Push the Pause Button

We live in fast forward.  Quick, instant gratification, on the clock, no time to wait. . .

Most days we resemble the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland: rushing around on a mission to complete our itinerary for the day, unable to take in the present moment.  Planning for our health sits on the back burner as we face each day.

One question I would like us to focus on:  Does filling the calendar with events, creating to do lists and cramming each hour with tasks benefit mind, soul and body?  Such behaviors lead us down the shorter path in life.  Continuing from last post concerning hindrances to optimal health; living each day in fast forward will indeed fast forward our life. 

Push pause today.  Did you plan for proper nutrition to provide energy for your day?  Did you offer open time in the schedule to breathe, relax and debrief the day with a loved one?  Did you place a stopping point on the itinerary to obtain sleep required for the body to continue functioning?

A lot to think about; but, let’s just begin with an important piece of the puzzle – breakfast.  I see firsthand the damage skipping breakfast causes to the brain function, physical energy and emotional state of individuals.  Ever seen hangry on someone?  It ain’t pretty.

Let’s have breakfast.  No time to make it?  Create a smoothie the night before, make up some homemade muesli (oats, coconut, unsweetened almond milk, low sugar granola or homemade, berries, etc.) or purchase some whole ingredient protein bars and add a fruit on the side. 

Side note: place all ingredients for muesli in the fridge the night before and it is ready in the morning (one of my favs). 

Suggestion for the day:  when creating a smoothie, remember ingredients make all the difference.  We want to provide enough energy to last 3-4 hours before hangry sets in.  To start, choose unsweetened milk of choice, water, fresh squeezed juice, coconut water or iced green tea.  Choose fruit of preference based on other ingredients.  Make it green and boost nutrients by adding ½ avocado (this creates a creamy texture and does not alter taste).  Add healthier fat/protein to the mix, such as, pure nut butter of choice, chia seeds or vegan protein powder.  Don’t forget the good grains like oats. 

An example I make often: ½ avocado, vegan protein powder, pure nut butter, unsweetened almond milk, crushed ice, extra cocoa unsweetened powder, ½ cup oats and sometimes various fruits.  Mix in blender or smoothie maker and enjoy.  Don’t have blender; purchase a blender bottle and smash fruits/avocado best as possible and shake away (adds exercise in the day through this method).  J   

Reaching optimal health. . .One Day at a Time.

Sheree Craig