This archive report was first published on 6 November 2019.
On a typical Wednesday, November 6, 2019, I attended a health and fitness talk with a panel of international speakers and local specialists. The common theme that resonated with each speaker was the importance of mindfulness as the first step to a healthy lifestyle.
Mindfulness is the simple art of being aware and present in the moment. It involves tuning your mind to the present and maintaining a moment-to-moment awareness of your thoughts, feelings, body, and environment. This concept can be likened to being 'woke.'
Being intentional is key to adopting a healthy lifestyle. This starts from the moment you go grocery shopping to when you cook and eat. Think through your purchases and meal choices. Ask yourself, 'How many tomatoes do I need?' or 'What do I want to create with this?'
When cooking or choosing from a menu, be intentional about your food choices. Eat more vegetables than anything else, with half your plate dedicated to them. This simple step can make a significant difference in your overall health.
Get into the kitchen and cook with the goal of creating something that leaves your taste buds bursting with flavors. This will not only satisfy your hunger but also bring joy to those around you.
When eating, be mindful of your body's hunger and fullness cues. Listen to your body like a fuel gauge on your vehicle when driving long distances. How hungry are you? It will tell you. Enjoy your meal.
Finally, be comfortable while eating. No one enjoys their meal when they are moving around. Mindfulness increases the recognition of aromas, tastes, and flavors, and the sensations each brings. Good food can be magical when you slow down to enjoy it.
It's time to rethink our relationship with alcohol. Binge drinking and alcohol dependency are at an all-time high, affecting a significant portion of the population. Statistically speaking, alcohol-related disorders cause four out of 100 deaths in Kenya.
Drink responsibly and pace yourself. Hydrate while you drink, and ask and listen to how your body and mind feel. If you're incoherent and can't stand straight, it's an indicator that you've exceeded your tolerance point. Give your liver a break.
Don't forget to move your body. Dance, play with the kids and grandkids, and engage in physical activities that bring you joy. Make time for people you love and who love you, and stay away from those who cause you stress.
Lastly, make time for family and friends. Science has proven that the happiest people and those who live the longest are always connected to loved ones. We all need that vitamin love to thrive.
The writer is a nutritionist and dietician at Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Health Centre.
