The Road To Wellness

Nice to see you! Wishing you a healthy day!

My husband and I are dieting. It’s not the over-the-top, all you can have is cottage cheese and boiled chicken, kind of thing. Rather, we are reducing carbs.

In the past, I’ve done Atkins. While it was effective, it also had some not-so-pleasant aftereffects which I prefer not to get into. Cutting carbs is a viable choice for me. Celiac disease is in my family. My genealogy research suggested that ancestors may have died due to complications from it. Cutting wheat from my diet is a good alternative for me.

In the course of planning my meals, I’ve researched ways of planning my meal week to save time. For example, Mondays are vegetarian night. Fridays are beef night. I intersperse chicken, fish, and pork on the remaining days. Having a schedule makes meal planning easier. I have a starting point as I plan for the week ahead.

My rationale is this: if I don’t plan to have a meatless meal or a meal that includes fish, I may forget to include it. If I know that I will be making a certain type of meal, I save time. There is also another important reason.

I grew up in a meat and potato world. We had beef several times a week. The vegetables may have been lacking, but the beef sure wasn’t. I plan my week so that I do not overindulge in beef. As much as I like it, rotating protein sources is much healthier. My meal schedule reminds me to do so.

I’ll admit too, to needing a reminder to eat fish. I don’t care for salmon, but I enjoy other fish and shellfish. I’m reminded to include more of the other foods that I should be eating.

Of course, if you’re going to do this, give yourself the latitude to make last minute changes. Have a taste for pizza that just won’t go away? Allow yourself to change the menu now and again. Just be sure that you’re including more of the good things that you should be eating.

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Cushy isn’t always better as supported by a Harvard University study on running shoes. According to the study’s findings, wearing cushioned running shoes may increase your likelihood of injuries while running.

The study suggests that people will suffer less running-related injuries by wearing minimal footwear. Figures aside, the theory does make sense. Humans evolved running and walking barefoot. Cushioned running shoes  have been around less than 40 years, hardly time enough for humans to evolve to their use.

The movement to promote a barefoot lifestyle has been around for awhile. Practically and for health concerns, barefoot walking isn’t always possible. However, shoes without extra padding make it possible for you to experience barefoot walking and its benefits without worrying about where you step.

At home, I typically do not wear shoes. I find this new evidence compelling and will definitely replace my next pair of shoes with ones that promise a more natural experience.

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This week, it is all about you. Welcome to Take Back Your Time Week!

It is a good time to check in and assess where you are at with your goals. Is your system of reminders and planning benefiting you? Are you managing your time well?

This is also a time when you can practice saying “no” and setting boundaries. We all have the same 24 hours each day. We all have tasks to complete, calls to make, and meetings to attend. Your time is just as valuable as anyone’s time.

Me time is so important for your mental health. You need time to recharge your batteries and take care of yourself. Let this week be a reminder to you that your needs are important. Take care of yourself and your time.

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We’re enjoying another snowy, cold day here in Minnesota. Though it’s light, I don’t think it has stopped snowing at all today. I had to  laugh as I watched someone driving their car on the frozen lake. At least someone is having some fun on the lake.

Last summer we started bringing lunches on the boat when we went out. We had bought a picnic cooler years ago, but didn’t use it too much. It was nice though and appealed right away to my romantic side with its lovely tablecloth and napkins, wine cooler and wine glasses. What could be more enjoyable than a picnic on the beach with artisan cheeses and a good wine? I was sold. We did do that a couple of times.

For boating, we decided to do the same thing. As much fun as it is to go to restaurants on the lake, docking can be a hassle. You always have to make sure and have cash to tip the boat guys. So we decided to forgo the trouble and bring along one of those picnic baskets.

I didn’t mind preparing a meal ahead of time. Often, it would be something simple like sandwiches with a salad. I always opted for something cold. It was easier to keep things cold in one of those picnic backpacks than to keep something hot, no matter what the weather.

I have to admit that after the first time picnicking on the boat, we were hooked, no pun intended. We had the best table in the house, with an outstanding view, no waiting in line, and a minimal number of bees. We both love boating and the physical activities of fishing or swimming. Just as with winter, you have to embrace the season and take some exercise no matter what the weather brings.

Besides that, it was so incredibly relaxing. It was like being on vacation, having dinner in our own private villa. That’s the message I want to get across. Find your own relaxing spot, the one that helps you forget the troubles of the day. Find a place where you can unwind and relax. Just don’t forget the corkscrew.

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“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

- Mark Twain

Photo by sveres

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