The Food Blog
Why Spending Time in Nature is Good For You (0 Comments)
Getting outdoors seems like a natural instinct once the sun starts shining, longer days ahead and the temperatures start to rise after the winter season. Spending time in nature offers one of the most reliable boosts to your physical and mental state of well being.
Have you ever wondered why you feel better after a stroll, a hike or hanging out in a green space? When we are exposed to the fresh air, the warmth of the sun upon us, our stress and anxiety levels just melt away. So, next time you get those overwhelmed feelings of emotion or feel like exploding, get up and get moving out in nature. Your mind and body will thank you for it. Being fully immersed in nature will help you promote a positive mood and mindset.
You may scroll down further to read the unique healthy benefits of getting out into nature in restoring your overall state. Comment below what your thought are on this topic.
“Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into the trees. the winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like the autumn leaves”. John Muir
PROMOTES MENTAL STRENGTH – Yes, spending time in nature will indeed enhance your mental health. Studies have shown just walking outside strongly improves your mood which, in turn, lowers symptoms of depression and stress levels. And a lot had to do with perspective, your outlook, on life. Being in nature allows room for flexibility, versatility, because it automatically gives you a change of scenery and pace from the busyness.
PROMOTES MEMORY and ATTENTION SPAN – Many studies have shown that being one with nature strengthens concentration levels in our life. Scientists have studies two groups of kids with ADHD and one group being out in nature and the other playing indoors. They found that children with more green space time had fewer symptoms of ADHD while both playing the same activities. And, even just walking outside increases levels of productivity and creativity too.
INCREASED VITAMIN D – It may not always be easy to absorb vitamin D from food. But apparently we get about 80-90% of our vitamin D from soaking up the rays of sunshine. Not only is good for you with bone and cell growth, it also helps to promote healthy immune functions and reduce inflammation in the process.
AGING WITH GRACE – Being outdoors daily can help elders function better in their surrounding. They may complain less with aching bones and get better sleep through the night while more mobility throughout the day say researchers. Patients with dementia and strokes were able to improve their social skills and confidence with group oriented hobbies.
AN IMMUNE BOOSTER – Women who spent at least three hours everyday outdoors saw an increase in the levels of white blood cells, which help to fight viruses and diseases, researchers in Japan had found the positive affects in this simple routine. Nature is very healing and powerful.
PROMOTES EYE HEALTH – If you are always looking at a screen, spending time in nature is the best cure in alleviating symptoms of blurred vision, red eye and headaches. People who spend at least two hours a day outside were 4x less likely to become nearsighted. Wow. If you are exposed to artificial light consistently go out into nature. Nature’s pharmacy.
INCREASED HAPPY CHEMICALS – Oh yes. while nature is able to decrease stress levels in the body, spending more time in nature shows a shift toward a positive outlook. Even just viewing a nature scenery can reduce unpleasant emotions. More exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your overall well being in reducing blood pressure, heart rate, stress hormones and muscle tension. And it even reduces mortality rates, according to scientists. Even just a simple plant placed in schools, hospitals and offices reduce the impact on stress and anxiety.
So, with all that being said, I suggest and allow you to incorporate nature into your daily lifestyle. Nourish your mind, body and soul for overall well being.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than it seeks”. – John Muir
The Healthy Benefits of Lifting Iron (0 Comments)
Did you know, it’s still a HUGE misconception that woman should not lift weights and a lot of women still spend most of their time just on cardio machines?! It’s TIME to break the status quo ladies. Lifting iron just a few times a week will not only trim off inches from your hips and waist, but it can totally transform your shape and your overall well being. And ladies who lift weights even after the 24 hour time period burn 100 more calories than those who only did cardio. Plus, it can boost your mood entirely for the whole day! Below are the many benefits in lifting ladies.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF LIFTING IRON:
BODY FAT LOSS – Lifting weights builds more muscle and as lean muscle increases so does your metabolism. When you have a higher metabolism you will burn more calories all day long.
INCREASED PHYSICAL STRENGTH – The misconception here is that most people think you will “bulk up”, but that is NOT the case at all. women are not made of fairly enough testosterone in building that kind of muscle like men do. Instead we develop muscle definition and overall strength.
BONE STRENGTH – Strength training and weight baring exercise has shown to help increase bone density and slow down the process of bone loss overtime. As we age, we are more prone to fractures, falling and osteoporosis due to density levels, especially after the age of over 35 years old.
DECREASED RISK OF INJURY – When you strength train on a regular basis, this significantly decreases those risks substantially. Utilizing weights can help to correct imbalance of the muscles with proper movements in reducing muscle-skeletal injuries.
BURN BABY BURN – The more intense the workout the more calories burned. After an intense workout of strength resistance training, there is more EPOC, excess post exercise oxygen consumption, in the system with increasing oxygen to help break down fat that stores in the body.
PROMOTES HEALTHY POSTURE AND REDUCTION IN BACK PAIN – For myself, I’ve noticed a vast improvement in using weights versus just cardio sessions. This creates a stronger back, shoulders and core while correcting posture to stand taller with the shoulders and spine more aligned properly.
STRESS RELIEVER AND POSITIVE MINDSET – I always love that endorphin rush after a workout. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that prevent pain, improve mood and helps fight depression. It promotes healthy stimulation for your mind, more alertness and boosts of energy. So, go ahead and pick up those weights to brighten your day.
REDUCTION OF HEART DISEASE AND DIABETES – Since weight training can improve cardiovascular health by increasing HDL and lowering blood pressure, it also improves the way the body processes sugar. Adult onset diabetes is on the rise for men and women. Research has indicated that lifting weights can increase glucose usage in the body by 23% in a 4 month period.
FLEXIBILITY – Researchers have found that full range resistance training workouts can improve flexibility just as well as the typical static stretching regime. Now, if you have joint pain, go ahead and squat low. Your knees will thank you for it. Perkins says “Stronger muscles better hold your joints in position. So you won’t need to worry about your knees flaring up the next time you run”. I believe this to be true in that I enjoy running and other outdoor activities. It has helped me in my overall performance.Your core will be better able to support your body’s weight and maintain proper form during other exercises. Plus your arms and legs will become powerful in the process.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE – Women who strength train consistently report feeling of confidence and capable as a result of their programs when dealing with clinical depression than just standard counseling in a 10 week time period of strength training. This is a Harvard fact.
Women who modestly gain more muscle will change their body composition. Therefore resulting in more lean body mass and less fat overall. And muscles strengthen not only your body, but your mind as well. Researchers have found that just six months of resistance training enhanced cognitive function substantially. In fact, these sweat sessions resulted better in verbal reasoning and longer attention spans.
Healthy Benefits of Mindful Meditation (0 Comments)
“The quieter you become the more you can hear”. – Ram Dass
The past year or so, I have been implementing morning meditation practices on a daily basis as part of my self care rituals. Over time I had noticed huge improvement on many levels.
Before starting to apply this in my daily life, I have done research with books, documentaries and videos about this very simple but powerful benefits with meditation. Although in the beginning I was not consistent, but once I reached a level of cultivating a steady habit it all started to shift. I experienced clear changes with my thought patterns, my emotions, my reactions towards external events and views of reality.
During the process of my journey with meditation, I have found various benefits to share with you in this process. If you don’t meditate, or maybe thought of it but haven’t tried it just yet. I highly recommend you considering small changes in cultivating it as a daily habit. Below are some of the many health benefits I have experienced for myself.
GAINING INNER PEACE:
With meditation, you are able to release all the junk out of your system, just like cleaning your home. You expel negativity and return it to the universe where it can be converted into positive energy. But just like cleaning a very messy area, it does take time and effort before all that mess is completely cleaned out. After regular meditation, i felt more calmness within my mind. It truly made me realize how noisy my state of mind was previously. And this is the state in which only you can experience for yourself. This has increased my awareness level with my own thoughts.
INCREASING SELF AWARENESS:
Are you aware of the millions of thoughts that go through your mind during the 24 hour period? Do you know what you are thinking about all the time?
Meditation can help to give you clarity on your thoughts, inner desires and increased self awareness. The more you meditate, the more self aware you are and become. You become conscious of what you think, say, feel and what you want. Your vision must be clear in order to have strength and not to be easily swayed by external factors that surround you. Meditation has increased my connection with my inner intuition.
MORE GROUNDED AND CALMER:
You become more unattached to the physical world and start becoming a third party observer of what surrounds you. You become more observant of the world around you and not ruled by your ego and much more aligned with your higher self. And in turn, you become a person of calmness. More peace. More harmony.
BEING MORE PRESENT:
When you are more grounded, You become present in the world around you. This lets us react better to situations around you. You are more attentive, focused, efficient and receptive. You maximize every moment of your life by living in the moment.
INCREASING CONSCIOUSNESS:
You become more connected with your surroundings, the people around you, the world around you. You tend to start shedding lower levels of consciousness in vibrating higher with energy. Everything is inter-connected in this world.
INSPIRATION:
With meditation, this is where creativity and imagination comes into play. I’ve gained ideas and creativity through this simple method that has been around for centuries. Even our greatest leaders have tapped into this such as Edison, Buddha, Jesus, Confucious, Einstein and many more. Through constant practice, you will master positive intentions. Your ideas and solutions will be elevated on a more conscious level.
REJUVENATION:
All of us are essentially made up of energy, we have 7 energy centers, called the Chakras, where energy flows from. When you meditate, you are able to clear these unwanted energies and in turn feel more energized and rejuvenated.
HEALTHY SLEEP PATTERNS:
With insomnia, in most cases it is the constant thought patterns coming and going that may result in anxiety, stress and depression. This method helps to clear the mind of unwanted clutter and allows more soothing sleep. Remember it will take time and doing this before bed is best as well. Just keep up with the regular ritaul and you will see positive results. Consistency is key.
INCREASE SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS:
Heightened consciousness from meditation leads to a higher and deeper spiritual awareness and your sixth sense. That sixth sense sure comes into play. Your intuition is what gives the most insightful and valuable solutions.
MORE FULFILLMENT TOWARDS LIFE:
You will gain overall fulfillment with the many meditation practices. You will be able to master yourself, become more positive and revitalized.
Mindful meditation isn’t always easy or even peaceful at times. Remember it takes time and effort to master. But it has numerous benefits, and you can start toady, and for the rest of your life.
“Nothing can bring you peace but yourself”. – Ralph Waldo Emmerson
The Wonderful Benefits of Hiking (0 Comments)
I’ve always been such a nature lover and I love just about everything outdoors especially exploring hiking trails. The more time I step out into nature I always feel more present in my surroundings, promotes creative stimulation, elevated my mood positively and in turn I feel more gratitude in my way of thinking for all that i have in my life.
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order”. – John Burroughs
Outdoor hiking has various benefits for both the mind and the body. Hiking is inexpensive, so easy to begin, and no matter what fitness level you are currently at in your life. If you look closely, there are many wonderful hiking spots to explore and discover in your area. Many times i have people reaching out to me with the best locations for trail hiking, so i’d like to share with you my go-to list of our favorite hiking spots we love. But first let me share with you the many benefits of outdoor hiking for the mind and body for overall well-being.
INCREASES FITNESS:
Depending on the terrain, in just one hour of trekking you can easily burn 500 calories. Hiking trails are softer on your joints versus concrete or other surfaces. And if you are heading for the hills, weight loss results double.
CONTROLLED WORKOUTS:
In hiking it’s so easy to carve out your own course whether it’s a slow incline to a very step paced path up a mountain. You are able to set your own pace and distance too. You make your own choices.
TOTAL BODY TONING:
Physiologically, you’re going to work your whole body, especially with the lower region of your quads, glutes and hamstrings. If you’re carrying a backpack, you will challenge yourself by your strength and endurance of your upper body as well.
LOWERING BLOOD PRESSURE, CHOLESTEROL AND DIABETES:
Consistent hiking will and can prevent or reduce the blood sugar levels in the system. When you are working your muscles it helps to move the glucose from the blood stream for energy. Hiking downhill is way more effective at removing blood sugars and improving glucose tolerance.
INCREASES CREATIVITY AND CURBS DEPRESSION:
Research has shown spending time in nature increases attention spans and creative problem solving skills by 50%. Even just walking will get the creative juices flowing than just sitting. For depression, research has shown that using hiking for additional therapies can help people feel less hopeless and less suicidal.
HIKING HEALS:
With regular physical activity in one’s life can help improve the antioxidative capacity, which wards off many diseases especially in the blood of oncological patients. You may have heard many times with breast cancer survivors who increased exercise consistently believed that it complemented their recovery and overall well being. Being out in nature, away from the hustle and bustle and technology, can allow people to connect with themselves and nature that will bring peace, harmony and a better sense of well being.
Hope you found this helpful in getting out into nature with the overall benefits. You may be pleasantly surprised with the overall results.
TOP 11 BEST HIKING LOCATIONS WE ENJOY:
FAHNESTOCK STATE PARK in Carmel, NY
FORT BARTON in Tiverton, RI
PURGATORY CHASM in Sutton, MA and Middletown, RI
CLIFFWALK in Newport, RI
SACHUEST POINT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE in Middletown, RI
BEAVERTAIL STATE PARK in Jamestown, RI
LINCOLN WOODS (sunset trail) in Lincoln, RI
JOHN CHAFEE NATURE PRESERVE in North Kingston, RI
POWDER MILLS LEDGES WILDLIFE REFUGE in Smithfield, RI
MAXWELL MAYS WILDLIFE REFUGE in Smithfield, RI
GEORGE PARKER WILDLIFE REFUGE in Coventry, RI
GODDARD PARK in East Greenwich, RI
ROGER WILLIAMS STATE PARK (pond trail) in Providence, RI
Lantern Hill Trail (Ledyards/Foxwoods) in Connecticut
Rocky Point Park Trails in Warwick, R.I.
The Mowry Conservation in Smithfield, R.I.
Get out there and explore what mother nature has to offer! It costs nothing and it is good for you. Remember to nourish your mind, body and soul for overall well-being.
Hope you enjoy this list. As time goes on I surely will add more gem spots. If you appreciate nature like i do, please share your favorite places to get into nature. Any questions, comment below. Thank you.