. This voice said, “Of course you can do it!” and “It’s fun!”. Wow, what a difference a change of tune makes!
Within no time I found myself not only skipping without constant breaks, I also found myself loving it and loving the music! I became immersed. I became increasingly playful and daring. When I needed a break, I jog-skip-danced around the house, then came back to the skipping spot. After a while I found myself enjoying the dancing more, so I did more of that. What fun I was having!
Before I knew it, 30 minutes had passed, I was sweating and those bubbles of anger had subsided and in fact calm, soft, easily dispersed bubbles of joy had taken their place. I felt light, happy and satisfied :) Wow!
I felt quite impressed with myself which added more of those soft, light, delightful bubbles and went on to enjoy a great night with brilliant company! :)
So I dare you…
Listen to the needs within that are trying to communicate with you on the surface.
Are you feeling irritated, anxious, annoyed, angry, not quite right? Look not outside of you for the cause, but within.
As much as it may seem like it is that person, thing, situation or other is creating your disharmony, there is more likely a need that you have neglected somewhere. A need, that by being met, will mean all those people, things and situations will start to have less and less effect on you.
You will start to create and build a nice little space within that is firmly sealed with a “do not disturb” sign. A place that is just yours; that you can escape to and experience true joy any time.
The attitude with which you approach this need will make the difference; the difference between loving it and resenting it. The difference between becoming a movement junkie or an agitated-to-the-point-of-numbness couch potato.
Have fun, be a child :)
Play!
I would love to hear your thoughts and responses on this topic :)
Email me at bridget@newleafnutrition.com.au
Mwah! xoxo
BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant
www.newleafnutrition.com.au
Whether we realise it or not, we all have a need to expend a certain amount of energy in order to constructively use up all of the “stimulant” hormones and chemicals produced in our bodies day to day. Not using these effectively can lead to feeling unsettled, anxious, angry or just “not quite right”.
Some of us seek solace in alternative means which can at least, do nothing with these excess chemicals, and at worst, create more. Whilst sitting on our royal rump immersing ourselves in an entertaining television show or movie may temporarily distract us from how we are feeling, you can guarantee those little excitatory substances are accumulating and creating a nice little storehouse of tension.
The other option for dealing with the presence of these compounds is to start nit-picking and perhaps lashing out at those around you. This is a way to deflect and dispel the anxiety and “not-quite-rightness” we are feeling within. One thing you can be guaranteed of is when this nit-picking culminates into an all out battle in which anger and rage may occur, you are creating yet more of these little anger-bubbles!
The point I am getting at ladies and gents, is that whether we realise or not, whether we feel like it or not and whether we are in the habit of it or not, we are deigned to be active; we are meant to be active; it is an innate need to move!
To really love, respect and appreciate our bodies, the temple within which we live whilst on this earthly plane, we must give it due care and attention. All cars are nice when we first buy them. In order to keep them that way there is a level of maintenance to keep up. Even a Lamborghini (sorry guys!) can end up looking like a neglected and dumped wreck if it is not appropriately looked after.
When we are born as perfect little babies, we are delivered into one of the most immaculate and impressive vehicles ever seen. We are a miracle of nature and so absolutely flawless. Our bodies are in sync with our innate needs and all is taken care of almost faultlessly in much a stimulus-response type model. Baby cries, mum responds. Without too much interference, our needs are perfectly met and we grow and develop just as we should. Amazing isn’t it?
Wherever you feel you are at right now, know you were once as nature intended and in impeccable harmony with your intrinsic needs.
Give yourself the opportunity to experience how this synchronicity feels, and over time with consistency, looks. Moving your booty is one of the major basic needs you have.
Start anywhere, just do it.
Yesterday, as mentioned, I discovered the joy of being playful with this need of mine. It was too hot to run outside and I had already treated my body to a good dose of Vitamin D rich sunlight. I felt those little bubbles of anxiety starting to stir within and funnily enough I found myself nit-picking at my partner (well, he started it!).
Noticing what I was doing and what was going on within me, I realised I had a need that demanded attention. I needed to move!
With the aforementioned limitations in mind, I got creative. Grabbing my iPod and my skipping rope, I decided to assume that child within me that knew how to skip effortlessly for hours and LOVED it! You see, I have had a skipping rope for quite a long time, 2 years perhaps. Yet, the idea of it daunts me. The voice in my head tells me over and over, “You can’t skip”. “It’s too hard”. And everytime I try I am proven right! (Funny that!)
So this time I tackled it differently, and entered the task from a state of childlike innocence. This voice said, “Of course you can do it!” and “It’s fun!”. Wow, what a difference a change of tune makes!
Within no time I found myself not only skipping without constant breaks, I also found myself loving it and loving the music! I became immersed. I became increasingly playful and daring. When I needed a break, I jog-skip-danced around the house, then came back to the skipping spot. After a while I found myself enjoying the dancing more, so I did more of that. What fun I was having!
Before I knew it, 30 minutes had passed, I was sweating and those bubbles of anger had subsided and in fact calm, soft, easily dispersed bubbles of joy had taken their place. I felt light, happy and satisfied :) Wow!
I felt quite impressed with myself which added more of those soft, light, delightful bubbles and went on to enjoy a great night with brilliant company! :)
So I dare you…
Listen to the needs within that are trying to communicate with you on the surface.
Are you feeling irritated, anxious, annoyed, angry, not quite right? Look not outside of you for the cause, but within.
As much as it may seem like it is that person, thing, situation or other is creating your disharmony, there is more likely a need that you have neglected somewhere. A need, that by being met, will mean all those people, things and situations will start to have less and less effect on you.
You will start to create and build a nice little space within that is firmly sealed with a “do not disturb” sign. A place that is just yours; that you can escape to and experience true joy any time.
The attitude with which you approach this need will make the difference; the difference between loving it and resenting it. The difference between becoming a movement junkie or an agitated-to-the-point-of-numbness couch potato.
Have fun, be a child :)
Play!
I would love to hear your thoughts and responses on this topic :)
Email me at bridget@newleafnutrition.com.au
Mwah! xoxo
BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant
www.newleafnutrition.com.au
Friday, January 22, 2010
Magnificent Mangoes!
Ok, ok, so I cannot stop HARPING on about HOW IN LOVE with chemical free mangoes I am right now!
My body's cravings for different foods at different times inspires me to investigate the major properties of each one.
I believe when the body is in tune with what is good for it, via a "calibration" process, it automatically knows what it needs :) how intelligent we are!! ;p
So...for the record...did you know mangoes are high in IRON, SELENIUM, POTASSIUM, cancer-fighting PHENOLS, VITAMIN A and VITAMIN E!! Wow!! This is why it is SO great for:
-pregnant women and those suffering anaemia (iron)
-boosting hormonal function and sex drive (Vit E) Woohoo! ;p
-clearing skin and unblocking pores
-reducing aches and pains in body as well as asthma symptoms (anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory capacity)
-aiding digestion and acidity
Wow! Aren't they BRILLIANT :)
No wonder I LOVE them SOOOOOO much and no wonder the intelligence of my body has been urging me to get a daily dose of this MAGNIFICENT fruit!
Enjoy! xoxo
BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant
www.newleafnutrition.com.au
My body's cravings for different foods at different times inspires me to investigate the major properties of each one.
I believe when the body is in tune with what is good for it, via a "calibration" process, it automatically knows what it needs :) how intelligent we are!! ;p
So...for the record...did you know mangoes are high in IRON, SELENIUM, POTASSIUM, cancer-fighting PHENOLS, VITAMIN A and VITAMIN E!! Wow!! This is why it is SO great for:
-pregnant women and those suffering anaemia (iron)
-boosting hormonal function and sex drive (Vit E) Woohoo! ;p
-clearing skin and unblocking pores
-reducing aches and pains in body as well as asthma symptoms (anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory capacity)
-aiding digestion and acidity
Wow! Aren't they BRILLIANT :)
No wonder I LOVE them SOOOOOO much and no wonder the intelligence of my body has been urging me to get a daily dose of this MAGNIFICENT fruit!
Enjoy! xoxo
BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant
www.newleafnutrition.com.au
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
