DON'T RUN IF YOU HATE IT

My mom and I were discussing an inspirational blogger Mark Sisson and how he revealed the best exercise there is.

His advice?  "The single best exercise there is, hands down, is the one you’ll do."

It is so true.  I don't like running and neither does my body.  Sure, every once and a while I'll have a great run and collapse in euphoria when I get home but for the most part I count down the seconds until it's over and it creates aches everywhere (my ankle, the arch of my foot, my knee....).  However, when I prepare for a bike ride or drive into the mountains for a hike, I am ecstatic - I can barely wait to get on the road or out of the car.  

Explore different exercises and find the one (or two or three...) that you look forward to doing - and do them.  Try that kickboxing class even if you think you'll hate it (I loved the one I attempted), go to a yoga class even if you can't touch your toes, venture to the Bar Method class or Zumba or spin....you may love it.  Exercise not only makes you feel amazing but it is so important for leading a healthy life.  Find a way to motivate yourself and do it.

HEART AGE

As you may have already guessed, I'm big into healthy living.  My passion lies with the food I make and eat but I also exercise multiple times a week.  I draw inspiration from everywhere - a conversation with my mom, my latest blood work, hopes of turning out like an adorable old couple I see taking a walk, or even just the way I feel after a day of eating well or a long bike ride.

My mom introduced me to this awesome (potentially motivating!) website that tells what age your heart is.  All you need to do is put in some information about your cholesterol levels (if you don't know them - go find out!), your blood pressure, the size of your waist, a little family history.... Heart disease is one of the top causes of death in the US (want proof?  see here and here and I'm sure you can find more).  And it doesn't need to be!  Educate yourself.  Start with finding out your heart's age!  Eat right, exercise.  You'll feel better, look better, and live better.

*image credit

EAT REAL FOOD

I first read a book by Michael Pollan back in high school (The Botany of Desire) and have always been fascinated with his work.  I was so excited when one of my favorite blogs, A Cup of Jo, mentioned this short video in a post the other day.  I agree with so many of his ideas and truly believe that taking time to cook food yourself instead of letting a corporation do it for you is a key to a healthy diet and lifestyle.  His book Food Rules is a great one to keep around the house and pick up every once and a while.  One of my favorite takeaways from his 'rules' is to eat real food, which is increasingly hard to do these days.   These ideas are also closely related to a documentary I watched on Saturday called Food Fight.  It's all so inspiring!

ECLECTIC EATING

^ Walking J Farm ^

For the last two or so years my diet has mostly consisted of whole foods and has been plant based.  Recently, my family and I have been doing some research and have been experimenting with dietary changes and I am excited to share!

It is so important to listen to and know your body.  I have been feeling tired for some time now and have been feeling consistently sick - occasional and increasing dull stomach aches and feeling sluggish.  It's never been so severe to have me worried about a serious health issue or even to ruin a day and I suppose I thought it was normal to feel this way - I had grown used to it.  Finally, after doing a bit of research, I decided to do some experimenting - I could always go back to the way I was eating if it didn't help.  It's only been a few weeks but I already feel an increase in energy and no stomach aches or bloating.  I'm thrilled.

So, what did I start (and more importantly, stop) eating?  

After reading Salt, Sugar, Fat...

I completely removed any processed foods.  This means no tortilla chips, no crackers, no packaged cakes (even if they're labeled 'vegan'), no cookies etc etc etc. Well, this wasn't really a new change but it helped me to finally eliminate these things completely.  This book is important and I wish everyone would read it.

After reading Wheat Belly...

I reduced (practically cut out) wheat from my normal diet.  This means no more toast in the mornings, no more buns, no more croutons, no more pie, no more whole wheat pancakes for breakfast, no more beer.  After eating these things during open meals (ie. Thanksgiving), I can feel my body yelling at me.

After researching the Paleo diet (mostly in Practical Paleo)...

I reintroduced eggs (free range, organic).  Just one or two in the mornings and my energy has heightened.

I reintroduced seafood (wild or wild caught).

I reintroduced meat (very occasionally) from a local farm.  I drive to the farm to purchase the meat from the farmer himself.  It is all grass fed, sustainable, and farm raised (obviously).  I have never really enjoyed most meats (beef, bacon, chicken etc) but there are some (ie brats, I am from Wisconsin....) that I enjoy.

I still eat no dairy.

I really want to stress that I don't label how I eat.  I have never considered myself a pescetarian, vegetarian, vegan, or Paleo and I probably never will.  I have been experimenting with how I eat for the last five years and am planning on continuing to discover new ways of eating that will most benefit me.  I have found that it is important to eat natural, local if possible, 'organic' or pesticide free, non-gmo etc etc foods.  In other words, eat real food.  It is also important to listen to your body.  What is right for me may not be right for you.

And the best part and the reason I truly believe that this way of living works: open meals.  On Thanksgiving I ate all of the (probably gmo stuffed) turkey, (gluten filled) stuffing and pumpkin pie, (pesticide and buttery) corn and mashed potatoes that I wanted.  And on Christmas you bet I'll be stuffing my face with brie cheese (and probably a million other kinds of cheese - we are going back to Wisconsin for Christmas after all....)

^ leftover pumpkin pie ^

SMOOTH MORNINGS

I've been searching for an energizing and healthy smoothie to start my mornings with and a slightly modified version of  this one from Annaliisa's Organic Kitchen is even more than I could have asked for.  Just mix the ingredients in a blender and serve over ice.  It is filled with natural vitamins and tastes amazing--the perfect way to begin a new day!

THE WEEKENDER

This weekend Kurt and I are headed to our hometowns for family parties.  I'm excited to spend time with both of our families and visit pieces of our pasts.  I hope you have a great weekend!  Here are some of my favorite links from around the web this week....

I've always liked doing work at coffee shops.

....and it turns out that coffee is good for us too!

How great are these his + her mugs?

Hopefully I'll have time to make one of these beautiful crowns for the fourth of July weekend.

How cool would this bedroom be?

In just a few weeks I'm going to be surrounded by cacti.  I might try making this cute mini cacti garden for the new yard...

I would love to take a road trip and visit some of these beautiful national parks (and make a stop at the Redwoods).

I love these ideas for a little spring cleaning for your body.

SUNDAY FUNDAY

Every second of this last weekend was perfect but if I had to choose, my favorite day was Sunday.  We spent the whole afternoon biking along the river and through the city.  I discovered areas of Dayton that I didn't even realize existed!  We attempted to get lunch at the Silver Fern Cafe at Riverscape Metro along the river but they aren't open Sundays (along with every other lunch place in Dayton, it seems).  So instead, we enjoyed the fountains at the park, ran into a festival downtown and finally made our way back home to indulge in Chinese take-out (our favorite).  And if it wasn't a perfect day already, Kurt surprised me with tickets to a comedy show at Funny Bone.  We were laughing all night, it was the best.

 Thanks for a perfect weekend, Kurt!

OJAS

{The beautiful, inspiring beaches of Ghana}

My favorite part about eating healthy is how it lifts my spirits and this Whole Living article only further affirmed my experiences.  I love this idea of an 'ojas' and I can't wait to try some of these tips for better nutrition to impact my mood.  Some other things I like to do to ensure a positive day and boost my ojas....

Do yoga (even just 5 minutes) the moment I get out of bed.  This stretches out my body and calms my mind so I can start my day on the right note both mentally and physically.

Eat a good breakfast.

Exercise!  Find a type of exercise you enjoy and get into a routine--this is another aspect that has a positive impact both mentally and physically.
Surround yourself with positive, happy people that you love.  A positive attitude is contagious!  Those who I am closest to agree with these beliefs and we help one another to keep a positive, happy outlook.

Have something to look forward to--whether it's a delicious new recipe I'm planning on making for dinner or a new bottle of wine to indulge in that evening, having something to look forward to makes me that much happier throughout the day!

What do you do to ensure high spirits and a positive day?

BREAKFAST CHRONICLES

Breakfast is such an important (and healthy, and critical) part of the day.  I used to never eat breakfast due to lack of ideas and time but I have recently started to change my mindset and take control of mornings.  By waking up a bit earlier and having a long list of easy and delicious meals on hand, I have been able to start my days on the right note.  I am excited to share some of my favorite breakfasts with you through my 'breakfast chronicles' series!

QUICK OATS

prep time: 10 minutes

Follow instructions on how to make Trader Joe's Steel Cut Oats on the stove.

While the oats are cooking, cut up your favorite fruits.  This morning I used bananas, strawberries, and blackberries.

Sprinkle fruit on top of the cooked oats and drizzle honey to taste.

PLANT DRIVEN

^^homemade sushi! a birthday exception.^^

Healthy living is an important part of my life.  This is most prominent in the kitchen where, on a regular basis, I eat a whole foods plant based diet.  Put more simply, I rarely eat animal products or animals themselves.  My Wisconsin-born family gave up all things animal (including cheese!) over a year ago (beginning with this amazing documentary) and we are so happy with the results.  I feel better, have healthier skin, and am overall happier.  Contrary to what many believe, my diet does not consist of lettuce and cardboard.  In fact, I have more fun cooking on a whole foods plant based diet!  I get to use my creativity and scour the internet and cookbooks for fun new recipes and I even make up my own.

That being said, I eat this way for health reasons only, which means that I get to make exceptions when the time is right.  Having me over for dinner?  Make me a steak!  What did I order for Easter brunch at Lillie’s?  Eggs benedict with salmon! Balance is essential to a healthy life and everyone needs to indulge once and a while :)

^^juicing with fresh fruit and vegetables from the farmers market has become a new favorite^^

^^a cheese-less pizza picnic at Columbia last Spring when Kurt and I visited my brother Charlie in NYC^^

SNACK TIME

My favorite snack just happens to be an easy and (somewhat) healthy one.  How lucky am I?!  Just pour a slight layer vegetable oil into a heated pan, add a handful of popcorn seeds, cover the pan and let them pop!  Add a little sea salt and throw in your favorite movie (or show)!

PIZZA PIZZA

I made the most amazing pizza for my family last night.  I found the recipe on one of my (new) favorite food blogs The First Mess.  I was a bit wary about adding the mint at first but it was the perfect addition and the extra touch that made the pizza as delectable as it was.  I used my own sauce recipe and paired it with a delicious (and cheap!) bottle of red table wine from Trader Joe's.  Try it out and enjoy!

Sauce:

one can of tomato paste

three spoonfuls of Trader Joe's Red Pepper Spread with Eggplant and Garlic

two garlic cloves, minced

a squeeze of lemon

salt and pepper to taste

THE WEEKENDER

^^looking out toward the Pacific Ocean on the MV Explorer (S'11)^^

Happy Friday!  I am headed to Baltimore to visit with Semester at Sea friends and am so excited for a girls weekend full of happy hours, relaxing on the beach, and soaking up the sun.  A few weekender links for you.... have a fabulous one!

I am looking forward to reading this book on the beach.  I recently watched the movie and loved it!  Have you read any good books lately?

I recently bought the top to this swimsuit and can’t wait to live in it this weekend.

I drove down to Chicago a few weekends ago to watch my boyfriend compete in a tough mudder and had so much fun.  I have been thinking about training for one ever since!  Would you ever compete?

I can't wait to try these paired with my own baked fries recipe when I get back from Baltimore!  Nothing makes me happier than cookouts on warm summer nights.

These sangria recipes look amazing.  I might have to try them all throughout the summer!