Let's Eat!

OK, I confess, without guilt, this weekend, I enjoyed every bite of my absolutely mouth-watering delicious meal at my favorite Italian restaurant in Rocky Hill. I was surrounded by my family (including my college son and his friend from New York) which made the meal much more special. I also enjoyed a fabulous glass of refreshing and tropical New Zealand wine. Upon our arrival home, I did indulge in scrumptious homemade brownies from my son's friends' mom, Donna. I haven't had the opportunity to meet her, but I think I love her!

Having a healthy relationship with food allows you the opportunity to truly appreciate a variety of food without guilt. I know personally for me, having a healthy relationship with food has not come easy because of a lifelong battle with the up's and down's of weight management. I've learned and experienced over the years that life is all about balance and moderation (never feast or famine) and that weight management is an art. Being healthy cannot be equated to a size zero or size two or a certain number on a scale. Quite frankly, I know many size zero's and two's who have no strength or endurance and cannot do one single push up! 

Like fine wine, as we age, we get better, well I think smarter. Now that I'm in my 40's (ok, so I am a bit toward the latter part), I no longer feel guilty about enjoying all types of food (even as you read "unhealthy" at times). I have a special appreciation for nourishing foods. I admit, the majority of my "diet" (I'll use diet for lack of a better word) consists of eating non-processed foods, lots of fresh plant-based foods, nuts, soups and salads. My body, mind and spirit feel best with this eating plan and I can easily balance the art of weight management.

Valuing your health is what is important. Taking time to do so is even more important. Sometimes we do not value our health until it is suddenly taken away. A healthy eating plan that fits into your lifestyle as well as physical activity that fits your lifestyle are two key success factors to good health. A non-negotiable for me is physical activity, my "exercise" comes in forms of yoga, strength/core training, interval training, biking and now hiking. Oh, by the way, check out Rocky Hill's new Biking and Hiking Club (), first hike is Sunday, Jan. 29th. It is a great form of "exercise" in a social outdoor setting. I can't wait to try my new hiking shoes!

Looking for more ways to stay healthy? Check out Core Power TV (formally RH Fit TV) airs Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 a.m. and Thursdays 8 p.m. on Channel 14.

Please feel free to share how you stay healthy!

Lynn MacDonald/Personal Trainer, Registered Yoga Teacher 
www.getcorepower.com