Natural Beauty from Within - Nutrition and Fitness
Sunday, August 1, 2010 at 8:40PM 
I recently completed a questionnaire about my green views on a variety of topics including wellbeing, fitness, and nutrition. It really got me thinking about the fact that it doesn’t matter what kind of cream, lotion, or potion you put on your skin if you’re not getting the basics right in your lifestyle. Here are a few tips about nutrition and fitness to keep you healthy.
Nutrition: Maximize the goodies and minimize the baddies
I hate the term diet because most people associate the word with a fixed term way of eating. If we’re honest with ourselves, don’t we really know what’s good and bad for us? Here’s a hint, apple=good, big mac=bad. However, how often do we make good and bad choices? I for one have a wicked sweet tooth and my colleagues can attest that there was a day at work when I ate 7 krispie kremes. It’s not something that I’m proud of but I did run a half marathon 2 days later (not that that makes up for it!) The moral of that story is that moderation is a good thing so when I’m not actively training for a running event I try to eat a few squares of Green & Blacks organic dark chocolate which normally satisfies the craving. Strangely, after I’ve eaten particularly poorly I crave salad. So I listen to my body and eat accordingly. I never drink less than 2 liters of water a day and my skin and intestines are so much happier with me for it.
Fitness: Do exercise that makes your body happy
Everyone likes different types of exercise so find the one(s) that you enjoy the most. Make sure you are doing at least a few days of cardio a week for min 30 each time. Your heart needs it! I know not everyone loves cardio exercise what with all the sweating and heavy breathing, but that’s the only type of exercise that I would say you must make yourself do. Eventually you will grow to like it and you can combine/alternate with other forms of exercise that you prefer.
My own personal fitness regime includes 2 half marathons a year. Therefore I spend half the year training for either of those events and the other half I work on speed training. I run or bike to work almost every day. I also do yoga. I love Jivamukti yoga. I despise the gym with its mirrors, scales, and competitive people. I feel that the environment that’s created at the gym is counterproductive to wellbeing.
I think there’s too much pressure put on what we look like. Instead of letting a scale be your motivator (and ultimately de-motivator) set goals for your body's capabilities like run/walk/bike/swim faster, longer, more frequently. Or throwing your child up in the air 5,10,15 times before you get tired. Take every opportunity for exercise that you can, walk to the store instead of driving, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and carry your child around in a carrier backpack instead of pushing them in a stroller.
By taking active steps to improve your nutrition and exercise, your body will be healthier and it will show through a shining complexion.
Reader Comments (1)
I think a great way to improve your fitness is to start with some easy exercises at home. That way you avoid the pressure of others when you are at a gym and you can build up some basic strength and fitness before you start "competing" with others.
Your approach to love the exercise you do is the basis for really staying motivated long term.