Tuning Into Yourself

August 30, 2012Leave a comment

How often do you really sit with yourself and thoroughly contemplate what it is exactly that your body needs? Often we are not completely in tune with our bodies and what our bodies need. We are blessed with a phenomenal system. Our bodies are incredibly intelligent and if we listen close enough we can actually decode the hints our bodies are giving us.

I must admit that even though I find myself to be incredibly health conscious and aware, I have my moments of weakness when I try to sneak in something like a scoop of ice cream or even a few nibbles of pizza. Almost instantly, my body shuts down and I start to feel nauseous, sick and weak. My body knows that this is not normal for me and rejects the junk food. I am constantly promoting the concept that we are what we eat. What we eat determines how we feel. If we are eating “crap” on a daily basis, what do you think you will feel like? That’s right, crap.

Taking the time to actually listen to your body when it’s hungry, thirsty or craves something requires effort. But taking the extra step to channel that and figure out what exactly your body needs requires great skill and patience. Sure, after a stressful day a nice glass of wine could do the trick to ease your nerves. But what does your body really need? Maybe a relaxing bath, classical music, a loving home cooked meal.

Stop for a second and breathe. Take a moment to connect with your body and what it needs today. Just know that by simply listening to your incredibly intelligent body, you are improving your lifestyle and bringing yourself to a balanced state.

Remember, what works for one person may not necessarily work for you. You are unique and require a nutritional lifestyle that is personal to you. But of course, eating healthy, whole, natural foods applies to everyone universally.

Peace, love and no beef,

Guramrit

Autumn Cleanse

August 29, 2012Leave a comment

With every change of season, I begin thinking about new beginnings. With the fall approaching, kids are going back to school and vacations end, I can’t help but think the fall warrants some sort of change. By change I don’t necessarily mean a drastic haircut or completely altering yourself. My idea of change comes as cleansing, detoxification.

To cleanse, by definition means, to make thoroughly clean, or to rid (a person, place, or thing) of something seen as unpleasant, unwanted, or defiling. It is synonymous with purging, purification, clearing and refining. In order for our bodies, minds and souls to feel completely replenished and achieve equilibrium, we must purify and cleanse ourselves.

In my experience, when people hear detoxification or cleansing they immediately think it is entirely related to diet. Yes, eating clean is an important part of purging your body of toxins but separating yourself from negativity from all angles is where true results lie.

There are numerous detox and cleansing diets from the master cleanse (also known as the spicy lemonade diet) to a raw food diet. Each, if done properly, is meant to purge the body of toxins. These diets are not meant to bring permanent results, they are intended to purify the blood, liver and get your system back in balance. Now, I don’t believe in doing a cleanse for weight loss. I believe that doing, let’s say a three-day purifying cleanse is ultimately helpful to get your body to a state of equilibrium. But of course, please take extra precaution if you have serious health risks or ailments.

Detoxification is ultimately about you realizing what it is your body needs to feel better; whether it is taking a break from social networks, allowing yourself to have a break from emails, removing yourself from negative people or situations, making conscious healthy choices for your day to day diet. Take time for yourself. You’re the only you. Be good to you.

Peace, love and no beef!

Guramrit

August 19, 2012Leave a comment

So I have about 3 weeks until Nutrition School. I bought my school supplies and I’m obsessed with Integrative Nutritions Focus Class and Dietary Theory Library. I love the resources available at my fingertips. Such a great feeling.

Overcooked Spaghetti

August 15, 2012Leave a comment

On Monday my family and I went on a little adventure to Minnewaska State Park near New Paltz, New York. The last time I went hiking up there was the fall of my senior year of high school (back in 2006). The foliage was breathtaking and it was a phenomenal hike. Monday was the perfect day to hike. I was glad I had the day off and was able to absorb some quality time with mother nature. Little did I know mother nature wanted to kick my butt (literally- since my glutes were on fire!).

The hike up (we were hiking to a lake-3+ miles up) was phenomenal. We took our time and really got in touch with nature. It was meditative and peaceful. One of the things I have learned so far from Integrative Nutrition is, it’s important to take time for yourself, for meditation, silence and relaxation. This was ethereal.

Once we got to lake Awosting we were pretty fatigued but we dove right into the most majestic and relaxing body of water EVER.

After a mini siesta and a healthy lunch (I had an avocado, sun-dried tomato, spinach, red onion half sandwich and munched on some almonds) we made our way down. We did not realize how exhausted we were until we hit the 45 minute mark. It took nearly 2 hours to get to the lake and we were determined to get out of there and back to the car in less than that. I grumbled on my way down and gave my mother the “are we there yet” look.

I consider myself to be in pretty good shape and go to the gym and exercise regularly but the hike back down made my legs feel like overcooked spaghetti. I don’t know about you but I love the burn after a great workout but this just felt dreadful. I was hot, damp from my swim and sweat and thirsty. My once cold water was now lukewarm and unbearable. But just knowing I was so close motivated me to keep going. That’s truly important for any workout (don’t hurt yourself though)- don’t give up on yourself, keep pushing and know your desired result is right around the corner.

After an hour and 20 minutes we finally made it back to the car. My legs melted into my seat and I relaxed completely. Even though it was tiring, this was truly worth every mile.

Luckily, I had enough energy to stop off at a farmers market to pick up some organic peaches and blueberries and cook a light and delicious dinner when I got home.

You bet I slept well that night!

Now to find something to eat for dinner…

Peace, love, hiking and no beef,

Guramrit

Pre-Nutrition School Jitters

August 8, 2012Leave a comment

So I have less than a month left until I start my journey to becoming a certified health coach. I’m enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition which has an amazing holistic based approach to nutrition, health and wellness. I’m in the process of working on my “fundamentals” which I like to call my pre-homework homework.

I know that this program will be phenomenal for me and aid in what I want to do with my life in the long run (aspiring health editor over here!) but hey, I have the jitters. I’m a tad nervous about what is to come. How on earth did I manage four years of undergrad? And now I will be able to study something I am passionate about, something that can help me help others. That’s truly what I want to do. I want to be that person people think of as a valuable resource.

I just dont understand my jitters. It’s not like I am going into an ACTUAL classroom since Integrative Nutrition is an online school. I am eager to learn and ready for the challenge.

I can’t wait to share my knowledge with the world!

Peace, love and no beef!