Momma B: Overcoming the Winter Blues

I think my fellow New Englanders will agree - this time of year can be draining. The dark mornings and gray days often leave us feeling tired and worn out. That's why it's important to have a variety of strategies to use when you need an extra pick me up. Finding things that energize you can be challenging, but by making an effort to be more conscientious about how your lifestyle choices affect your mood, it's possible to develop an understanding of what foods and activities best elevate your spirits. 

“Eat whole foods that will nourish your body, make time for activities that will nourish your soul, and you’ll create a body and life that’s not fit to host any seasonal blues!”

When we're feeling 'blah' it's easy to forget that the choices we make everyday play a big role in how we feel. Movement is important for our digestion, circulation and respiratory health. We already know staying active is a huge component of any healthy, happy lifestyle, but so isn't your diet. Don't turn to sugary snacks to temporarily boost your mood. It's difficult to feel inspired and happy when your body is struggling to function on chemical, artificial and toxic "foods". Sugar can give you a high and make you feel energized in the short term, but as soon as your blood sugar levels fall, your mood will plummet too. Instead, eat plenty of cooked, nutritious foods throughout the winter, seasoned with warming spices, like cinnamon, cayenne and ginger, that promote easy, comfortable digestion. And when the sun is actually out, be sure to get out and soak that Vitamin D up! This is an easy, effortless way to boost your mood.

Taking time this season to restore and renew may be more vital than any other time of the year. Eat whole foods that will nourish your body, make time for activities that will nourish your soul, and you'll create a body and life that's not fit to host any seasonal blues!

B Well,

Momma B.

Momma B: What Are You **Really** Hungry For?

Have you ever been asked: "What are you really hungry for?”? I never understood what that question meant until I studied with IIN. There, I learned about Primary food, which may not what you’d initially think. Primary food is what creates your optimal health; it's what you do with your life. There are four types of Primary foods: relationships, physical activity, career and spirituality. 

Once you realize that what you eat everyday isn't the only thing nourishing your body, you will find it easier to nourish yourself and you will discover what you are really “hungry” for. Knowing what foods are right for your spirit is incredibly important. The food we eat plays a critical role in our health and happiness, but the four kinds of Primary food are what truly nourish your soul and can make your life extraordinary. 

Think about the relationships you have, the job you go to every day and how you spend your free time. Are you getting fulfillment from those parts of your life? Making time for physical activity or finding a form of movement that you enjoy will help you to release tension and stress. Going to a job that you enjoy each day may help you lose the extra stress, and maybe even those extra pounds that are weighing you down. Finding an activity to do with friends, instead of watching TV, may help with feelings of depression and lack of motivation.

Remembering that fulfillment is our goal, not filling our stomachs, will help us discover what we are truly “hungry” for.

So, what are you REALLY hungry for? Share with me on IG/TW: @simplypuzzlin!

Momma B: A Moving Body Is A Happy & Healthy Body

I've exercised off and on my whole life. Throughout my life and my spells of regular exercise, I've learned that I'm always happier and feel my best when I exercise at least 4 days a week. I've worked out consistently for more than 6 years now! The first time I started I was 13 - I tried exercising by myself in my bedroom. Once I got out of high school I started going to a local gym to attend an aerobics class. I learned that I enjoy the group classes and that they motivated me more than working out alone. I have never gone to the gym just to use equipment. I have no interest in navigating the machines and weights independently, and I know that I wouldn't stay consistent if that was my only option. This is why I'm thankful there are group classes that help me keep my interest in my exercise regimen. 

I believe exercise is important for everyone, so it's important to find a regimen that is best for you and your lifestyle. When I had children, going to the gym was no longer an option, so I exercised at home. As my children got older, they joined in! As they grew and their interests changed, our exercise changed. We started with biking, then got into hiking, which led to cross country skiing in the winter. Eventually we bought kayaks to use in the summertime too! There are many ways to stay active, even if the gym isn't your thing or you have kids to keep entertained. 

Take time to figure out what type of exercise works best for you. Your body will communicate daily whether it wants something vigorous or something more gentle. Your regimen will evolve along with your life as long as you make it a priority in your lifestyle. If you are quiet and don't care for crowds, finding something to do at home or walking with a friend might suit you. If you like social environments, try going to group classes. Then, decide what time of day is best for you. Early morning workouts are not for everyone! Last, be sure to find a place that's convenient to you; this will help you stay committed and feel most successful.

Before you know it, regular exercise will be a part of your weekly routine and you'll  be experiencing the many benefits - weight loss, increased energy, improved mood and better quality of sleep. And that's just scratching the surface of what you will experience from a regular fitness routine, so get off the couch or away from that desk and start exploring to find exercise that you enjoy!