I can honestly say that one of my favorite things to do is travel. I've been all over the world- India, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Nicaragua, Turkey, and Egypt, to name a few. I find that traveling opens me up in interesting ways. I "open" to the experience of new people, new places, and new foods. I soak in every bit of it. I want to be immersed in the new place that I find myself. Also, when I'm traveling there is always a personal lesson to be learned. Through the act of letting go of boundaries while traveling, I find that little bits of myself come to the surface. During my last trip I found out that I really enjoyed talking with folks about their story. It's surprising how similar people are...
Detox is a form of letting go. Letting go of the foods that we cling to out of comfort or familiarity, letting go of the toxins that have accumulated in our bodies, letting go- in some cases- of our identities as smokers, meat eaters, daily drinkers. The act of letting go of all of these things for a day, a week, or a month allows us to see what we truly need. It can provide us with a sense of freedom of non-dependence on our vices.
I have been detoxing 4-6 times a year for the last 5 years. Although it may be difficult at times it is always, hands down, worth the struggle. Because when I ask myself do I truly need that glass of wine after a long day? I can say, no not really, but I am CHOOSING to have it because I want to.
As a nutrition counselor, I get asked every question in the book. How can I lose weight? How can I get better sleep? How can I have more energy? The question I love most though is, "Candice, how do I get the glow?". What's the glow you ask? It's beauty, from the inside. You know when you see someone walking down the street with a swagger, a secret smile on their dewy face, unshakable confidence. Yeah, that's the glow.
The glow comes from being connected to your body and feeling good in it. How does this happen? Well, let's start with being connected to your body. I see so many people who objectify themselves. Instead of seeing themselves as a whole person, in their mind they're broken down into parts.........
Sure I believe in "You are what you eat". Let's take it a step further and say "You are what you soak in". Let me explain. Its important to eat a variety of whole foods in their most natural form and locally/humanely sourced whenever possible. How you eat your food is of the utmost important too. Eating mindfully, taking time, and savoring your food positively effects the way your body absorbs the nutrients. Your environment, who you surround yourself with, your job all contribute to your mood which determines how your body assimilates food.
How do you know what to eat? First follow the basics (to quote Michael Pollan- eat food, not too much, mostly vegetables) and secondly listen to your body. How do you learn to listen to your body? That's where I can help.
I am absolutely obsessed with this book at the moment. "Thrive" written by Brendan Brazier is the first nutrition book written for and by the vegan athlete. Although I'm not personally vegan, I found the book to be extremely informative on eating for energy and increased performance. I have recommended this book to many of my clients, all of which have benefited from reading it.
The important point is to find a book or method that resonates with you. Be passionate about your lifestyle and get into it! Whether its reading, joining a running group, trying new recipes or new healthy restaurants, know what you're doing. Why are you eating brown rice instead of white or why do you take time out to exercise? Doing things with intention and purpose makes them sustainable. Own it! AND if you need help, call me.
