What We Eat

“What we eat has changed more in the last 40 years than in the previous 40,000” Eric Schlosser.
I just finished reading a book “ diet for a dead planet” by Christopher Cook. It’s a very informative, well-researched book and I feel concerned that very few individuals are aware about all the challenges with our current food system. I also am appalled at the treatment of humans and animals in the processing cycle. I came away knowing that I had to take some action on a topic I truly believe is one of the most important issues in the coming years.
The food industry is one of the largest industries in the U.S. and they exert enormous power over the information and knowledge we receive about there products, and nutrition in general. We have been lulled into believing that packaged, processed, convenient foods will save us time, money and will make our lives easier. What’s lacking is information and conversation around how these foods affect our health, the planets health and what the true cost of food is.
I have a lot of passion and energy around this topic. I want to share that with you in the hope that you choose to educate yourselves about what the food industry isn’t telling you. Read “Diet for a Dead Planet”,
“fast food nation”, “If the Buddha came to Dinner”. We really can’t afford to continue to ignore this topic.
With close to 2/3 of Americans overweight and increases in diabetes and other chronic diseases related to nutrition, its time to step up to change.
We can continue on the same path or we can choose to forge a new one. Each small step toward sustainability will make a difference. I don't know exactly what the new path will look like. However, here are some actions I believe will support our health. Eating local and regionally grow produce. Support organic farming practices. Put standards into place that increase the safety of our food supply. Improve the working conditions of migrant and factory farm workers in the industry. Say no to GMO. Last but not least, questioning the information that is mass marketed.
We as consumers have much more power than we think. Each food dollar you spend sends a message to the food industry about what you want. So the million-dollar question is…What foods do you want in order to live your healthiest life?

The Holidays

I already feel a shift in energy as we move toward December. The holidays are wonderful and challenging at the same time. My hope is to support all of you and myself to be our most balanced, joyful and grateful selves.

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born" Anais Nin

Hug a friend!

No time to cook?

I saw two articles in our local paper last week that had a solution to the "no time to cook" challenge in our society. What I noticed after reading those was how long the food industry, through every media possible, has been sending that message. It's been at least 40 years. We now as a society live that message. Who believes they have time to cook?
As far as I know "time" hasn't changed. So what has changed? Is it important for us as individuals to realize we do have choice as to how we manage our time. If eating healthy home cooked meals became a priority would we be willing to make it happen?
What I really want is to choice to examine how often my concept of this world and my life is based on messages I have received from outside myself?
How about you?
Have a grateful and nourishing Thanksgiving,
Carol

This parable was sent to me though a coaching discussion group and I wanted to share it with you. I so often find, working with clients,that we are living our lives according to some vague societal norm that doesn't always serve us. May you enjoy this and do something joyful today!

A boat docked in a tiny seaside village. An American tourist complimented
the local fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.

"Not very long," answered the fisherman.
"But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the
American. The fisherman explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.

The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, play the guitar, and sing a few songs...I have a full life." The American interrupted, "I have an MBA from Harvard, and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue,you can buy a bigger boat."
"And after that?" asked the fisherman.

"With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers.
Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate
directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to the city, Los Angeles,or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge new enterprise."
"How long would that take?" asked the fisherman.
"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the American.
"And after that?" said the fisherman.

"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the
coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife and spend your evenings doing what you like and enjoying your
friends."

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Maybe

I found this interesting little quote yesterday:
"Yes may lead to difficulties,
but maybe leads to nowhere.
Kill it."
Eric Maisel


Listen to yourself this week. How often does maybe get in the way of action, moving forward,or happiness? What does it take to kill the maybe's in your life?

"Wherever we may come alive, that is the area in which we are spiritual. To be vital, awake, aware, in all areas of our lives, is the task that is never accomplished, but it remains the goal"
--Brother David Stendl-Rast

Ode

I have been receiving a new magazine for about six months. I get inspired, informed and touched by so much of what is written here. Ode is published in the Netherlands so you get a world view of many issues and topics. What I love most about it is the positive way in which they present so much of the news. They share what inspires not what creates fear.
That's it.
Smile, Breathe!

Choosing Health

I am in the process of creating a wellness flow chart and as I’ve been writing I see more clearly how wellness/health has not been on our minds in this fast paced, busy culture.
I don’t mean simply as individuals, I mean the bigger picture as well. If we don’t have access to healthy food, sidewalks, bike lanes, walk able communities; wellness becomes a chore versus a way of life. The cultural norms and pressures for all of us to be "doing", "productive", "busy" “driving” “snacking” is so ingrained that to step out and do it differently seems odd, uncomfortable and scary.
What do we need to do differently? The first step is to begin to simply notice in your own life where wellness comes in. How often do you shop, talk, sleep, eat, work... with your health in mind? How often are you checking in with what you are feeling and needing in the moment? What are the beliefs and opinions that are holding you back from living your healthiest life.

Your body, houses your spirit. For you to be healthy it is imperative to take care of both.

As westerners many of us are privileged with abundant resources and the ability to exert a lot of influence in the world. We get to take the time to reflect, learn and grow and choose our healthiest path not just meet our daily needs. For this reason I believe we have a responsibility to wake up and “just do it”.
I’m not talking “perfect” here; I am talking about making choices more consciously. So…what are you choosing?