Diet and Exercise – Who Knew?

Some of you that read MIIS know that my body is prone to suffer lower back pain/spasms (I say my body because I lay no claim to illness. I'm abundantly blessed with Divine health. Sometimes this body forgets and I need to remind it…moving on…). Because I'm not one for taking pain meds I'm always on the lookout for better ways to lessen or completely alleviate the pain all together.

Well I'm reading one of my favorite blogs – Dr Matt's Nutrition News – and he's discussing how you can help the body heal itself of joint inflammation (the source of my body's back pain) with simple changes in diet and increased exercise. At first I'm like whatever but then I think about and realize that there's some truth to his claim.

When I was working for RTA the first few days were torture because I had become used to just loafing around the apartment and hadn't been exercising much. To get to the job I had to walk about 4 blocks and then walk up/down the stairs taking the train to work. If this seems like nothing imagine the feeling of someone digging into your spine with a hot poker or knife and you will understand why this was a challenge for me.

Fortunately for me I had just begun a less meet, more veggies diet. That, combined with the increase in physical activity, helped with the pain. So much so that I was able to begin RUNNING up and down those stairs everyday!

With that being mentioned, if you suffer from inflammation of the joints, degenerative joint disease or arthritis ask your doctor about ways to change your diet and exercise regimen (or assistance with creating one) to see if that doesn't help improve your overall condition BEFORE requesting the latest "wonder drug".

Have a PERFECT day!

Michael

MIIS

Gingerly Boost Your Energy – AND Sex Drive!

Most people know that you can use ginger to ease nausea or sooth an upset stomach but how many know of its ENERGIZING properties?!

I came across this discovery while looking for a smoothie recipe I could drink in the morning since I'm not big on eating breakfast (not to mention I'm slow on the go in morning so I need a natural pick me up). I found one called Jungle Juice which is a blend of several bananas, some orange other 100% fruit juice and ginger.

I expected the fruit and juices and thought that ginseng would be the main "stimulant" suggested to increase energy; instead ginger was listed. Of course, me being me, I had to investigate the reason why ginger was used…I found out a LOT!

Ginger root * has enjoyed much fanfare in Asian and other cultures as the go to remedy for colds, upset stomach (via the ginger ale), nausea and even menstrual cramps! Because it aids in digestion it allows the body to absorb more necessary nutrients thus increasing metabolism and giving you a boost of energy.

Far more interesting – and dare I say enjoyable [smile] – is the herbs' ability to increase circulation and blood flow. Fellow MIIS contributor Yanni mentions during her sessions that combining ginger with soda/pop or sparkling wine is a sure fire way to "get the juices flowing"! How about that?! And it's probably already in your cupboard. [smiles]

So the next time you feel sluggish or need a boost of a different kind [wink] skip the energy drinks and Viagra and grab yourself some ginger!

* NOTE: Like with anything too much ginger can have harmful side effects such as heartburn and belching. Allergic reactions like a rash may also occur. If you will be using ginger for the first time listen to your body and discontinue use if you experience any abnormal reactions.

Disclaimer:
The herbal and health information in this article is offered primarily for reference and personal enrichment. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for the advice of a licensed health-care practitioner. Since the actual use of herbs, therapies, etc. by others is beyond the author's control, NO expressed or implied guarantee as to their effects can be given, nor liability taken.

Have a PERFECT day!

Michael

MIIS

Mental Flexibility

This is a guest post by Certified Fitness Professional Chelsea Kmiec.

As a fitness professional I am not one for excessive stretching of the body, as I believe that our bodies know best. However I am a proponent of stretching of the mind.

In Fitness, mental flexibility allows you to stretch beyond the set of negative beliefs that you have set for yourself. Nobody else (hopefully) has ever directly told you that anytime you start an exercise program you will fail. Typically this is a set of beliefs that we have unknowingly established for ourselves.

When it comes to relationships with other people, we sometimes forget that one of the most important relationships is the one we have with ourselves. Think about this, would you ever tell your significant other that they are fat and ugly? Why then is that ok for us to tell ourselves that.

Sometimes one of the biggest hurdles we have to jump is that of loving ourselves, this love and affirmation that you have the power to bring to yourself is (in my belief system) the only way you can truly love and affirm others. Further, if you don't love and appreciate yourself, how can you treat yourself and your body well? If you don't love yourself, why would you exercise or why stay in good health?

Let's take a look at some of the negative beliefs that you have for yourself, many of them I bet you don't even know you had. Try for this week to catch yourself when you re-affirm any of those negative beliefs. Make a list of any that come up, then on a new sheet of paper, write the new and opposite positive belief.

Go out and care for yourself, stay physically and mentally healthy.

In Fitness & In Health,

Chelsea

About Chelsea: Chelsea is an 11 year fitness industry veteran. During this time she has served as a leader, educator, and manager at various health clubs in Chicago and Florida. Her experience in health club management transcends all departments including fitness, sales, and operations. Chelsea is also an independent consultant for Rodan and Fields. For personal training and other inquiries visit Chelsea at ChelseaFitPro.com or her WordPress blog here. You can also connect with Chelsea on Twitter.

Your Relationship with a Healthier You

Greetings Readers!

I'm still working on getting additional contributors to provide health and wellness content. In lieu of that I'd like everyone to think about their current health on all levels – spiritual, mental, emotional and physical – and what you'd like to improve. What would you continue? What would you change? Comment and let us know; we'll try to address as many comments as we can in subsequent posts. Questions about specific health related topics? Send those too!

My II Sense