'Tis The Season...

...For Farmers' Markets

Why Shop At Farmers' Markets?

I'm not gonna lie. It makes perfect logical sense to want to just buy your produce while you're at Wal-Mart, Kroger, Publix, etc. However, when it's summertime, I love making a trip to the farmers' market to not only support local farmers and their work, but to also gain the benefits of eating fresh, organic and in-season produce and food. And not to mention, getting a little cardio by walking to my local market!

Benefits of a Farmers' Market

-higher chances of buying organic food/produce that have not been contaminated with pesticides, hormones, or have been genetically modified
-supporting local farmers and producers and their efforts to provide pure, less processed, high-quality food and products
-minimize pollution by buying from farmers and producers who transport their goods significantly less than national or international providers
-minimize chances of forced labor or child labor
-lowers the chances of illegal immigrants working in the U.S.
-supports and encourages local community and fellowship
-allows for a consumer to actually meet, ask questions, and thank the farmers and producers for their hard work...what a concept!
-promotes health and well-being by eating more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods
-increase health by making a choice to walking to the farmers market and carrying own shopping bags
-allows a person to get outside, enjoy fresh air, get a little sun!



Do you like to shop at farmers' markets?
What are your reasons?
What are your favorite things about markets?
Why don't you shop at farmers' markets?

A Warning For Work-a-holics!

If you've got some time on your hands, and you'd like to read something really interesting and a bit of a reality check, go to this link and read this interesting article in the NY Times.

Although at work I teach aerobics and strength classes, I workout on my lunch break, and I have access to many different types of opportunities to move throughout the day, I am still just as guilty as spending long hours sitting or at a desk or computer, whether it's work or play. And although it's GREAT to exercise and stay active, this article even threw me for a loop saying that exercise may not off-set other illnesses and disorders that come with a constant sedentary work or general lifestyle.

So I challenge you to educate yourself and to really see what happens to the body when all it does is sit, and sit, and then sit some more. How is our physical and mental health effected, and how can we prevent or help our already sedentary lifestyles?

Don't think that you're going to sit back and relax when reading this article; on the contrary, it'll have you fidgeting and hanging on the edge of your seat...like my nephews, Eli and Lazarus.

My Reasons

People always ask me what my reasons are for exercising and staying active. Here is a list of why I keep my body moving constantly:

-To sleep better- if I don't exercise or at least take a walk, I will not sleep as deeply or soundly.

-To relieve stress- exercise and physical activity both help me release pent up energy (positive and negative), hormones, and sweat.

-To meditate/pray/have time for myself- Doing power yoga is one of my favorite forms of physical activity. It's also a great time for me to literally get on my knees, bring my burdens and prayers to the cross, and give them over to the Lord. Exercise and power yoga are both times that I take and have for myself alone. And finally, I use exercise as a way of dedicating my positive energy towards something or someone. If I have a friend or family member struggling, I will dedicate my hard work and positive energy to them.

-To keep my knees from failing- in order to keep my knee joints in working order and to prevent knee pain, I exercise so that the muscles in my legs can protect that joint.

-Daily life function- I want to be able to walk up a flight of stairs and not be too out of breath; or I want to be able to bend down and not pull something.

-To reduce depression and anxiety- I definitely do not experience emotions that are strong enough to diagnose me as depressed, but it's easy for me to let my emotions get out of hand. So when I go do something active, I'm able to let go of the little things, enjoy life, and put a smile on my face.

-So that I can stay active when I'm older- plain and simple!

-So I can enjoy a treat now and then- When I've worked hard one day, I know it's okay to let myself indulge in something delish, such as chocolate chip cookies, beer, wine, or ice cream.

-To maintain my fitness level- In order to do my job well with confidence, it's important that I can maintain my current fitness level.


NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

Why do you exercise or stay active?

It's Time...

...to live outloud!

get outside!

go.

do.

A Bit of Fitness and Nutritional Counsel

Lord knows I'm no psychologist. I'm also by no means a counselor. However, I am a professional in the fitness industry. And with that comes emotional and mental struggle to literally get your head in the game when it comes to staying healthy.

There is an unending list of the things people struggle with when it comes to eating well and keeping active. Some are emotional, such as feeling discouraged and sad that they can't do what they used to, they can't even do something as simple as walk up a flight of stairs, or maybe even eating too much in order to cover up insecure emotions. Others are mental, such as a fear of failing, of over-exertion, or being judged. And although these are all valid thoughts and feelings, most of them need a reality check.

If any of you struggle with these issues and find yourself being gung-ho for a few weeks to lose weight or to improve your fitness and nutrition level, and then wind up falling into a black hole of overeating, emotional eating, or binge eating, and staying sedentary, then please contact me. 

You don't have to live your life in fear or struggle. You can rise against it and feel worthwhile again, as a wonderful version of yourself, and not as anybody else who may be skinner, prettier, taller, shorter, curvier, more muscular, leaner, etc. You can be a great portrayal of who you are and who you want to be. It's hard to get there, and takes a load of time and hard work.

 But perfection is not the goal, it's rest and peace in who you are. And that's what counts.

Enjoy your life and appreciate people's differences!

I'm just sayin'...