This week I was inspired to really focus on my health. First, I read an article in Surfer Magazine on Doc Paskowitz who turned 90 and is still surfing. His secret: “I don’t eat any sugar. I eat a low-fat diet, and I walk, walk, and walk some more.”
Then, I saw an article on how former President Bill Clinton, after undergoing two separate heart procedures since leaving office, changed his diet to slow the progression of heart disease, and is now pretty much Vegan!
Clinton says he now consumes no meat, no dairy, no eggs, and almost no oil to avoid any food that could damage his blood vessels. His doctors have concluded that a plant-based diet can prevent and, in some cases, actually reverse heart disease. Apparently, it is working as Clinton’s blood tests are good, his vital signs are good, he feels good, and he also has more energy.
It is inspiring!
But more than just diet, being healthy involves balance in all areas of your life. Doc Paskowitz, who was once a medical doctor but gave it up when it was making him miserable and then became a professional surfer, says, “Staying healthy is more than just not being sick. It’s about having vigor in your life. But you have to work for your health. I have five pillars that I stick to: Diet, exercise, rest, recreation, and attitudes of mind. You have to be positive, and you have to do all of those things every day. You have to work for it.”
So now I am on a mission to work for it!
I think I have exercise, rest, and recreation pretty well-handled, so now my focus is on diet and attitudes of the mind.
I don’t know if I can actually go Vegan, but my boyfriend and I have decided to slowly cut red meat out of our diets. And that’s hard! I love my steak and burgers. In fact, I just had one of the most delicious, juiciest steaks last Friday! Plus, I’m anemic so I crave the protein and iron. Hmmm…. this may be harder to do than I thought. But, I’m motivated… and I will work on it. Maybe I can reduce it to one steak or burger per month? I will have to see how it goes.
Finally, in regards to attitudes of the mind, I’ve been trying really hard this week to be grateful. I read the book and saw the DVD for “The Secret” when it came out years ago, and I remember its biggest teaching was to be grateful. It’s often hard to focus on all the wonderful things we have when we are always looking for what we don’t have. But this week, I really tried to remember how very fortunate I am. And you know what? It worked – I definitely felt happier and lighter! I’m so grateful! Hahaha!
So, those are my goals for this week… month… year… life!
Let’s all try and be healthier, shall we? I’d love to hear healthy tips from any of you in my quest to be healthier, so please feel free to share! I appreciate it!
Have a great weekend!
No Ugly Duckling 