I started to get sick this week; maybe from the temperature change, or because cold and flu season is well underway, or maybe because my bf has been breathing his cold germs all over me (I’m inclined to believe the latter). Whatever the culprit, I didn’t get sick…and I think I know why.
When I left my corporate job in October 2010, I also left my cushy benefits package. I laugh thinking about how things can change in one year because I used to be a doctor feign. I would schedule an appointment with any doctor, anytime, for any reason. I was the rare bird that actually likes the doctor. Dental check-ins? Always on schedule. Pap smear – bring it on! Then my insurance situation changed – rather, disappeared. Crossroads of ‘miss my doctor’ and ‘get myself together’ – party of 1!
I started with 3 small tweaks on my path to happy, healthy, whole that have led to a year without a cold (finds wood…knock, knock, knock). With a new year approaching, is now your time to make changes?
1. Viewing the Whole
I took a new, holistic, view on my health; no more pills to mask what was wrong, or quick-fix potions. This was not easy for me. I like a quick-fix. I’m into what’s easy and fast. Holistic medicine is not necessarily fast – hello, adjustment. But, it’s real, lasting and healthy – worth it.
I started by meeting with a Naturopathic Physician (NP) to get a whole view of where my health was. (Find a NP in your area HERE) Good news, I was in good shape overall, but a few tweaks were needed. My NP, Dr. Marie Rodriguez, checked my mineral levels, talked to me (for over an hour!) about my health background, needs, and concerns and where I wanted to be. It was the first time, in my many doctor visits, that I didn’t feel rushed. She recommended a few natural supplements to fill in gaps that existed for me and after a month-ish, I started noticing improvements.
My favorite “add this in” tip she gave me was to include a “whole food supplement” into my diet. She recommended JuicePlus to make up for my lack of dietary variety. What can I say? I like what I like! Anyway, I know that I’ve always taken a multivitamin and never noticed a damn thing – I can’t say that about JuicePlus. I count it as one of the key reasons my bf couldn’t take me down with his germy attack!
2. What Goes In.
Food is a HUGE part of how we feel. If I wanted to get healthy, I needed to kick up my kitchen routine. I took a critical look, with some level of resistance, at what I was (and wasn’t) eating. Turns out, my fast-food love, unwillingness to spend more than 5 minutes making anything in the kitchen and hatred for the grocery store was doing my health NO favors. Because I know we are always stronger together, I sought out the help of fab health counselor Karen Schachter to learn the ins and outs of creating a healthy relationship with food.
With her encouragement, I started caring about what I was eating – for my health – not just my weight. I became a thoughtful grocery shopper (even though I still actually hate grocery shopping). I became informed about organics, when they are and aren’t necessary, and what was being added to my meats and dairy products. I started making better choices. Better eating habits, coupled with my JuicePlus – mhm, huge difference.
3. Move it!
I’ve always had pretty decent exercise routine; hit the gym long enough to avoid having to buy bigger pants. Then my fancy gym membership went away in another entrepreneurial budget cut and I needed a new plan. Initially, I went into a “now what” fitness slump. Realizing that wasn’t going to work, I dove into the world of exercise videos. I’m no novice to home videos, I’m a self-proclaimed Tae-Bo All Star, but I ventured
out and started including yoga and more “sporty” videos into my routine. My personal fav, Insanity: The Asylum. But my happiest workout is heading out my front door and taking a walk. Nope, not run (I hate running) – walking. I used to think that walking was boring or wouldn’t give me enough of a workout, but this year I’ve found it totally relaxing. I walk a long way to make up for the slower pace, I take my notebook along because inspiration typically strikes and I stop halfway for some mediation – if the feeling strikes me. What I’ve loved about this year of moving, I’ve stopped hating it and started enjoying moving. Sounds simple, but it’s pretty revolutionary for me. If you give yourself a break and find something you can enjoy – so much better.
That’s it; so simple. I’ve found my happy, healthy, whole sweet spot – or at least I’m on my way. Join me??? – xo Stephanie
