The Road To Wellness

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Depressing news comes from AP today regarding the ever-expanding American waistline. Obesity rates again rose. What’s more, the rates showed no decline. Simply, Americans are getting fatter.

It’s not just a matter of looks: it’s about life expectancy. Obesity kills. While we haven’t seen it yet, surely with rising obesity rates, life expectancy will go down. Being obese will take years off of our lives. It’s also a matter of the quality of life. Is it okay to get winded going up a flight of stairs? Is it okay that you haven’t seen your toes standing up in years or heaven forbid, you try and touch them?

Aging baby boomers have the higher rate of obesity. Society dictates that this is a positive time. Retirement can be freedom to travel and frankly, just to be out of the rat race. Why is okay to spend this time at the doctor’s office or the chiropractor? We owe it to ourselves, our spouse, our children and families to take back our lives. It’s not too late. The human body is a wonderful thing. It responds well to good treatment. Do yourself a favor and treat your body well.

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~Sidney J. Harris

Women are the original multi-taskers. It’s probably one thing we do better than men. We have many different roles, wear many different hats. We are spouses, daughters, mothers, friends, and sisters. We are lovers, co-workers, employees, and parishioners.Some would argue we are also housekeepers, short-order cooks, nannies, and babysitters too.

For all our roles and the hats we wear, we pull from one spring of energy. That energy must fuel all our tasks and duties. Unfortunately, sometimes the demand on our resources can be overwhelming. We fight with our natural desire to nuture and please. Instead of walking away when the spring has been tapped, we reach inside to somehow find more energy. We push ourselves beyond our limits. With more demands, the cycle deepens.

It’s at times like these that you must achieve balance with your primary role, your Self. When the demands come hot and furious, when the deadlines loom larger and larger, that is precisely the time you need to set back. Reassess your resources. Set boundaries for your time. Respect them and seek the respect of others for them.

It can be hard to say no. We naturally want to avoid unpleasantness. Telling someone that you cannot do something for them is not easy to do. It’s creating tension by trying to relieve tension. No is not a bad word.

Saying no is showing respect for yourself. You know your limits. You probably know too well the consequences of broaching them. However, turning inward to give yourself that precious time to relax and recharge is a gift. It’s a gift to yourself–and maybe your sanity too. It’s a gift to the other person. You have enough respect for them that you want to at your best to fulfill their needs and wants. You respect yourself enough to do what it takes to keep the spring flowing.

If you are questioning whether or not you could have done better, it’s time. If you are feeling guilty because you know it wasn’t your best effort, it’s time.It’s time to take back your time and use it for you. It’s time to relax.

Photo by axel-d

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This week’s weekly recipe focuses on healthy side dishes. I always try to include a vegetable with every dinner. I’m usually pretty generous too, so it turns out to be two servings. This is great for a healthy lifestyle.

If I had to choose, I’d pick broccolini over broccoli. The flavor is sweeter and more even, in my mind. Typically, I’ll steam my veggies instead of sauteing them to keep calories down. However, a bit of fat makes a meal satisfying, so using a bit of olive oil, I make it a healthier option. The recipe also features my new favorite condiment, Nakano’s Seasoned Rice Vinegar. Splash it on for added zip to a meal. I can use it in place of lemon juice for a condiment I can easily have on hand all the time. Bon appetit!

Quick and Easy Broccolini
1 bunch of broccolini, trimmed
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp butter
2 garlic cloves, sliced
1/4 cup water or low sodium chicken broth
Nakano Seasoned Rice Vinegar, to taste
Salt
Pepper

Heat butter and olive oil in a non-stick skillet. Add garlic. Saute until fragrant. Add trimmed broccolini and toss to coat. Salt and pepper broccolini. Add water or broth to skillet. Cover skillet and cook 7 minutes. Check broccolini after 5 minutes to prevent burning. Adjust time as necessary. When done to desired tenderness, splash with seasoned rice vinegar. Adjust salt and pepper as necessary. Serve hot.

Photo by VirtualErn

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Here in Minnesota, things happen quickly. A couple of weeks ago, I had the heat on. Today, the heat is still on, but it’s outside. Yesterday, there was an excessive heat warning. Welcome to the Midwest.

The heat warning is definitely worth heeding. Not only was it approaching 100 degrees, but the high humidity made it downright miserable. The change was also significant in that those few weeks back there was concern about drought and brush fires with the low humidity.

During the summer months when weather can change on a dime, it’s important to remember to stay hydrated. Can there be a perfect way to cool off than with a refreshing glass of iced tea? Drink up! It’s National Iced Tea Month. According to the Tea Association of the United States, iced tea has been a national pastime since 1904. Of course, tea of itself has been an important part of American history as well.

Iced tea has its own character about it. We associate it with summer and beach parties. In some circles, it’s a symbol of refinement. Whether it’s sweet tea or just plain iced tea, our love affair with iced tea has lived on. So, as these summer days wane on, avoid the hottest times of the mid-afternoon. Relax with a perfect pitcher of iced tea.

Photo by Ayelie

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A great thing happened last week–we were on a much-needed vacation. Door County, Wisconsin was our destination. It’s a quiet, idyllic place that until this year, had poor cell coverage. That’s something of a blessing if you truly want to get away.

During our vacation, we walked and biked a great deal. The park we camped at had plenty of trails. We took the time to do a lot of geocaching and hiking. Some of the hikes were challenging. I don’t mind saying that I traveled outside of my comfort zone more than once. My husband is an excellent coach.

How much walking? Just about every single day during our 10-day stay, we logged 10,000+ steps. Many days were over 13,000 steps. There was even an exhausting 18,000-step day. We both felt great. I may even have lost a pound or two. With such momentum behind us, our goal now is to keep it up. Our bodies are accustomed to the pace. It’s only a matter of taking those steps.

That’s the great thing about a vacation. You forget the doubts holding you back. Perhaps you take some chances like I did, doing a bit of rock climbing. If you can build the foundation, run with it. Keep up the pace.

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