Long time no blog…

Hey y’all, I’ve been away for a while. Suffice it to say life got full of stress, anxiety, depression. You name it, I felt it over the last 10+ weeks. I took this holiday weekend to re-everything. Re-center. Re-focus. Re-energize. 

I got to spend a few days in the woods and it was really everything I needed. There’s nothing like taking a drive for vacation. The farther away from the city the more your shoulders relax. Eventually, you arrive at your destination, in this case the Ohanapacosh Campground. You step out of the car and take the first full, filling, relaxing breath. Probably since the last time you were there. Being in the woods, waking up and having a cup of coffee around the campfire, is one of my favorite things. 

So let’s get caught up on nutrition and health. There were a couple classes that had me questioning the validity of the program I went with. Any time someone mentions god as a learning source immediately has me checking out. Aside from the whole separation of church and state I just don’t think religion has a spot in a scientific based program. Then there was the time during a lecture on how to heal yourself where the lecturer compared arthritis, PMS, and cancer. First, PMS? Really? Can’t wait for people to stop throwing that in women’s faces. And second, while there may be some correlation of a non-healthy lifestyle with cancer, I don’t believe it should ever be grouped with other ailments like arthritis and PMS.

There have also been good lectures. One that provided a reminder that when you’re not feeling well you ask yourself three questions; did you eat? did you poop? did you sleep? I would add are you hydrated? to the list. A good reminder that there are ways in which we can help ourselves heal.

Then there was the section on physical activity. This phrase has me puzzled. I was able to go in for a physical and blood test a couple weeks ago and one of my triglycerides was low. The doctor recommended 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Around the same time I had a lecture on physical activity. It asked more questions; what does physical activity mean to me? Have I found certain types of activity help at different times in life? Does my current exercise routine support my emotional and physical health?

I work in the culinary industry. That means 40+ hours working on my feet each week. I get a 30 minute lunch break to sit and rest, aside from that I’m constantly in some form of motion. I run a salad bar on a business campus, which means I’m serving clients from 11a-2p. When we’re busy I’m walking back and forth in a 10-15 foot space. My heart rate gets elevated, but I’m told that’s not physical activity.

Some of the things I’ve learned have me confused. But I’m working through it. Asking questions. I also have the opportunity to start interviewing perspective clients. Part of the program includes interviewing people about their health histories. At this point in my training I’m not able to charge for it, so I’m looking for volunteers. If you are open to discussing your health and wellness goals, history of your relationship with food, and your mental and emotional health I’d love to hear from you. I need the practice and would love to get people in on the ground floor before I start charging. Fill out the contact form or email me directly no.shoulding.no.shame@gmail.com.

I look forward to meeting you.