Healthy Habits Start Early

I often hear parents complaining about their children’s bad eating habits. Many of them say it’s difficult to “find the time” to eat healthy. Although, as parents, it is imperative that we “find the time” and teach our children how to make healthy eating choices. If we don’t, then who will?

 

I have noticed a reoccurring theme with some of my clients. After consulting with them and getting to the heart of the issue, we realize that most of their bad eating habits and preferences began early in life. As we all know, a large number of the behaviors that we practice in childhood usually stay with us well into adulthood. Those of us who are parents can start a new cycle with our children today. A cycle that could potentially add many years to their lives while providing them with a better quality of life.

It seems as though people don’t make the changes to eat a nutrient dense diet simply because they believe it’s too difficult. However, if we want to live healthier lives, we should all make the necessary adjustments. Making these changes doesn’t have to be difficult. Simply take it one step at a time. If you are not ready to make a lot of drastic changes at once, then do it at the pace that is best for you. Set small, tangible goals for yourself and before you know it, you will be on the path to better health!

If you or someone you know has made a serious effort to live healthier I would love to hear your story. Feel free to comment under this blog post at www.spressonline.blogspot.com. It's time to press your get healthy buttons!

Living Purposefully,  

S. Press

Are You Eating Whole Foods?

I recently spoke with a potential client about the importance of eating a diet that consists primarily of whole foods. When I said the words “whole foods” I received a blank stare. Then I realized that this person was unsure of what I meant by "whole foods". I didn’t want him to think that I was talking about the store Whole Foods A.K.A. Whole Paycheck (LOL), so immediately I went on to explain my intent.

Whole foods are foods in their most basic and original form, i.e. fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, raw nuts, etc… Most people don’t realize that our bodies were made to process food in their most natural state. Our bodies were NOT designed to process loads of sugar, food dyes, processed foods, fried foods and man-made chemicals. However, as a society this is what the bulk of our food consumption currently consist of.

I always tell people that a good rule of thumb is to try to consume 30-50 percent of each meal in the form of some type of raw produce. With each meal we should all strive to add in a fresh salad, some fresh fruit or fresh sliced vegetables. Doing so helps to maintain a healthy digestive system, healthy organs and an overall healthy body.

It may be an adjustment for many to go from eating little to no whole foods at every meal to the 30-50 percent goal amount. This is why I suggest making gradual changes. You may start with one or two meals containing 10-15 percent fresh produce and that’s fine. The most important thing is to set the 30-50 percent per meal goal and eventually you will get there. Once you make the necessary adjustments, your body will thank you.  Just remember to eat whole and play hard!

Living Purposefully,  

S. Press

Batch Cooking Made Easy

Living in a fast paced society, parents find it challenging to provide their families with healthy and wholesome meals. Many of us today are faced with time restraints and schedules that don’t allow for the opportunity to prepare and cook meals daily that are healthy and wholesome. Parents are often times cooking foods that are already prepackaged and just simply need to be warmed or put into the microwave. Unfortunately, when these types of short cuts are taken we are compromising our nutrient intake and ultimately our overall health.

I know that the health of my family is primarily dependent upon the choices that I make as it relates to what foods I bring into the home and what I put on the table. Like many other mothers today, I am also busy, but I take time to prepare many of our meals in large batches once or twice a month. Making this sacrifice allows me the opportunity to feed my family nutritious meals in the midst of our busy lives. I will usually take a half day every two weeks or so to prepare meals in large batches and then I freeze these meals for later.

When we take the time to plan ahead, we make better choices. Batch cooking in advance makes life so much easier on those days that I am rushing and just don’t have the time needed to make a nice home cooked meal. All I have to do is simply put these previously prepared food items and meals into the oven and enjoy!

It’s so important to make the necessary adjustments so we can live healthier and more wholesome lives. We take time to fit the things into our schedule that are important to us and our health should definitely be at the top of this list. Feel free to share your batch cooking meal recipes with our readers below this post at www.spressonline.blogspot.com.

Living Purposefully,  

S. Press

A Time of Reflection

The subject matter that I am writing on today is a bit out of the norm for this blog, but please join me as I deviate from the norm for a moment. My husband and I attended the 57^th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, DC a few weeks ago. It was such an amazing and exhilarating experience!  There was definitely a sense of joy and peace in the air as we visited the National Mall the day before the inauguration. Then on the actual day of the inauguration you could feel a strong sense of unity and togetherness in the air. We enjoyed celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the re-election of President Barack Obama.

As I sat back in a moment of reflection later that day, I thought about the journey that both Dr. King and President Obama experienced. I am sure that both of their journeys presented challenges from time to time, but in spite of those challenges, they both were able to make a remarkable impact on this world. We all have experienced moments of frustration during our personal journeys in life, however, we should always remember that God has blessed each and every one of us with a special purpose. This is why it’s time for you to find the joy in your journey on the path to fulfilling your God given purpose. There are so many people waiting for you to fulfill your purpose, so they can fulfill theirs.

On this page I normally write about topics related to health and wellness, but when you think about it, this message is all about your mental health and wellness. When you take time to live with joy and purpose, in addition to bettering your physical health, then your overall health begins to thrive. It’s time for you to excel mind, body and spirit and remember to ALWAYS find the joy in your journey!

Living Purposefully,  

S. Press